Q&A with Lesley Wood: 35 years shaping Scotland’s tourism sector

With a career spanning more than three decades, Lesley Wood has become a familiar and respected figure in Scotland’s tourism sector. Based in Glasgow, she leads LMW Consulting Ltd, working with businesses of all shapes and sizes – from agritourism to visitor attractions – to drive growth and innovation. In this Q&A, Lesley reflects on the journey that took her from Glasgow’s bustling hospitality scene to her current role as a consultant, and shares insights into the people, places, and opportunities that continue to inspire her. 

• Full name:  Lesley Wood 

• Where are you from? Glasgow, Scotland 

• Where do you live now? Glasgow, Scotland 

• What did you study/train in?  Business Studies and Marketing  

• Job title and organization:  Consultant, LMW Consulting Ltd 

• Years working in tourism: 35 years 

 

Tell us a bit about your current role and what you love most about it.  

 

I provide business development consultancy and love the variety my role brings – collaborating with a diverse range of people and businesses across Scotland.  

From working closely with the tourism community, including sole traders, and the farming sector, to supporting tour guides, hotels, visitor experiences, and member organisations, every day offers new connections and opportunities to make a difference. Quite literally never a dull moment. 

What path led you to a career in tourism?  

Like many career paths, mine began by chance. I started out working in city centre bars in Glasgow, which led me to One Devonshire Gardens, a unique boutique hotel, back in 1990. As I moved into more specialised business roles, opportunities in tourism continued to follow. With amazing venues, stunning locations, and the privilege of working alongside the nicest people, what’s not to love! 

What’s been a career highlight or proudest moment so far?  

 It’s really challenging to name one. Working across the various agritourism businesses has been great.  They are a great community, super easy to work with. Caroline Millar introduced me to this sector, it’s more just like hanging out with a fun bunch of people rather than work (but I do work, they all just make it seem easy!).  

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the tourism industry today?  

For me, tourism strikes the perfect balance between business and pleasure – despite the old saying that you should never mix the two.  

Alongside rewarding business opportunities, it has opened doors to incredible travel experiences across Scotland, to places I may never have visited, and gifted me lasting friendships along the way. 

What does being part of Women in Tourism mean to you?  

 As someone who is self-employed, working with the fellow Board members brings me a sense of having work colleagues and focus to my career. 

Who has inspired you professionally?  

 Caroline Millar of Scottish Agritourism.  

Caroline’s passion just keeps on going, she’s extremely driven and somehow always manages to make time to socialise, quite often it’s Caroline hosting parties! 

What do you think is the biggest opportunity (or challenge) for Scotland’s tourism sector right now?  

 The change in people’s work patterns which has impacted city centre tourism i.e., business lunches, spontaneous after work drinks and general city centre footfall.  

Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?  

 Walking our dog with my husband, going for brunch, my absolute favourite meal without question, and travelling. 

Tell us about a favourite hidden gem in Scotland – somewhere you think everyone should visit at least once.  

 It’s not particularly hidden, I go to North Berwick at least twice a year with my family. It’s perfect! I’d go more often if I could. 

If you could have dinner with any woman from history or present day, who would it be and why?  

I’d have dinner with first and original Business Gateway Advisor, Rowan Main, effortless fun. She emits good vibes. 

  

From her early days in Glasgow’s hospitality sector to her work supporting agritourism and beyond, Lesley’s career is a reminder of the rich variety and rewarding experiences that tourism offers. As a Women in Tourism board member, she champions connection, collaboration, and inclusion – values that lie at the heart of the organisation’s mission. We’re delighted to share her story as part of our series celebrating the women shaping Scotland’s tourism industry today.