From Stage to Strategy: A Journey from Performing Arts to Business Development

Ryan Flay’s career journey is a shining example of how the skills practised in the Performing Arts can pave the way for unexpected success within Business.

Since leaving Preston College, Ryan has enjoyed a fulfilling career in the Performing Arts but in a twist of events and using his transferable skills, he now holds the title of Business Development Manager, overseeing 12 hospitality venues across Scotland.

And Ryan attributes much of his success to the skills he developed during his time as a trained performer. He says, “The ability to confidently deliver training and presentations to large groups has been a key factor in my success.

“These communication skills, coupled with confidence, adaptability, and creativity, have been invaluable in my new role, highlighting how performing arts can prepare individuals with a unique and highly transferable skill set.”

Reflecting on his time at Preston College, Ryan recalls how it all began with a move from Scotland to Chorley. “One of my friends got into Preston College, so I decided to apply there. Back then, it was quite a trek from Chorley to Preston every day, but we had a little group that took the bus together, and we always had such a laugh. It set me up for the day, spending time with them.”

That camaraderie made the daily journey worth it, and helped cement Ryan’s positive experience at the College. But it wasn’t just the friendships that made an impact—Ryan speaks highly of the course and the tutors.

He says, “The tutors were all about tough love, which I appreciated. They didn’t sugarcoat things and would push you to the limit to get the best out of you, even if you didn’t think you were capable of it. This gave me a profound sense of self-respect and the drive to better myself through hard work.”

And one of the standout moments of his time at Preston College was the opening of the new Performing Arts building in his second year.

“We were the first ones to use it, and the facilities were unbelievable. To this day, I’ve still never experienced performing arts facilities like the ones at Preston College,” Ryan recalls. The state-of-the-art resources paired with the rigorous training cemented his fond memories of the College as “like living in a bubble and having the time of your life.”

Although Ryan went on to pursue university studies, he holds his time at Preston College in particularly high regard. “I always say I trained at Preston College because that’s where I felt I made the most progress, both as a human and a performer.”

But his journey in performing arts hasn’t totally disappeared —Ryan continues to thrive as a performer and hosts a theatre-themed radio show whilst also lending his voice to commercials as a professional voice-over artist.

Ryan’s story beautifully illustrates how the skills gained from studying Performing Arts can be a powerful asset in any field. Whether on stage or in the boardroom, these capabilities have propelled Ryan into a successful and multifaceted business career. For current and future students of Preston College, Ryan’s journey is a reminder that the possibilities are endless, and the skills you acquire on stage can take you far beyond it.