Leaders List interview: 60 seconds with Ronel Lehmann, Finito

Date: 04 Dec 2024

Karen Jones

This week’s 60-second piece is dedicated to Ronel Lehmann, Founder and CEO at Finito.

Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.

As an employability expert, Founder and CEO of Finito, I lead a team of over one hundred mentors, dedicated to helping those who leave school, college, and university to find a meaningful career. We believe that too many young people leave expensive educations without the skills required for the complexity of today’s working world. Our mentors all have a demonstrable track record of experience and are committed to inspiring the next generation. With our help, there will be no more arguments around the family dining table about what students are going to do, when will they get a real job and how will they afford to leave home and manage their own future. We also help senior Board executives and even former members of Parliament intent on transitioning to other careers.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I speak with parents and meet with prospective candidates. There is no charge for an initial meeting, and we always prepare an outline methodology of approach which details our advice and recommendations. I read each candidates’ file note after every mentoring session and like to interfere, make suggestions and introductions which could help our mentees. It is extremely rewarding indeed especially when you get a message from a parent or candidate thanking you. I always say to our mentees, find your passion and then you will never do a day’s work in your life. I am often invited to speak at high profile engagements and as a result attend many receptions and events.

Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions/requests you have received.

We had a Nigerian parent who visited me enquiring about accelerating his son’s progress and whether I could use my network to obtain him a senior role. He told me that in his country, he would place a suitcase on the table, swivel it around and open it to reveal cash. I had to quietly explain that we do not operate like this. We once had a candidate who liked skiing and shopping. She had a large allowance and was not too keen on a pursuing any career. One of our candidates asked when she had secured her dream role, whether we could help her to find a husband.

What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?

Young people have a sense of entitlement. They tend to give up at the first rejection. The advent of Artificial Intelligence interviews for which they are unprepared often floors them. The best thing that we do for our mentees is rehearse their interviews with mentors they have never met. It usually guarantees them a place in the shortlist and then they can smell sweet success within their grasp.

What is your proudest professional achievement? 

During lockdown, I began publishing Finito World, the employability magazine for difficult times. It is my proudest moment. If you would like to be added to our circulation, please complete your details https://finitoworld.com/subscribe-issues/

What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?

Resilience and the ability to overcome any adversity.

Who do you most admire and why?

Sir John Griffin, my chairman and the founder of Addison Lee. He is inspirational and a legend.

Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?

A few days in Suffolk. After a delicious dinner at The Bull Freehouse in Troston, Bury Saint Edmunds, I asked the waiter to bring me the bill. He presented it and looking at me remarked to my great surprise “Don’t I know you, are you a celebrity… no you are a rock star.” Before I had a chance to respond about whether he was seeking an enhanced tip for the wonderful service, my partner in crime, responded to much hilarity, “He is not cool enough and far too old to be a rock star.”  

If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?

Previously, I have worked in recruitment, stock broking (pre-and post-Big Bang), financial public relations and ran a marketing communications agency for 26 years. Given the success of our magazine, I might be persuaded to become a journalist.

How do you relax after a long day?

I really enjoy reading autobiographies, watching movies, talking the dog for a walk and trying out new recipes on family and friends.