Graeme Carling, a self-made entrepreneur and visionary leader, defied the odds by transforming from a school leaver with no qualifications to one of Scotland's largest private residential landlords.
Graeme Carling
Founder & Chairman of The Carling Group
Graeme Carling is a self-made entrepreneur who turned a lack of qualifications into a success story. From humble beginnings as a school leaver, he became one of Scotland’s largest private residential landlords. With his wife Leanne, he expanded into business acquisitions, diversifying across sectors and borders.
Through The Carling Group, Graeme now manages investments across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and the USA. A respected non-executive director and philanthropist, his journey is marked by persistence, adaptability, and a desire to give back.
About this Episode
In this inspiring episode, Graeme Carling reveals how he went from school dropout to property mogul and investor. Motivated by Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Graeme’s path involved quitting corporate life, taking big risks, and bouncing back from business failures.
He discusses strategic property investment, acquiring distressed businesses, and their international expansion—especially into the UAE. His story is one of grit, reinvention, and the power of financial education. A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs!
“I couldn’t see myself being just an employee. Within me, I wanted more, but I just didn’t know how to get there.”
Graeme Carling
“If there was one thing I could go back in time and change, I would have started earlier than I did. Starting earlier meant I would fail earlier, and therefore learn earlier.”
Graeme Carling
Show highlights
“I started my own business in the early 2000s. And they were really steep learning curves – I had three failed businesses by the time I had to go back to mainstream employment.”
Graeme Carling
“It took me a few years to be able to restart my own business, but what I did in the meantime was immerse myself in financial education.”
Graeme Carling
Useful Links
Website: https://www.thecarlinggroup.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graemecarlingofficial/
LinkedIn (personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/graeme-carling/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-carling-group
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GroupCarling
The Matrix Green Pill Podcast: https://thematrixgreenpill.com/
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