IoD Wales Member Spotlight – Monthly Feature
Each month, we’re shining a light on one of our inspiring IoD Wales members—starting with those who were recognised at the Wales Director of the Year Awards 2025.
This series is all about celebrating leadership, sharing insights, and showcasing the diverse journeys of directors and decision-makers across Wales. Whether they’ve won awards, led innovative projects, or made a meaningful impact in their communities, we’re proud to tell their stories.
Owain James, Managing Director and Founder, Darogan
Award: Wales Director of the Year Awards – Start Up Director
1. Tell us a bit about yourself—what do you do, and which award did you win at the Wales Director of the Year Awards 2025?
I’m Owain, and I’m the Founder and Managing Director of Darogan, a business dedicated to connecting employers in Wales with the next generation of graduate talent. I had left Wales for study, and wanted to come back, which is why I eventually set up the business, but it’s also why a big part of our focus as a company is around helping people to return to Wales. This year I won in the Start Up Category at the Wales Director of the Year Awards 2025.
2. What does winning this award mean to you personally and professionally?
Starting a business is tough, and I had no previous experience of running a business before Darogan. So I felt very honoured that somebody put my name forward for the category in the first place, but to win was really something else! Personally, it’s been a bit of a confidence boost, and that I’m leading the company effectively and in the right direction. At the same time, I’m aware that there are a lot of people who are helping to make me look good, so it’s made me very grateful to the team I have around me.
3. What advice would you give to other directors striving for excellence in leadership?
Find the right mentor. For me, finding the right people to ask advice has been crucial. If you don’t have the experience yourself, find somebody who does. A good mentor can keep you to account, open doors, provide advice, or just simply be a listening ear. I imagine there are very few excellent leaders who haven’t had excellent mentors.
4. How has your involvement with the IoD supported your journey as a business leader?
I’m a very recent member of the IoD, but I’ve already felt very supported as a business leader. The awards have given me an amazing platform and have led to some great connections. The IoD Wales team have been happy to meet up and facilitate further connections still, and they’ve also helped us to get the word out there about GradCon Cymru, our largest careers event to date. I’m really looking forward to meeting others in the community and developing further as a business leader through a range of IoD events this year.
Check back next month as we continue to celebrate the outstanding leaders shaping the future of Welsh business.
