Finito Bursary Report 2026

BURSARY APPEAL SOCIAL MOBILITY WITH AN INTRODUCTION FROM RT HON ROBERT HALFON

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

CONTENTS 02 INTRODUCTION WITH RT HON ROBERT HALFON 03 THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME MENTOR ANDY INMAN 07 LEAH HOUSTON 11 JOHNNY WINDSOR-CLIVE 15 NICK HENNIGAN 17 MAX LIEBMANN 23 VALERIA MITUREVA 27 JOSEPH MCDONALD 31 TUSHAR KUMAR 33 LUELA FIGUEIRA 37 OLLIE NICHOLLS 41 KHADRA OSMAN 45 OUR DONORS 53 CONTACT US

01

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THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

INTRODUCTION stubborn injustices in our education-

future through the scheme. And you

to-employment system. The truth

will meet Joseph McDonald, who has

is that the young people who most

been supported through university

need world-class career support

while navigating serious challenges

are almost always the least likely

with his mental health.

to receive it. Coaching, mentoring,

What unites their stories is something

interview preparation, professional networks, the quiet confidence that comes from knowing how a particular industry actually works — these have long been the preserve of those whose families can afford to buy

W

hen I left Parliament after fourteen years as

the Conservative MP for Harlow,

them, or who happen to know the right people. For everyone else, the door is often closed before they have even had the chance to knock.

having twice served as Minister for

The Bursary scheme prises that door

Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher

open. It gives talented young people

Education, I knew I wanted to

from disadvantaged backgrounds

carry on the work that has defined

— care leavers, refugees, those

my public life: promoting skills

struggling with mental health, those

for life, and providing a ladder of

who are the first in their family to

opportunity for all those willing to

consider university or a professional

climb it.

career — access to the same calibre

In my role as Executive Director at Make UK, the national manufacturers’ organisation, I can continue that work — championing skills, apprenticeships and technical education across one of the most vital sectors of our economy. British manufacturing employs around 2.6 million people and underpins communities across the country. There is no future for the industry without a relentless focus on the skills of the next generation.

But my commitment to the ladder of opportunity does not end at the

of one-to-one employability support that has, until now, been available only to the privileged few. That means dedicated mentors, CV and application coaching, mock interviews with senior professionals, psychometric assessments, mental health support, and crucially, introductions to employers who

hand at some point. The question is whether, as a society, we are willing to extend one.

Readers who know me will know that I am a lifelong admirer of JRR Tolkien.

When asked which of his characters I most identify with, my answer is always the same: Bilbo Baggins. And it is Bilbo who offers Frodo the line I find myself returning to again and again — “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

Every young person setting out on an uncertain road deserves a Gandalf of their own: someone to steady them, to believe in them, and to help them keep their feet.

“suddenly being seen.” I cannot think

it through nothing more than their

of a more powerful phrase. Because

potential and their determination.

the alternative — invisibility, wasted

some of the young people whose

tackles, head-on, one of the most

they are capable of. We all need a

- offered to those who have earned

hand on the first rung.

The Bursary matters because it

discovering who they are and what

Houston, described the experience as

In the pages that follow, you will meet

in particular, its Bursary scheme.

experience of a young person

One of our Bursary candidates, Leah

person in every sector who needs a

footsteps in championing Finito and,

are. It is the quiet, transformative

their path. It is, in effect, social capital

And the results speak for themselves.

to follow in Dame Mary Richardson’s

statistics, important though those

might otherwise never have crossed

factory gate. It extends to every young

It is that conviction which has led me

more profound than employment

lives have been changed by it. You will meet Tushar Kumar, who had scarcely been beyond Derbyshire and is now thriving at one of the city’s leading

potential, and the slow erosion of hope — is something no civilised country should be willing to accept. I never have. That is why I am here, and it is why I hope that those reading this will choose to walk a little of this road with me.

recruitment firms. You will meet Valeria Mitureva, a Ukrainian refugee who has found her footing and her 02

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

HELPING THE NEXT GENERATION FINITO MENTOR ANDY INMAN EXPLAINS THE LATEST ON THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

T

hose who believe in

friend took it upon himself to

The mentoring and networking we

mentoring tend to have

open my eyes to what is possible

deliver within Finito is tailored to

a personal story about

with direction and application. His

each mentee. What we aim to do is

how they came to understand

mentoring made all the difference

unlock the talent and potential of

its importance. That’s certainly

to the outcome of my future

each person. That means that there

the case for me. Born to a loving

working career – better than that,

are as many different outcomes

middle-class family on the island

his example stuck in my mind.

as there are Finito candidates.

Everyone’s different, and as a

of Jersey, I suspected even then that I was lucky. I just didn’t know how much.

But even these fortunate circumstances weren’t enough to make success certain. When I was young, I dreamed of becoming a helicopter pilot in the army. But there was a problem – and it lay in me. At first, I didn’t find the resolve within myself to work as hard as I should have done at school to make that a reality. I left school at 16, and had to face a harsh truth: my dream was unlikely to be realised.

It was at this point that a family 03

“WE AIM TO UNLOCK THE TALENT AND POTENTIAL OF EACH PERSON.”

business, we love celebrating that uniqueness which lies in each of us.

However, there is one common thread for every introduction: all our mentees come from families who care enough to buy into the

Looking back over the 37 years

Finito service. That fact alone got

that have passed since then, I am

me thinking. Over the course of

incredibly fortunate to have achieved

my first year or two with Finito, I

my career dreams and accomplished

began to see that our work could

more professionally than I would

produce a life-changing difference

have ever thought possible. I

to talented young people who

couldn’t have done it without

come from families who can’t afford

mentoring. It’s this experience that

our fees. I pitched the idea to Ronel

has brought me to mentoring in

Lehmann, the company’s founder

general – and to Finito in particular.

and CEO: thankfully, he saw the

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

As it turned out, I needn’t have

going? Well, it’s been incredibly

worried. During my research, the

exciting. Our students so far have

Landau Forte Academy in Derby

come from a broad spectrum

came onto my radar. The school

of backgrounds. We’ve also had

immediately caught my attention

some notable early successes

on account of its holistic approach

which motivate me – and

to education, and its academic

everyone at Finito – to expand the

success in one of the most

programme..

deprived areas of the country.

Significant sums of money Sir Rocco Forte

donated by Martin Landau and Sir Rocco Forte had produced an

When I speak to Sarah FindlayCobb, the CEO of the Landau Forte Charitable Trust, I am keen to get her feedback as to how much it’s

idea as a credible realistic project.

educational environment across

He invited me to make it happen,

a number of campuses where

and build on the work of Dame

young people were being enabled

Mary Richardson, who has deep

to reach their potential.

experience in bursaries and had

I sensed it would be a fit. Finito

“We’ve had some huge successes

been advising the business in this

could take some of the most

f rom people who needed that

area.

deserving individuals at the

extra push. It’s made a significant

Sometimes you have to be careful

Landau Forte Academy, and

difference to their life chances.”

of what you wish for. As an exmilitary pilot now running an international defence training company I found myself in a totally new environment. On the one hand, I had the task of finding talented young people f rom

work with them as they left their school environment and moved to the next stage of their lives.

Whether students might wish to attend university, or secure an apprenticeship or immediate employment, we’d be able to help.

helped the school. I am touched by how effusive she is: “I can’t get over what an amazing opportunity this is for our students,” she says.

The successes Sarah mentions are a promise of what’s to come. For instance, one of our mentees has been given significant time and support to move to university and happily settle there. That outcome might sound reasonably normal

underprivileged backgrounds,

Fortunately, the senior

to most of us but for a number of

who would be interested in joining

management team at Landau

reasons it was thought unlikely to

Forte saw the benefits and

happen before that young person

worked with me to identify our

joined the programme..

a fledgling Bursary programme..

On the other, I had to drum up interest from fellow mentors who would be willing to volunteer some of their time pro bono to a scheme which had no financial backing – yet.

first students. These were then matched with Finito mentors who had offered their time for f ree to help me start the programme..

Six months on and how’s it

Another early success involved support through advice and coaching for a young person who had been offered a fantastic apprenticeship, but in a location

Landau Forte Academy

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THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

Had Yassen had prior experience

opportunities we’re providing

of mentoring? “Previously, before

– and which the company now

I was being mentored, I had

aims to expand. Yassen explains:

regimented myself to believe that

“Coming f rom a background

university was the only viable

where finance has been difficult,

pathway for my chosen career. As

I am very thankful for the

a naive young adult there’s only so

monetary grant provided to me.

much experience and knowledge

It has aided in breaking down

that I have about careers and the

unnecessary financial barriers that

world of work.”

I came across in my journey and

So what did Yassen learn f rom his mentoring? “Flexibility is one of Andy Inman

that the school thought the mentee would decide not to relocate to – again, for several complicated reasons. In that instance, our mentor worked hard to support the individual, giving them contacts and advice as well as talking to agencies on their behalf in the new city.

Again this may sound like no big deal, but the young mentee would have had no help or guidance in making the apprenticeship a reality without the help of the Bursary. In the event of it, the school was both delighted and amazed that the young person in question had decided to take up the position. Findlay-Cobb says: “It was one of those students where we thought it could have gone either way. He’s been utterly changed – and hugely for the

the major lessons I have gained f rom my sessions. My mentor shone a light f rom a different perspective and guided me to discover a plethora of alternative

mentee, Yassen Ahmad, talks to me about his own quest to be a software engineer, and how Finito has helped with that. He explains what the experience has meant to him: “For me, Finito mentoring has meant a lot more

me to access online courses, books and other resources that were previously restricted to me, these opportunities have been able to maximise my current potential and performance like no other.”

routes that I had previously

Findlay-Cobb adds: “When you

isolated, such as apprenticeships,

break that cycle of poverty you

degree apprenticeships or

don’t just help that one person: it

even entering directly into

affects other family members, and

the workforce with the right

it can last generations.” Yassen

company.”

seconds that: “This is merely

And does Yassen feel ready for the world of work? “The Finito mentors have also allowed me to understand how I can become more of an asset and of value to an employer, knowing what skills

the start of my career journey, the benefits of the long-term investment with my mentor will only grow as time passes. That for me is why I love the mentoring with Finito.”

they look for within their company.

The notion that mentoring is a

I think these prospects have

gift which grows in time is both

drastically helped me hone my

an exciting thought intellectually,

current skills so I can become a

but also a profound motivation

more appealing applicant as well.

to those of us at Finito who now

I firmly believe I would not have so

want to use the coming years to

easily understood all these things

help break that poverty cycle for as

on my own.”

many young people as possible.

better.”

Another Landau Forte Academy

exploration of my career. Allowing

“FOR ME, FINITO MENTORING HAS MEANT A LOT MORE THAN JUST BECOMING EMPLOYABLE.”

than just becoming employable.

Our support of Yassen and others shall continue well beyond the present moment. As these young people develop in the marketplace post-education, the Finito network will come into action. We shall introduce all our mentees to key figures in the industry and work arenas in which they seek employment.

It is also about both growing and

Yassen’s is a moving story, not

We shall not rest until they are

developing myself beyond the

least because there are too many

fulfilled. We are expert at securing

confines of my limited perception

young people like him who

work placements, internships and

of the world.”

don’t have access to the sort of

helping prepare for interviews.

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THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

Professor Nadey Hakim tells us: “Finito really makes things happen and it is incumbent on me to support you and to encourage others to follow my lead.” Simon Blagden CBE, the Chair of Larkspur International Ltd., adds: “I served the Government’s advisory panel reviewing the future of technical education. During the two year process we met with hundreds of young people all over the country. I am delighted to support the work of Finito.

The valuable work which you

Landau Forte Academy

do strongly resonates with both

All candidates who come to

One of those is John Griffin, the

Finito have an advantage – that

founder of Addison Lee, and

is why the business is successful.

Chairman of Finito Education who

Meanwhile the Bursary has also

But imagine a world where that

says: “In my long career mentoring

earned praise f rom leading lights

privilege were extended to those

young people, it fills me with

in education. Sarah Fletcher, the

who can’t afford it.

enormous pride that I created

High Mistress of St Paul’s Girls’

employment for thousands of

School, tells us: “Education is all

people at Addison Lee. Finito

about providing everybody with

The Bursary is good for the mentees. It also happens to be the case that it’s good for the mentors as well. In fact, one unexpected side effect of the Bursary is to

continues this important work and I am delighted to be a part of their team.”

students and their parents.”

opportunity – and that opportunity extends f rom school to university, and into the world of work. Finito

have stretched the Finito mentors,

Meanwhile, John Cahill, managing

performs an excellent job of

in each instance developing

partner of Stewarts Law, tells us:

giving students the opportunity

a stronger and more effective

“In a perfect world comprehensive

to hone their CVs, fine tune their

mentor for the organisation

career guidance would be

skills at interview and gain the

in general. Most of the Finito

available to all regardless of

mentors are senior individuals in

confidence they need to enter the

their background. The Stewarts

their own profession, from senior

world of work. The fact that Finito

Foundation is delighted to support

bankers and lawyers to high-flying

is prepared to offer bursaries is

the important work of Finito via its

media execs. While experienced

bursary scheme.”

really important to me, because

in their professional worlds, all our

it means that their offering is

“WE ARE EXPERT AT SECURING WORK PLACEMENTS, INTERNSHIPS AND HELPING PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS.”

open to everybody regardless of

there turn out to be many hidden

Other donors include Dr Selva

I needed mentoring at the age

benefits to this. That’s why

Pankaj, the CEO of the Regent

of 16. At any rate, our goal now

Finito has been seeking Bursary

Group, who hails the scheme as

is to move forwards and have as

donations – and excitingly, some

being particularly relevant in the

many young people like Yassen

household names have already

“current volatile landscape of the

benefiting from our services as

come forward to help.

pandemic”. The famed surgeon

possible.

Bursary mentors have reported that some of the social and welfare challenges that they have faced in working with our young Bursary mentees have taken them into new areas and broadened their perspective.

So as with so many good ideas,

background or means. That makes this truly special.”

These are marvellous endorsements, and I am confident that there will be many more in the years ahead. It’s almost enough to make me pleased that

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THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

LEAH HOUSTON

Leah Houston

O

ne sometimes hears

in a different direction from

“Education was never pushed for

someone called a ‘black

one’s family, and to feel no sense

me. It wasn’t the world I was in. I’m

sheep’ of a family as a

of alienation whatsoever – but

the first in my close family to be

pejorative term. It needn’t be

instead to feel a sense of loving

like that. Most people who look

interested in my studies, and then

journey, which ultimately all

to want to pursue them, and then

members of the family will accept

to go onto university at the Belfast

and profit from in understanding.

Bible College in Dunmurry, Belfast.”

dreams and their outward

Something like this appears to

Despite this, Houston is aware of

circumstances. Knowledge of this

be happening to Finito candidate

many similarities between herself

difference can open surprising

Leah Houston. I ask her about her

and her family. “On the other hand,

inner capacities and point the

upbringing: “I’m from very humble

working hard was pushed on me

way to a fruitful life. In the best

beginnings,” she tells me, her

– it was a question of financial

cases, it is possible to strike out

accent distinctively Northern Irish.

necessity. I’ve had a part time job

inward in any concerted way find some surprising differences between their own hopes and

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THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

since I was 14. After school you went to work: food had to be placed on the table somehow. In hindsight, I wouldn’t have changed a thing at all.”

“YOU HAVE YOUR HANDS AND YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT – SO GO WORK.” So what did her parents do for a living? “My Dad is typical Northern Irish. He is a part-time farmer and he sells animal feed from a local agricultural shop. My mum worked in office work all her life – then she had me. She felt that to stay at home was her calling, but then she started looking after other peoples’ kids and soon she had her own childminding business.”

This seems to amount to a strong entrepreneurial streak in the family.

Houston agrees: “You have your hands and you can do something about it – so go work,” she says, simply.

This innate understanding of business was already becoming apparent in Houston’s choices.

“Business makes sense to me,” she explains, “seeing something through from 0 to 100. You’ve got to see what you’re good at and make something of it. I studied Business through to A-Level and initially thought I would study that subject at university as well. But I had a bit of a change of heart.”

are deeply embedded.

I am interested to know how this degree was structured. She explains: “The main aspect of it was theology, in which world studies, policy and law were examined. It was all to do with how one’s faith works out in the public sphere. I was focused predominantly on Christianity but I also did world religion modules.”

This decision garnered a mixed reaction at home. “My extended family – my cousins and so on – weren’t sure. Firstly, because I’m a woman – that didn’t go down well, and led to some opposition. Some also thought I would lose my own faith, and question what I believe.”

And has she? “I haven’t. Growing up in a Christian country, Christianity can be ugly because it’s political.

There have been civil wars in the name of Christianity in my country.

I came out the other end with a wider appreciation of all religions

Baroness Anne Jenkin (Wikipedia.org)

organisation tries to bridge the gap between Church and politics. In hindsight, my time there planted the seed for politics and the public sphere.”

This seed came to fruition when Houston began working for Baroness Anne Jenkin in the Houses of Parliament. “When I finished university, I thought:

and the part they can play.”

‘What the heck am I going to do

“GROWING UP IN A CHRISTIAN COUNTRY, CHRISTIANITY CAN BE UGLY BECAUSE IT’S POLITICAL.”

Action Research Education (CARE)

Houston loved her degrees, but

And what were her impressions of

like most humanities degree, the

the role? “Anne is so hard-working –

gain of doing something one loves

no two days are the same for Anne,”

had a flipside: such courses don’t

Houston recalls, laughing perhaps

lead to such clear destinations as

at the remembered bustle of it all. “I

next?’ I came across Christian a charity which seeks to facilitate getting a job as a Christian in politics in addition to offering training in thinking about politics.

Anne Jenkin is extremely kind and said she’d take me for a year.”

vocational courses. “I didn’t want to

was involved in diary management,

This brings in another side of Leah

go into the Church, so in hindsight

speeches and organising meetings

– her religious belief. “I grew up

it was a much harder option. For the

she would host. It was general ad

in a strong Christian household,”

first few years I thought it was all

hoc stuff and I was an extra pair of

she recalls. “It wasn’t pushy but it

amazing, but I’m not philosophical

hands.” Leah brought a very clear

was fostered. So I studied religion

– I’m much more practical. My

sense of purpose to the role. “I was

and law at university which was

interest is in thinking how faith

there to serve Anne – to allow her

a major change.” Throughout our

values can be implemented. During

to do her job better. That could be

conversation she will talk about her

the three years of my degree, I did

sending letters, or photocopying, or

faith in the relaxed, confident way

some time with a charity at home

making a cup of tea. I also became

which people do when their beliefs

called the Evangelical Alliance. That

immersed in the question of gender 08

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

Finito service gives to someone

Tom Pauk

in my circumstances. It was as if I was being seen for the first time.

This was so encouraging for me especially given my upbringing, where my wanting to succeed was perhaps sometimes considered a bit weird. My extended family would wonder why I was in London, and why I’m in the job I’m in. This was an organisation which wanted me to succeed.”

This process of building confidence in an individual is integral to the Amanda Brown

mentoring process. It begins from our first encounter with a

ideology, which is one of the key

new student. Houston recalls: “I

with a charity which is a start-up.

issues for Anne.”

remember vividly the first meeting

Tom was amazing, and gave me

And what was the culture like

with Ronel where I brought him my

contacts.’

in Parliament? “As a practising Christian myself, I was interested to discover the APPG, Christians in Parliament, that is a cross-party group of Christians. As long as you were a passholder you could be a part of that: MPs, kitchen staffers, it didn’t matter. It brought a sense of community, with weekly services

CV. When I had been in parliament I had co-founded a network for the protection of gender-critical views. I showed my leaflet to Ronel and it was an incredibly important moment, because someone was looking at my work, and taking an interest in me. It brought me an overwhelming sense of pride.”

held in the Chapel of St Mary

Mentoring is to do with becoming

Undercroft. Politics is so polarised

reoriented in one’s life by coming

and tends to be all or nothing. It is

into one’s essential self. Houston

meaningful to have something that

recalls that her being photographed

unites: at election time we prayed

by in-house photographer Sam

for whoever was in leadership.”

Pearce continued this process. “I

Through Baroness Jenkin, Leah met Finito Education CEO Ronel who saw Leah’s potential. “Ronel is a great supporter of Anne and he took me under his wing. I was with Finito for half a year and the investment in me was incredible.”

“I especially value the confidence that the Finito service gives to someone in my circumstances.”

spent an afternoon with Sam and I noticed that she took the time to make me feel comfortable. She also took time to ask questions between pictures – it was not a transactional photoshoot, it was more an investment in who I was.”

Following on from there, Leah had her LinkedIn training with Amanda Brown (‘incredibly helpful’) and then began work with her lead

“WEALTH TO ME ISN’T MONEY. IT’S WHAT I HAD GROWING UP: I HAD FAMILY AND FRIENDSHIP AND RELATIONSHIPS AND THAT TO ME IS WEALTH.” From Pauk’s perspective, Houston made an excellent impression. He recalls: “Leah struck me as a highly intelligent, articulate and valuesdriven young woman, seeking a position where she can employ her myriad skills to improve the lives of others, especially those of women and children.” Pauk noted early on that her priority was ‘to use her lobbying skills to help bring about changes and social impact,” adding that “she is not driven by earning a high salary, though she’ll need a

This is good to hear and I ask her

mentor Tom Pauk. “He was so lovely

what the impact has been. “Besides

and I was telling my heart and how

all the practical things such as the

I feel things deeply. He said: ‘I think

When the job came along it all

LinkedIn training, the CV writing

you need to go into the charities

happened very quickly ‘in the

and the mentoring, I especially

sphere’. I said: ‘ I think you’re

space of a week’. Houston brings

value the confidence that the

correct.’ And now I’ve landed a job

me up to speed: “I now work for

09

sustainable one.”

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

mature except that many people live their whole lives without realising the importance of things which Leah innately understands.

She also has an immense capacity for empathy and understanding.

Houston is someone whose narrative is not to be judged by the usual metrics of success: money, or position or anything else – though there’s nothing to stop her acquiring these. But she is in such a strong position because she isn’t a materialist.

She is someone who will make her own way – and in fact is already doing so.

The help which Finito gave to Leah would have been impossible without the generous help of the Stewarts Foundation. The firm’s managing partner Stuart Dench says: “In a perfect world Stuart Dench

comprehensive career guidance would be available to all regardless

a charity called Forum which is

At the end of our interview

of their background. The Stewarts

based in London and has launched

Houston reflects a little on her

in America too now. Its purpose is

journey so far.

Foundation is delighted to support

to serve leaders and influencers from all sectors of society. It tries to link up like-minded people. I’m a data manager and administrator, which is important for Forum, as someone’s name in the database is like gold to the business. I’m also EA to the founder David Stroud, who is married to Baroness Stroud.”

So how does she see the future? “I actually don’t know,” she admits.

“My life these past few years has been full of uncertainty, but I can see myself settling here for a good while. It’s a start-up with huge potential for growth and now the whole past five years makes sense.”

“It’s strange to be in London and not be money-driven. Wealth to me isn’t money. It’s what I had

the important work of Finito via its bursary scheme.”

When it comes to someone like

growing up: I had family and

Leah, the importance is difficult to

f riendship and relationships and

measure because it has to do with

that to me is wealth. Marriage and

ineffable things like confidence,

education is wealth.” And are her

connectivity, and the unleashing

family beginning to understand

of possibilities within a person

the nature of her journey now?

“My parents have been massively supportive, but we don’t always speak a common language. My

who may not yet know how capable they are. In her case, it is also to do with helping someone

cousins have their own convictions

to arrive at the realisation that the

and they don’t necessarily agree.

place they’re born in need not be a

But the relationships are there and

limiting factor. Ultimately it’s for us

really there’s so much love and

to make our own way – though it

support.”

is right that we do so with the help

One is tempted to call this attitude

of others.

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THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

JOHNNY WINDSOR-CLIVE

Johnny Windsor-Clive

O

ne of the most

Clive. It’s hard to imagine a more

underrated traits in

likeable and gentler soul than

our frenetic world is

Johnny: he’s the sort of person you

the one which many of us need

find yourself rooting for before

more than we realise: patience.

he’s even opened his mouth. But

It is perhaps not surprising that

despite his obvious benevolence

having constructed a society

and decency, his career search

based around the swift flow of

hasn’t always been easy.

information, and in encouraging the rush of activity, that we may have collectively forgotten this valuable attitude. But all the signs are that it’s an important thing for the job-seeker to cultivate.

The world rarely works in a linear way, and it is as well to know

In fact, Johnny has had some definite headwinds to face.

Ronel Lehmann recalls hearing about Johnny: “I was told that Johnny has mild Asperger’s Syndrome and when I met him I found myself warming to him

yet I could see his potential.”

From the outset, then, it was a fascinating assignment. I ask Johnny first about his upbringing: “My parents live in Marlborough and I grew up there,” he tells me. And his parents? “Dad is an estate agent.

He has his own company which specialises in country estates – and he does that globally.”

I ask Johnny if he’d ever considered following his father into the property sector? “I am aware from various sources that the whole

immensely as someone with a

property sector is going through

kind and considerate manner, who

a period of change,” he tells me.

nevertheless might not succeed

“Traditionally, the role of the agent

in the same way without Finito’s

was to bring something extra to the

help. Mild Asperger’s can lead to

process – but nowadays, if you have

All these thoughts came to me

awkward movements, sensitivity to

a standard residential property, the

as I considered the case of Finito

light and difficulty understanding

role of the estate agent can largely

bursary candidate Johnny Windsor-

other people’s perspectives – and

be done because of the internet by

that. Certainly, if we don’t do that, reality can disappoint and discourage us from getting anywhere.

11

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

the client themselves. An example

one takeaway is finding out

of that is Purple Bricks where they

specifically where I wanted to go –

actually cut out the estate agent

but secondly I began to understand

almost entirely so that everything is

how important it is to have similar

negotiated between the seller and

alternatives if the first option isn’t

the buyer.”

working out.” This greatly appealed

Sometimes, knowing what you’re not going to do is as important as knowing what you will do – especially when it comes to a successful parent.

What about Johnny’s education?

At school, he showed strength in history, geography, economics and politics, before going on to study politics at university. “After prep school, I went on to attend Oxford Brookes. Since that time, I have done various things, working for an MP and mostly doing data analysis political work. I found it really interesting, and then went on to work for an MP called Henry Bellingham. I also worked with Danny Kruger MP before working as a research analyst at Allied Peak.”

Other roles followed. It was gradually emerging that Johnny felt a considerable affinity with data, but he couldn’t quite see a career path for himself: he knew he had the skills, but what was

to Johnny’s logical mind. “If you are in a process and there is only one possible outcome, it’s not very good,” he recalls. “Whereas if there are other options that hugely increases your chances of a beneficial outcome: you don’t have to keep going back to square one.

Actually you can start from step 19 and carry on!”

“MANY CANDIDATES ARE UNDER STRESS AND IT CAN BE POSSIBLE FOR THEIR ANSWERS TO REFLECT THIS AND NOT TO CONTAIN QUITE THE ATTITUDE WHICH EMPLOYERS ARE SEEKING.” All of this meant that Johnny was beginning to think about his career in a far more flexible way. With this

Andy Inman

Another important lesson related to vocabulary. Many candidates are under stress and it can be possible for their answers to reflect this and not to contain quite the attitude which employers are seeking. “I remember telling Johnny to make sure that the vocabulary he uses is positive,” Stevenson continues. “For example, in a practice interview, when asked about moving abroad, Johnny said he would be happy to, and that he ‘couldn’t care less’.

I knew that he meant this in a positive way in so far as he is not fazed by the challenge of relocating, but the way he phrased it sounded very negative, or it could be

strategy in place, he was now able

misconstrued as negative.”

to focus on improving his skillset in

For Johnny this was important:

terms of his online presence, as well

“Coco was incredibly helpful and

as his interview preparation. To do

offered really good advice. I would

heard through the network about

this, he was referred to two senior

say for the interview preparation

the services that Finito offer. She

Finito mentors Andy Inman and

she was absolutely fantastic.”

was aware that a lot of the roles I

Coco Stevenson.

had done were not really leading

Stevenson recalls: “I remember

man, is known at Finito for offering a

explaining to Johnny how

stricter approach. Johnny responded

important it is to research a

positively to this. “He was quite strict.

company, in particular to consider

But I appreciate strictness because

its mission statement, vision,

it delivers results. That’s what I am in

values and strategic plan. I told

the system for – to achieve a result.

him that he needed to be prepared

Whenever I do something I want

to answer questions about these

to know roughly what the result

really required was a role in which he could grow. In time, he came to Finito. “I got introduced to Ronel Lehmann when my mother

anywhere. They may have been interesting, but there was no career progression. Whereas what Finito has delivered for me is actually a stepping stone into a long-term career progression instead of just working in roles which don’t really have a career progression.”

Andy Inman, as a former military

things. If the interviewer doesn’t

is going to be. As a result, I would

So how did the Finito team begin

specifically ask questions about

rather a mentor who is strict than

to shape that path? “After first

these, it is useful to bring them into

one who is not strict: if they’re not

speaking with Ronel, the number

your answers.’”

strict nothing gets done.”

12

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

adjustments, Johnny is blessed with an optimistic attitude and an enviable in-built resilience. In time, he heard through the Finito network about a potential role at Enness Global, the high end mortgages company. Johnny recalls: “Enness were potentially looking to take someone on because they had a challenge in terms of the management of their databases for two reasons.” What were these? “Firstly, some of it was only partially filled in. Secondly, there had been no one doing my role and so there was an enormous backlog which had built up.”

It was a hugely important interview and in advance of it Johnny had a long session with Andy Inman.

Richard Oldfield

The file note reads: “He [Johnny]

Around this time, Johnny began

chatted about some tech difficulties

is excited about the opportunity

to focus on the business analysis

that Johnny had during the

to meet Islay [Robinson, CEO of

route. He was coming into greater

interview, and I reminded Johnny

Enness Global]. We discussed various

awareness of his strengths. “One

that we had previously discussed

practical tips for the day, this will be

of the things I am very good at is

ways to mitigate that.”

Johnny’s first face to face interview,

going through data with a very fine tooth comb to find the relevant information. I then enjoy packaging that in a way that is useful to the project management team.”

But even as Inman was dispensing this advice, he noticed with his military eye for detail that Johnny needed to keep a close watch on the patterns of his life – as is

which in many ways is a bonus as it enables him to come across personally but is also a little daunting for him. We discussed the company background work he needs to do over the weekend as well as doing

Johnny had his setbacks, with

common when one is between

not every interview successful,

jobs. “I noticed that Johnny

but it was here that the presence

was becoming a little more

of a clear plan in his mind gave

eccentric over the 12 months that

If that seems like granular

I had known him. His speech had

preparation, it wasn’t all. Inman

become a little more affected

continues: “We covered breathing

and he would happily talk over

techniques while waiting to be called

you before you had finished a

in and then the social etiquette of

sentence. I felt it might have been

the initial introduction. We covered

due to the fact he had very little

work history and the need to make

exposure to life outside of the home

it an interesting story rather than

environment. I had a good idea of

firing off a list of job positions and

how Johnny’s days usually followed

dates and we covered strengths

the same format of job applications

and weaknesses and how to best

in the morning, following up

put those across. Finally I convinced

previous applications in the

Johnny of the importance of just

afternoon and then socialising with

enjoying the opportunity and

his parents’ friends in the evening

allowing his true self to come across.”

him resilience. However, Andy Inman had to make sure he kept a close eye on Johnny during the application process. “Having helped Johnny prepare for his previous interview, I was a little saddened at one point to hear that he had not been successful in securing a particular role,” Inman recalls. “I remember speaking to him after this disappointment, and I was heartened to see that he was as upbeat as ever, and hopeful that the company would be in touch again when a more data and research leaning role became available. We 13

or playing bridge with his mother.”

But in spite of these minor

a recce of the office location on Sunday.”

The memorandum concludes on a moving note: “He is as ready as he

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

will ever be and is determined to give a good account of himself. This will be life changing for Johnny if he is successful.”

When Johnny got the job, everybody at Finito was thrilled for him and it is even more thrilling to consider now that Inman’s predictions have proven true; this has been life-changing for Johnny. But for Johnny himself this exciting challenge is only just beginning. “For the past 15 months, I have been going through the backlog and sorting it out so that former clients can be re-contacted, making it easier for Enness to handle old clients. Before I came into position, Enness were unaware of the value they could offer to old clients.

What I have been doing is extracting that information and repackaging it

Mike Watson

for the relationship managers, who

things about Finito finding me this

in which they can best excel

can then re-engage those people.”

role is that it will enable me to forge

and to move into fulfilling jobs.

a career.”

Their support of young people is

This work has been an astonishing success, a fact which has greatly

This means that Johnny is now ideally

strengthened Johnny’s own standing

positioned to graduate into a broader

within the company. “I know from

analytical role. Has he pitched that

discussions with various colleagues

to the management at Enness?

in the past weeks that those clients

“They are aware that my skills go

who I have extracted from the

beyond purely data analysis and

backlog have significant holdings

data processing. A lot of the projects

and wealth, much of it brokered

I am now doing are involving more

by Enness. And we have now been able to help many of them access additional value and financial services from our wider portfolio.”

How does that make him feel to know he is making such a difference to the company? Johnny is immediate with his response. “It makes me enormously proud that I am making such a positive difference

analysis than previously, so that my role has moved from being purely data processing to actually doing some of the analysis as well which is really useful.”

Johnny concludes: “They seem very happy with me. It’s a great success story and I am very grateful to Finito for providing such great assistance.”

invaluable. Finito helps them with their first step into the workplace.

We are delighted to contribute to the Finito bursary for those who would not otherwise be able to afford this superb service.”

Meanwhile, Mike Watson, founder of Watson Medical Anti Ageing and Pain Management, tells us: “As a business owner, I often find myself mentoring students, school leavers and university graduates, many of whom are desperate for reassurance and guidance. Finito’s offering allows the sharing of invaluable insights, empowering youngsters in essential life values and reminding them the world is not as complex as portrayed –

to the company and also it makes

But, of course, it hasn’t just been

me very pleased that it’s a mutually

Finito that has helped. Johnny’s

beneficial relationship. My work

story would have been impossible

ensures that Enness get enormous

without the generous support

own) where their mouth is!”

value out of me and also that my

of two bursary donors. Richard

And when it comes to Johnny we’ll

skills have developed through the

Oldfield, the founder of the Henry

be reporting in these pages about

role which means that actually it

Oldfield Trust, says: “Finito works

developments as they come along.

give me an enormously sellable skill

intuitively with young people to

“This is just the beginning,” he says.

for the future. I feel one of the great

help them pinpoint the areas

“I’m excited for the future.”

we’ve been their age before! Finito definitely put their money (and my

14

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

I

NICK HENNIGAN

have sometimes observed

to complete his university degree in

that precocity creates its own

international business management

challenges: being brilliant

at the Aberdeen Business School,

young creates expectation and

before heading off to study in

pressure. In fact, it turns out

Canada’s Mount Royal University .

that ability without the right

“That was a fantastic experience,”

temperament places even greater

he tells me. “All of this has helped

pressure on ability itself. It’s rare

shape me into looking towards a

for the two to go hand-in-hand

career within a company that has

because the one can sometimes

international presence. I suppose

clash with the other. To be very

it gave me a deep appreciation for

talented is usually to be told

multi-national business. ”

you’re talented: not everyone keeps a level head.

Nick Hennigan, 23, who recently took part in the Finito bursary scheme, has had by any measure a difficult few years. His father took his own life at the start of the pandemic, leading to unthinkable grief and shock. But to talk to him you wouldn’t know it – and in fact he only mentions it towards the end of our conversation.

Hennigan has always had a broad range of interests, and was strong at school across the curriculum. “I always did quite well in maths subjects but then I also did biology and chemistry, as well as English and geography. I like to look at things intellectually and enjoy studying and working towards qualifications. I would say I am numerate but I am also good with my language and the written word.”

“As much as it is a completely

He says this without any air of

negative impact on anyone’s life –

boasting – he is stating the facts.

within my family it was a huge blow

Has this range of aptitudes made

to us all – I now see myself as my

it harder for him to choose a career

dad’s legacy. I want to go out there

path? “That was the observation

and do him proud and do the rest of

some of the Finito mentors would

my family proud,” he will say.

actually make once I joined the

What was his early life like? “I was born in Aberdeen and I’m very proud of my Scottish heritage. I went to a state comprehensive and after finishing

scheme,” he recalls. “They said because I excelled in different areas of business and subject areas, it was difficult to rule things out.”

secondary school, I went to join EY

But Hennigan was already standing

on a business apprenticeship, which

out from the crowd and an example

allows young school age children to

of this is his excellent thesis ‘Leading

join a Big Four firm, and train up as a

into the post-Covid 19 era’. This

chartered accountant.”

astonishingly mature piece of work

The experience was formative but in ways Hennigan might not have been expecting: it showed him vividly what he didn’t want to do. “I was in the audit division, and I didn’t find it personally or professionally stimulating,” he says simply.

But from there, Hennigan went on 15

has a foreword by ITV’s Chief Executive Officer Carolyn McCall DBE, who writes in the paper: “Nick’s research is considered and thought-provoking

Nick Hennigan

This wasn’t the only figure that Hennigan interviewed for the paper: “I would love to one day – hopefully – become a CEO – so that’s why I chose that topic,” Hennigan recalls. “I also interviewed EasyJet’s Johan Lundgren; as well as Simon Roberts of Sainsbury’s, and Paul MacDonald, the CEO of Avon Protection, and Mark Darkworth of Schroders Personal Wealth.”

I cannot imagine the result was ever in doubt, but Hennigan secured a first for his efforts. It is worth noting that Hennigan achieved all this despite scepticism about the ambition of his approach: “My supervisor said to me it wouldn’t be possible when I proposed it and that the CEOs wouldn’t give me the time of day. This spurred me on to go and prove her wrong: that’s part of my DNA – to overcome challenges.”

So how did Hennigan come into contact with Finito? “It happened early in 2023,” he recalls. “I have recently joined the shadow board of UMBRA International Group. Through my work there, I got to know the CEO Kate Bright well and she very kindly introduced me to Ronel Lehmann, the CEO of Finito Education.”

and very much chimes with what

Hennigan’s main point of contact

I have long believed, that personal

under the Bursary scheme was Claire

values and purpose play a pivotal role

Messer. “We got on really well, and

in the type of leader an individual will

she was great at preparing me for

become.”

interviews – as was Merrill Powell who

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

coached me in presentation, and

that I’ve got,” he tells me. “It’s very

experience of the mentor. What

made sure I put each point across

fast-paced and I have got a lot to

I think Hennigan has therefore –

succinctly and impactfully. Amanda

learn. It’s going to be a steep but

and I expect it to catapult him in

Brown did my LinkedIn training and

positive learning curve. The good

time to the front ranks of British

Sam Pearce did my headshots. But

thing is I am fully supported by not

and maybe global business – is

through all this, I had Ronel who was

only the banker that I am assisting

imaginative empathy. It is an ability

really my main mentor.”

but also the team and the other

to place himself in the shoes of

assistants that we have in the bank

others, and yet to retain his own

within the team. I am in the front

remarkable steel and determination

office and I think it’s an amazing

at the same time. It is the mark of

first job. I am not going to take it for

someone already functioning at

granted. I am going to work hard.”

an extremely high level. It will do

So what was Lehmann’s advice? “I had breakfast with him at a time when I had just had a few rejections and close calls, where I had got down to the final stages. Ronel told me I needed to think of three areas.

So we narrowed it down to PR and recruitment – but we also spoke about private banking.”

Hennigan was initially sceptical about this third possibility: “Given my experience with EY, I was wary about going back into finance, but private banking is very different to audit, even though it’s also underpinned by numbers. It also chimed as I have always said I want to be externalfacing and deal with clients.”

Once this strategy was deemed a major possibility, the stars began to align. Hennigan recalls: “Luckily enough, Kate Bright knows the Head of Marketing at EFG Private Bank in London and Ronel knew one of the MDs. I was able to meet

“IT’S THROUGH ADVERSITY THAT YOU END UP GOING ON AND DOING GREAT THINGS.” Of course, it is a tragedy that Hennigan’s father isn’t around to see what a remarkable young man his son is – and is still becoming. His will always be one of those stories which, despite his remarkable nature, will contain the wish that events had been otherwise. Never once in our conversation do I see any trace of the self-pity others might feel and which would be perfectly understandable.

no harm that he is charming, and equally skilled at numerical and linguistic tasks.

Usually, in an article like this, we like to thank the Bursary supporters who have helped the candidate in question. In this case, the donor has asked to remain anonymous, but has been happy to offer us these thoughts: “All it took was one brief telephone call from Ronel and I felt compelled to help. He was so emphatic in his enthusiasm for a newly presented applicant in whom he saw enormous potential but who had no possibility of funding. Ronel gave me the basic details and story, but was careful not to reveal too much. I did not wish for anything in return, simply the expectation

with both of them on the same

Hennigan says: “I suppose it’s

of hearing some good news in due

day back-to-back. The meetings

formed my outlook on life. It’s

course. And indeed there has been.

weren’t for a particular role but I

through adversity that you end

Nick will no doubt have a bright future

was able to explain my situation

up going on and doing great

and successful career, made possible

and set out my stall. They followed

things. Finito opens doors and it

by Finito’s mentoring and guidance.

up afterwards by saying there was a

encourages you – but it is down

Maybe one serendipitous telephone

potential role with us in a different

to the candidates themselves to

call really has changed a young life.”

team as an assistant banker. Again,

do well. If the candidate doesn’t

I had no experience in banking and

want to engage in the process

I made them very aware of that but

then they are not going to get out

they didn’t seem to think that was a

much. I think there is maybe a

problem: I got the job.”

misconception with Finito: people

Those are the four words we most enjoy hearing at Finito. When I speak to Hennigan, he has only

say they will just place you into a job. No, they will support you to get yourself into that job.”

This generosity is an example to us all, and Hennigan expresses to me the extent of his gratitude: “This person changed my life and I hope one day I get to meet and thank this person.” The donor should also know that to have supported Hennigan is to have backed an obvious winner.

been in position for two and a half

That’s something that mentors

I would say: “Watch this space” –

weeks, but his early impressions

observe on a daily basis – it’s not

but my suspicion is you won’t have

prove to be overwhelmingly

often, however, that a mentee

to look too hard to see the impact

positive: “I am enjoying the set-up

speaks so eloquently about the

Hennigan will go on to make.

16

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

I

MAX LIEBMANN n an age where almost everywhere we look we

Max Liebmann

hear lament about declining

standards, let’s consider some good news f rom the f ront lines of mentoring: it’s remarkable how intelligent the young are.

It’s hard to say this without sounding patronising, so it needs to be bound up with a couple of relativistic statements.

They are, seemingly without exception, more intelligent than I was at that age – and always know things I do not know. In short, there’s always two-way learning to be done, and I’d distrust any mentoring process that didn’t have this understanding as a sort of guiding principle.

We have the word ‘precocity’ for this and I think generally we can say today: the young are precocious. Whether this is because the Internet, with its moreish flow of information, has democratised intelligence, I don’t know. But one thing it def initely hasn’t democratised is the work ethic. That is now the rare

Liebmann came to the Finito

law to problems. I like the ever-

thing; to know what to do with

bursary scheme fully formed in

changing nature of the law which

intelligence.

certain crucial respects. He knew

keeps it exciting and intellectually

This last point is what sets Max

for instance that he wanted to

challenging.”

Liebmann apart. When I heard that a mature young man was

work hard and succeed. More than that, he had known f rom a

Sometimes an appetite for the law is a hereditary bequest, but

joining our Bursary scheme,

very young age that he wanted to

I initially underestimated the

be a lawyer. “I have known that I

extent to which that would be

wanted to become a lawyer since

true. This mandate would see

primary school,” he recalls. “I have

Finito help take Liebmann all

always enjoyed logical problems,

the way to Cambridge University

participating in Maths Olympiads

and in time, we hope to be part

during secondary school. I

of his journey beyond that point.

initially developed a passion for

It’s def initely an example of a

languages, taking both French

Liebmann attended Parmiter

story where the candidate’s initial

and German at A level. This logical

School in Watford and, as he

excellence was central to the

thinking I used to apply in maths

came to maturity, began to stand

mandate’s success.

evolved into a love of applying the

out. He was successfully elected

17

not in this instance. “My mum currently works as a teacher in primary school, helping less-able students. I am also very close to my grandparents, and they have had a signif icant influence in my life,” Liebmann explains.

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

Head Boy for the year 2021-2022:

So what were his impressions of

“I was incredibly fortunate to have

the bursary scheme? “I f irst came

been elected to that position.

across Finito during lockdown.

During my time as Head Boy, I

Finito was excellent, helping

represented the school at events,

me out in every way it possibly

sought to improve the school, and

could. I was given mentors, each

I organised prom.”

of whom helped me out with

This appointment gave Liebmann huge conf idence, and it reminds us how maturity can often lead to a higher grade of experience which deepens a maturity which was already far advanced.

Liebmann recalls: “Being Head

different things. I was advised how best to present myself to the business world, and Finito helped me set up a LinkedIn account.

Finito helped me practise my interview skills and develop my legal thinking.”

Boy strengthened my leadership,

LinkedIn training is all to do with

time-management, and public-

the way we present ourselves to

speaking abilities, and it

the world and is absolutely vital

showed me the importance of

at the outset of our careers; it

giving a voice to students f rom

might be the unglamorous side

underrepresented backgrounds.

of mentoring but that doesn’t

Working in a large and diverse

make it any less important. Clair

community to bring about

Marr, one of Finito’s experts,

change, I learned how to

recalls Liebmann’s mandate: “I

synthesise multiple standpoints

suggested that Liebmann think

to determine a common

about who he wants to be on

objective.”

LinkedIn as well as on other

“I WANT A CAREER WHERE I CAN CONSTANTLY LEARN NEW SKILLS AND FACE NEW CHALLENGES.” It was at this stage that the world beyond Parmiter began to loom, and Liebmann decided he would apply for Cambridge. At this hinge point, he was introduced to Finito, and assigned to our bursary scheme: “I try to make the most of every opportunity that I am

Finito bursary scheme.

Mitchell recalls: “We were delighted to be asked to support Max Liebmann to prepare for his Cambridge law interview.

Monica, Lumos Education’s tutor, worked with Liebmann for three sessions. Prior to the tutoring, she read through Liebmann’s UCAS personal statement. This helped her to understand the type of questions he might be asked, based on the specif ic f ields of law in which Liebmann was particularly interested.

Interviewers are almost certain to make reference to the applicant’s academic interests set out in their personal statement.”

And what else did Monica cover?

“Monica also discussed with Liebmann the law specialisms of the dons who were interviewing him, so Liebmann would be aware of their particular

social platforms. We looked at

stance and bias.” A successful

three other lawyer prof iles and

interviewing strategy was born.

considered what we could learn

Meanwhile, Bonas Macfarlane

f rom them, and also discussed keyword strategies.”

tutor Sam Williams went deep into the detail of how to impress

Liebmann was already

– even taking Liebmann deep

beginning to develop a strategy

into f irst principles. Williams

for posting content based

explained to Liebmann: “The

around keywords: ‘team player’,

law often works like grammar:

‘positive’ and ‘proactive’ –

the parties are like the subjects

words which, this writer can

and the objects in a sentence.

attest, do indeed encapsulate

The verb is the action that

Liebmann’s strengths. More

occurs between them. Other

broadly, what this approach

grammatical elements of the

shows, is that Finito was already

scenario will give you more

thinking beyond the entrance

information about the syntax and

examination to Liebmann’s

signif icance of that relationship.”

eventual career.

offered,” Liebmann recalls. “I want a

Meanwhile, it was necessary to

career where I can constantly learn

prepare an all-star prep team

new skills and face new challenges.

consisting of Lumos Education

I think it’s important that you do

and Bonas Macfarlane. This is

things that you enjoy in life. A

an opportunity to thank Lumos

career needs to be fulfilling, and I

Eduacation and Johanna Mitchell

find law really exciting.”

for their own sponsorship of the

“FINITO WAS EXCELLENT, HELPING ME OUT IN EVERY WAY IT POSSIBLY COULD.” 18

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

Sir Rupert Jackson

Another piece of advice should

academia, and also ‘to be alive to

resonate for all students

conferences where his supervisors

preparing for the highly

have spoken out big.” He was

demanding entrance interview:

also advised to be ‘current’ and,

“Be open to the tutor guiding

when it came to the question of

you to reconsider and ref rame

immigration law, for instance,

your position. They are looking

to be in contact with vulnerable

for intellectual exibility and

communities.

teachability.”

This f irst session with this mentor

Not wanting to leave anything

would clearly bring out the best in

to chance, Liebmann was

Liebmann. As the sessions went

also hooked up with a former

by, our mentor became more

Cambridge alumnus who has

and more impressed by his pupil,

had a gilded career in politics.

culminating in this assessment:

This mentor has asked to remain

“Max aspires to serve society

nameless, but his initial sense

as a barrister, to ask questions

of Liebmann is worth quoting in

of the law and appreciate

full: “Max is up for the intellectual

human circumstances. Being

journey which is needed to get

f rom a single parent household

into Oxbridge. He has set his

on f ree school meals, Max is

ambitions at the highest level

acutely aware of sensitivities

when it comes to any arts degree

and vulnerabilities. He knows

report is admirably specific and

in this country.

what makes people human. As

shows how thorough Liebmann’s

“Without help he is looking at a

such he has become a leader

interview prep had become. At

one in eight chance of getting in

one point, Williams wisely urges:

- but with help can get to a one

“Don't hedge: you do not generally

in two or three chance. He has

need to give a yes no/answer, but

no doubt got command of his

your discussion of the principles

school subjects and leadership -

followers, he leads to create

needs to be confident. Try to avoid

but lacks the extra yard needed

leaders - of their own choices

"possibly"/"might be argued that"/,

in that his application has no

and of society. With his breadth

depending on the circumstances"

evidence of entrepreneurial or

he has the potential to be at the

type-answers. If you are using the

world-leading academic courage.

vanguard of the legal profession.

word "depends", do so sparingly and

It’s not expected to be world-

He was exceptional today - had a

to refer to precise circumstances.”

leading in standards, but his

huge range of societal awareness

paperwork should be screaming

and his subject in great shape. He

that he’s fearless while being

has all the information to write his

modest and that this man is not

statement.”

just going go nail his degree but

It was time for the interview

Liebmann was also advised by Williams to ‘focus squarely on the question asked; try not to introduce extraneous or abstruse counterfactuals. Ask your interviewer if you need clarification on the facts of the scenario to develop your answer.”

The advice throughout the

“BE OPEN TO THE TUTOR GUIDING YOU TO RECONSIDER AND REFRAME YOUR POSITION. THEY ARE LOOKING FOR INTELLECTUAL EXIBILITY AND TEACHABILITY.” 19

will take St John’s around the world in reputation.”

through understanding people, commanding the respect of his entire school to become Head Boy. He doesn’t lead to gain

itself: the big day. So how did that go? The day after the interview,

Our former Cambridge mentor

Liebmann spoke with Lumos

began identifying weaknesses:

Education’s founder, Johanna

he was intent on stress-testing

Mitchell. “He said that he felt

Liebmann’s candidacy. He recalls:

that the interview hadn’t gone

“When asked why he wanted

well at all and that, the more he

to go to St. John’s he replied

reflected on it, the more he felt

that the squash court is a major

his answers should have been

attraction for him. He won’t get

better,” Mitchell recalls. “Knowing

close with this.” The mentor

Max’s considerable capabilities,

advised Liebmann to lead with

and how daunting Cambridge

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

interviews can be, I wasn’t

Stuart Dench

convinced that the interview had gone badly. I reassured Max that he had probably done better than his own assessment of the situation led him to believe.”

And Liebmann’s own recollections? “The entrance exam went quite well, and I was not particularly nervous about it.

I took the Cambridge Law Test, which meant that I had to write a legal essay in an hour. I was more worried about the admissions interviews, and Finito really helped me with that. I had many mock interviews, but even that did not change my sense of doubt afterwards.”

“WHEN ASKED WHY HE WANTED TO GO TO ST. JOHN’S HE REPLIED THAT THE SQUASH COURT IS A MAJOR ATTRACTION FOR HIM. HE WON’T GET CLOSE WITH THIS.” In the end, Liebmann’s fears

So to fast forward to the present

he has shone and impressed

time, what has the course been

senior partners.

like? “I cannot lie – the course is really intense. The short terms

All this would have been

in Cambridge mean that term

impossible without the support

time is hectic and the workload is

of The Stewarts Foundation. This

heavy,” Liebmann says. “I haven’t

began as a result of the support

had the option to properly explore

of the outgoing managing

the law yet, since I could not choose which modules I studied in my f irst year. Nevertheless, it is manageable and can be a lot of

partner John Cahill who has said: “In a perfect world comprehensive career guidance would be

fun. I am lucky to have made so

available to all regardless of

place to read law at Sidney Sussex

many f riends at Sidney.”

their background. The Stewarts

College. “I couldn’t believe it,”

Meanwhile, Liebmann has

Foundation is delighted to

recalls Liebmann. “The f irst thing

continued to benef it f rom the

support the important work of

I did was get someone else to

Finito bursary scheme. Liebmann

Finito via its bursary scheme.”

verify that I had actually read the

has been connected with people

email correctly! I then called my

We are thrilled that this support

at the highest levels of law – most

family and celebrated with my

notably with Sir Rupert Jackson.

is now continuing under the

f riends. The offer day was full of

Liebmann now also has work

mixed emotions; it was diff icult in

experience over the summer with

school, since many people were

Carter-Ruck – again through the

Liebmann as he continues his

sad about the outcome of their

bursary scheme. We are delighted

journey, and report back on

application.”

to report that in this environment

developments.

were misplaced: he was offered a

leadership of Stuart Dench.

We will continue to support

20

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

SUCCESS STORY Q&A

MAX LIEBMANN

Congratulations on your training

What was the most challenging

this set the interview on a good

contract with Slaughter and

part of the application process,

footing.

May. How did it feel to receive

and how did you overcome it?

the offer, and what was the first thing you did after finding out?

The hardest part of the application process was the written

Max Liebmann

Looking back, how do you think your time with Finito helped you

Obviously, it was a great feeling.

assessment, mainly because I am

I knew that my interview had

incredibly slow at typing, and it

gone well, but I wasn’t expecting

seemed that Slaughter and May

Finito ensured that I felt confident

anything.

were expecting quite a lot in a

for my interview. I had a mock

short period of time.

interview with my mentor, and

The first thing I did after receiving the phone call was to call my

I made a joke about this at the

family and friends to let them

start of my interview (as well as

know the good news.

some other jokes), and I think

21

in securing this role?

Finito helped me with a mock written assessment.

Finito was also valuable for

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

holding me to account and

I am excited to be working on

ensuring that I made some

some big deals. I have spent a lot

progress on my applications and

of time learning the law, and it will

preparations.

be great to finally be able to put

Finito also helped me get into the correct mindset.

this into practice.

I think their multi-specialist approach will really suit me, since it will keep me excited and always

Was there a particular piece of

learning new areas/bits of law.

advice or support you received from your Finito mentor that stayed with you during the process?

Term time at Cambridge is relentless, and I had little time to progress with my applications and preparations without falling behind on university work. Tom Pauk appreciated this and never pressured me during term time. In one session, however, he asked me what I wanted from my degree.

“FROM THEN ON, I SPENT MORE TIME ON APPLICATIONS, AND THIS ULTIMATELY LED TO MY TRAINING CONTRACT.” I told him that (among other

“I THINK THEIR MULTI-SPECIALIST APPROACH WILL REALLY SUIT ME, SINCE IT WILL KEEP ME EXCITED AND ALWAYS LEARNING.” Have your long-term career goals shifted or evolved since we last spoke? If so, how?

Not really – I am still looking to

“TRY AND LEARN FROM YOUR REJECTIONS, AND COME BACK EVEN HARDER.”

become a solicitor and will see where that takes me (whether that be remaining a solicitor or becoming a barrister or a politician).

Don’t give up – it’s easy to feel disheartened when you receive rejections, but that is just part of the process. Try and learn from your rejections, and come back

What advice would you give

even harder.

to other students or graduates hoping to follow a similar path?

Finally, what does success mean

things) I wanted a training

Use the application process and all

contract afterwards. He then told

your interactions with a firm as a

me that I needed to put things

way of seeing whether the firm fits

into perspective and spend

for you. For example, I particularly

It’s great to have a training

more time on applications and

liked the fact that Slaughter and

preparations and then catch up

May had a simple two-stage

contract as I leave university – I

on university work when I had

process, which involved only a

the chance. From then on, I spent

cover letter and an interview.

more time on applications, and

This gave me the impression

this ultimately led to my training

that Slaughter and May truly

I am very excited to be starting

contract.

valued my time. I was less fond

my SQE this September and look

of the other firms which required

forward to starting at Slaughter

several application questions,

to you at this stage of your career?

feel very privileged, since the job market (in particular for law) is very competitive.

and May in September 2026.

Slaughter and May is known for

psychometric tests, and multiple

its unique approach to training.

stages of interviews, since I did

Max would like to thank The

What excites you most about

not get the impression that they

Stewarts Foundation for its

starting there?

valued my time.

generous support of his journey.

22

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

FROM UKRAINE TO LONDON: THE STORY OF VALERIA MITUREVA Valeria Mitureva

Kate Bright

V

ery often mentoring can

which, taken together, move

f rom the daily drama of news

deal with minutiae – the

a job hunter into the category

headlines. But everything we

creation of a LinkedIn

of employee. These things are

do in this life has a historical

profile, the process of CV-

very important, of course, but

context; we can’t escape history

writing, and all the small steps

they can seem to be a long way

even if we’d sometimes like to.

23

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

This truth was brought home

“THE SUPPORT WHICH OUR BURSARY SCHEME HAS GIVEN TO VALERIA WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT THE GENEROSITY OF ONE DONOR IN

Dr Selva Pankaj

upend so many lives, including

stories – and, of course, I was

would indeed be granted. But

Valeria’s.

shocked in a good way by the

initially, she decided that it would

Valeria recalls the terrible ructions

to us at Finito by the arrival on our bursary scheme of Ukrainian refugee Valeria Mitureva. Valeria grew up in eastern Ukraine and says of her upbringing: “I grew up as a curious child. From early childhood I was interested in books, other countries and cultures. At school everything was interesting, so in my youth I was faced with the fact that it is very difficult to choose one thing and move in that direction.”

Valeria’s instinct was towards broad enquiry and international travel, and in ways which she couldn’t then predict, these wishes

be better to specialise. “I decided to enrol in a technical specialty

which took place a year ago. “I did not plan to move: everything

incredible support of the British people. You have a beautiful country and incredible people.”

at the university – technical

happened very tragically and

information security systems,”

When Valeria refers to her British

quickly. A full-scale invasion of

she recalls. Characteristically, she

family, she is referring to the

the Russian Federation into the

didn’t leave it there. “I additionally

family of Amy le Coz, the founder

territory of Ukraine began in

studied French and English in

of Digital Media Services, who

February 2022. We call it full-

my free time,” she recalls. This

immediately took to Valeria’s

scale, because in 2014 the Russian

latter decision would prove useful,

infectious and optimistic spirit. “In

Federation already occupied part

again in ways she couldn’t have

those first few weeks when she

of the Eastern region of Ukraine,

imagined at the time.

lived with us, my husband and I

where I grew up, and where my

were immediately very impressed

So what happened after

home is. Therefore, for my family,

and delighted with her work ethic

university? “I accidentally got into

this is already the second war.”

IT in the sales field while finishing

Valeria was proactive during that

my bachelor's degree,” she recalls.

terrible spring. “I read about the

“But I was still ready to explore

Homes for Ukraine programme

the world and decided to change

and decided to apply. I contacted

profoundly moved by all that she

my career to the design sphere,

my future sponsors (my British

had had to endure and at such a

and I am glad to have been doing

family!), packed my suitcase and

young age.”

it for four years now and I see

all that was left of my courage and

incredible opportunities for my

landed in Heathrow on April 30th.”

By good fortune, Le Coz met

development,” she says cheerfully.

and proactive attitude both for her job for her Ukrainian employer, as well as around the house,” Le Coz recalls. “We were both also

Finito Education Chief Executive

It is impossible to imagine her

Ronel Lehmann at The Spring

All this might have proceeded

emotions on being forced to leave

Lunch which raises money for

upon the expected track, and

her homeland and making the

Conservative Marginal Seats

Mitureva would have continued

leap into the unknown. So what

and Women2Win soon after

her progress towards a design

were Valeria’s initial impressions

Valeria’s arrival in the country.

career within Ukraine. But, as

of the UK? “It felt as if it was my

Valeria recalls: “My sponsor

the world knows, Vladimir Putin

second home. The culture is

met Ronel at the event, who

was gearing up for his 2022

familiar through books, films,

explained to him that they were

illegal invasion of Ukraine – that

music. It’s also a very f riendly

hosting a Ukrainian woman

appalling violation which would

and open people, with incredible

and he immediately offered his 24

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

experienced and should have been

Robin Rose

competing for jobs in the £3040K bracket. She had, however, an understandable confidence issue with this approach.”

This meant that Valeria needed confidence training: “She needed to re-establish her belief in her own abilities. We needed to set up exploratory meetings with people working in the industry so that she could see how she would be of value. I thought that this activity in itself might lead to opportunities.”

Rose also suggested that the pair conduct web research to identify

help. I was impressed with the

design at a level which matched

at least four organisations she’d

approach, professionalism and,

her experience and which would

like to work with.

most importantly, the structure

provide sufficient income for her

of the organisation. Finito has a

to fund an independent lifestyle,”

huge team of mentors with a wide

he recalls.

variety of expertise. It was indeed like a guiding light for me at that time.”

But there were initial headwinds, partly due to the uniqueness of Valeria’s situation. “Valeria had had

Le Coz recalls that Valeria was

a good education and relevant

“buzzing with excitement” upon

training throughout her career

hearing of the opportunity – and it

in Ukraine. She is personable

was certainly one which she took

and speaks good English,”

with both hands.

Rose continues. “However,

Valeria worked mainly with three mentors: “I worked with Robin Rose, Claire Messer, and Kate King. I’m grateful for their support, ideas and that they let me work it out myself, rather than tell me exactly what to do. Sometimes we would discuss my hobbies – so, for example, Robin gave me links to

recruiters and HR people were unlikely properly to appreciate her potential f rom just seeing her CV when evaluating her documentation against other

approaches, and provided her with a list of London-based creative agencies. Meanwhile, Valeria was also paired with another Finito mentor Claire Messer, who worked with her in August 2022, casting an experienced eye over her CV.

entry level. She had sent off over

that recruiters look at CVs for an

50 applications and had had just

average of six seconds, and so

one video interview.”

it was important to make sure

for a person who had just moved

and made the following

to a new country.”

assessment: “This scattergun

also got down to work.

Valeria to make more targeted

Messer says: “I explained to Valeria

Rose looked hard at the situation,

a kind of friendship. But the pair

In time, Rose worked closely with

candidates particularly at junior or

music events, which was helpful

Mentorship is sometimes really

“SHE NEEDED TO RE-ESTABLISH HER BELIEF IN HER OWN ABILITIES.”

approach was unlikely to return any result for the time invested and continuous rejection was likely to sap her confidence even

we had complete clarification over what kind of visa Valeria had obtained, right down to the number of hours a week which she was able to work. I also worked on clarifying the CV, and making sure that her work experience was tailored to the companies she was

Initially, Rose held two Zoom

further.” Rose saw that the starter

meetings in order to get himself

salary jobs in the sector – typically

up-to-speed on Valeria’s situation,

around £20,000 per annum -

Valeria was beginning to realise

and began to carve out a plan.

weren’t a fair reflection of Valeria’s

that she didn’t want to work for a

“We needed a workable strategy

experience in Ukraine: “I felt

large company but for a smaller

to find her a role in web or graphic

that Valeria was, in reality, better

graphic design or creative agency.

25

applying to.”

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

Claire explained to Valeria the valued of LinkedIn Premium,

Claire Messer

and showed her mentee how direct messaging of creative agency owners might be to her advantage: “I suggested that messaging owners and CEOs might have traction,” Messer recalls. “This is because some smaller agencies tend not to use recruitment companies as the fees are too high for them. I told Valeria they tend to work by word-ofmouth referrals.”

In time, Valeria was put in contact with another Finito mentor Kate King, and this led to her first interview. “She felt that the interview went well but that the actual role was outside her technical skill,” King recalls: “It was a great practice interview and helped her to increase her confidence.”

involved in most of the projects the

about overcoming adversity. I felt

“I’M CURRENTLY WORKING AS A GRAPHIC DESIGNER AT A COMPANY CALLED SPARK.”

studio creates. I simply love what

that it resonated with Valeria who is

I’m doing now as there are a lot of

simply inspirational”.

Her confidence had in fact been transformed and Valeria was then well-prepared when she had the interview with the design studio where she now works, as she had

training opportunities and a lot of challenges.”

have been impossible without

now? “The main task is to keep

the generosity of one donor in

enjoying my job and do everything

particular.

possible for it. I want to be a worthy professional and to be proud of my projects. For now I’m concentrating on feeling more confident in my role in the UK, studying the culture, the people and concentrating on developing as a designer.”

working as a graphic designer at a

For Ronel Lehmann, Chief Executive

“I mostly do packaging design but also I do some motion graphics and am learning to use new software as well.”

scheme has given to Valeria would

So how does Valeria see her future

hoped she would: “I’m currently company called Spark,” she tells us.

The support which our bursary

of Finito Education, this has been an important mandate: “I myself finally got to meet Valeria in person at a Women2Win Business Club dinner in Fenwick of Bond Street.

We would like to thank Dr Selva Pankaj, the CEO of Regent Group, who says: “As CEO of a UK education group, I fully appreciate how difficult it can be to take those first steps onto the career ladder, especially in the volatile landscape during and after the pandemic. Hopefully, by supporting this initiative, we can help more individuals find the path that is right for them.”

Most of all, she feels part of a team.

The guest speakers were Gillian

That’s certainly the case with

“I am participating in design studio

Keegan MP, who was at the time

Valeria, who now has a bright future

brainstorms and I learn from my

Minister for Care and Mental Health

ahead of her. We will continue to

experienced colleagues how to

and Virginia Crosbie MP. It was

help her in her career journey and

deal with nontypical issues. I am

particularly apt to be able to listen

report back in these pages on any

happy to have the opportunity to be

to two Parliamentarians speak

developments.

26

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

JOSEPH MCDONALD

A

t Finito, we are sometimes

At Finito, not all we do is aimed at

McDonald is one of our mentees

asked why it is that

those punch-the-air moments: the

on the outstandingly successful

one-to-one mentoring

place secured at a top university,

Bursary Scheme, which we

works: one possible answer is

the new job, the promotion. These

continue to conduct in partnership

that people are complex. During

are rewarding, of course, but

with the Landau Forte Academy.

our lives – and especially our

they’re very far from the whole

Finito mentor Andy Inman, who

early lives – experience can often

story.

was instrumental in setting up this

feel Things come Josephbewildering.

McDonald

More typically, mentoring is full

at us fast, and contradictory

impressions are arrived at. Soon the world can seem insoluble.

of small wins – it can open up onto a world of quiet reward, and

arm of the bursary, remembers his first impressions of Joseph when he was introduced to us.

subtle attainments. Sometimes

“Joseph is, by his own admission,

when you look back at the road

not particularly social. He doesn’t

travelled, you can be surprised by

like groups and crowds, and has

how far you came by small steps.

very little home support to speak

But it usually happens that in

of. The important thing to realise

these more mundane things might

when you have a candidate like

be contained the seeds of some

that, is that small tasks become big

important revelation.

things.”

of luck to establish the right kind

All these factors are present in

When Joseph joined our

of mentor-mentee relationship.

the fascinating story of Joseph

programme, he was about to leave

This means that students often

McDonald, a Bursary candidate

to take a computer science degree

need to try several mentors before

of whom we at Finito World are

at Lancaster University; he was

discovering the right one.

proud.

already in a state of anxiety about

There is no better way of tackling all this than the concerned help of a mentor. At Finito we take it a step further and make sure that our candidates have the benefit of numerous mentors: the reality is that it takes time and a degree

27

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

what life would be like for him. “I was

But Stevenson also never lost sight

nervous about making friends and

of the difficulty for Joseph: “Going

finding the right friendship group

to university is a major transition

when I first came to university,” he

in a young person’s life and is all

tells us. “This is something that I

the more difficult coming out of

struggled with in the past at school.

a pandemic - especially when you

It was definitely my number one

are a neuro-diverse person, as

priority upon arrival.”

the world is not always set up for

Inman decided that Joseph required a caring, nurturing

people who are not neurotypical,” she continues.

mentor and he couldn’t have made

Stevenson gives us her first

a better selection in this than Coco

impressions of Joseph: “My mentee

Stevenson. “I knew that Coco would

was not especially confident in

look after him,” Inman recalls.

the months leading up to moving

“What was required might sound

to university and there were a

insignificant but they were not to

number of worries and concerns.”

Joseph: we’re talking about things like packing lists, and so forth – all the pre-university tasks which you have to do before the leap to university. ”

Difficulties of this kind must be tackled head-on, and together, Coco and Joseph began to explore the issues: “Working regularly together, we were

Inman’s remarks are a reminder

able to ‘workshop’ issues, come

that as we go on in life, we typically

up with strategies and plan

come to know the world and

for eventualities,” she recalls.

forget what it was like not to be

“Planning and strategising helped

sure about things we later come to

enormously in accomplishing

regard as obvious. Inman recalls:

tasks and not being derailed by

“It was mentoring at its most

unforeseen things.”

granular, in a way – all about the detail. How would Joseph get to university? How would he make applications for student loans?

Where would he shop for a duvet and for cutlery?”

Coco Stevenson

Stevenson used her experience of

“INMAN DECIDED THAT JOSEPH REQUIRED A CARING, NURTURING MENTOR AND HE COULDN’T HAVE MADE A BETTER SELECTION IN THIS THAN COCO STEVENSON.”

university life to begin to create a plan for Joseph. Joseph now recalls this fondly: “We discussed the kind of activities I could get up to, including the structure of

continue attending. This was how I became part of the Sober Society, and I am so grateful to Coco for this.”

But what Joseph most feared

academic events and the social

was Fresher’s week. “Most people

events I could engage with outside

Gradually, Joseph began to feel

would love that, but for Joseph

of my studies. Coco encouraged

confident, oriented in his new

it’s really the antithesis of what

me to convert my ideas of

location, and in time able to feel at

he enjoys – so he had to be talked

involvement into a more solid plan

home. Stevenson looks back with

through that.”

that helped me find my grounding

satisfaction at the way in which

as I began living away from home

Joseph’s sense of self developed

for the first time.”

in those early months at Lancaster

with Joseph. She tells us she was

Soon the pair of them had alighted

University: “Each small step led

mindful of the magnitude of

on a strategy: “Coco explained

Joseph’s achievement in getting

that societies are fundamental

to university at all: “Joseph is the

to finding people with similar

satisfaction. My mentee went

first in his family to go to university

interests and a great place to

from unsure and nervous to

and we should remember that

make friends. She advised me on

confident, assured and assuming

Lancaster University has one of the

how many societies to attend, and

various leadership roles, as well

best Computer Science courses in

how to approach the problem of

as achieving academic and social

the UK,” she tells us.

deciding which societies I would

success.”

Stevenson stepped up and in time developed a profound relationship

to successes which in turn led to increased confidence and

28

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

other roles. It was suggested by a

an incident at the university, an

friend of mine that I should apply

altercation in which a door handle

for treasurer. I was uncertain of

was accidentally snapped, when

this since I was concerned it would

Joseph reacted to something a

create more work than I would be

fellow student had said about his

able to handle at this early stage of

girlfriend. Joseph wasn’t at fault

my university life.”

– indeed had shown admirable

By this point the mentor-mentee relationship was far advanced.

“Upon a call to Coco, I was

Simon Blagden CBE

One of the core principles of Finito’s mentoring is that we want to be there for the long haul for our candidates. Coco and Joseph remained in touch as Joseph settled in, and Joseph still talks today of how the checklists and preparation that they made together helped him focus on his lecture content.

The opportunity to join the Sober Society came up by chance, Joseph remembers: “The Sober Society isn’t a recovery programme and does not require you to never drink alcohol but provides a safe space for non-drinkers to have fun and an alternative for those taking a break from alcohol. I was enjoying participating in the events the Society had put on such as game and film nights.”

By regular attendance, Joseph soon discovered another opportunity: “It was announced at one of the events that the Society would soon be holding its annual hustings for the executive positions in the society,” he recalls. “As a new society formed only in that October

judgement – but the situation sadly rattled him and he decided to take a break from university.

reminded of the advantages of

It was at this point that Finito

holding such a position. Such

deepened its involvement still

positions are seen positively by

further, as Coco voiced concerns

future employers as leadership,

with the Finito management about

commitment, and initiative. As one

Joseph’s mental health. Mental

of the two candidates up for the

health has been a core aspect

position, I won the vote.”

of Finito World and we sought

Joseph’s tenure as treasurer of the Sober Society was a huge success.

He presided over a period of expansion: “By the end of the first

immediately to have him assessed

by Paul Flynn, the brilliant CEO of leading mental health organisation AddCounsel.

term, we had over 150 members.

Flynn explains: “When I spoke with

This meant we were already one

Joseph he was on antidepressants,

of the larger societies on campus.

and my sense was that he had

Issues surrounding alcohol are

better support from Lancaster

close to our hearts within the

University than people usually get

executive, so we were ecstatic at

in these situations.”

our success.”

Flynn then relayed his advice to us:

And this success in turn began

“One of the challenges Joseph has

to be noticed: “After the end of

is around resiliency: whether that

the 2021-2022 academic year,

links back to the way he’s wired up

our president was contacted

or not, it’s something that needs to

via our Instagram account by

be looked at. If it isn’t taken care of,

student blog Student Beans. They

then it will resurface. A very good

were interested in the values of

CBT-based therapist should be able

our society and studying Sober

to support but so could a coach

Societies across the country. This

with expert knowledge of resilience

was representative of our success.”

skills.”

Joseph began to create plans for

Before setting this up, we asked

the future of the Sober Society

about Joseph’s desire. “When you

and for his own future, even

get a coach you’ve got to be sure

planning a collaboration with other

there’s that level of desire, and a

sober societies at Manchester

wish to sort out a situation. I think

Metropolitan University, with trips

that’s there or he wouldn’t have

scheduled to destinations such as

gone on the phone with me. But

Edinburgh. In addition to this he

his plan is to go back home, and

also got a girlfriend.

there’s no real work plan. He needs structure.”

of 2021, there were only two full-

But this is where the story shifts:

time members of the executive, so

unfortunately towards the end

Enter Finito mentor Talan Skeels-

they were looking for more to fulfil

of his first year Joseph got into

Piggins, who is ideally placed

29

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

to help students in this kind of

others and makes a difference

situation. Skeels-Piggins’ story is

in the world. He admits he is not

unique and makes him an ideal

interested in computers and would

fit for Joseph. Having been a PE

not want to get a job related to

teacher Skeels-Piggins suffered a

computers once out of Uni. When

terrible setback when he lost the

we were talking about litter-

use of his legs in a car accident.

picking, pond cleaning projects

This, however, was the prelude

and other ecology-based activities

to an astonishing display of

he had done in the past he began

fortitude, and he has gone on to

to show interest and smiled whilst

be a Paralympian Olympic gold

reflecting about the events.”

medalist in both motorcycling and skiing. He recently published a book The Little Person Inside which describes his extraordinary life.

Joseph therefore has a momentous decision ahead of him: whether to return to university or whether to choose another path altogether

Skeels-Piggins has been able to

and look for a future related to the

find meaning in a situation which

environment or sustainability.

would have defeated many others, and he seemed an ideal mentor for someone like Joseph struggling

When such things are at stake, it’s our experience at Finito that people

Dinesh Dhamija

been matched to Joseph’s needs.

will struggle to make a choice when

In the first place, we would like to

they don’t have enough information

thank, Simon Blagden, CBE, Chair

This means that Joseph has

at their fingertips. At such crucial

of Building Digital UK and former

now embarked on a second

moments, it can never be a bad

Chair of Fujitsu UK. Blagden says: “I

mentor-mentee relationship,

thing – and will almost always be

served the Government’s advisory

following on from his continuing

a good thing – to look for more

panel reviewing the future of

association with Coco. Skeels-

information about what might work

technical education. During the two

Piggins has begun to deepen his

best.

year process we met with hundreds

with mental health issues.

understanding of what Joseph actually wants, and been able to uncover too that some of the origins of his difficulties came during the pandemic when he spent less time in school than he would have liked.

Joseph’s stated interest in the environment and climate change caused us to think about people in our network who might be of use to Joseph and we approached the former Green Party leader Natalie

of young people all over the country. I am delighted to support the work of Finito. The valuable work which you do strongly resonates with both students and their parents.”

Bennett to ask if she would be

Secondly we would like thank

In terms of the future Skeels-

prepared to take a call with Joseph

Dinesh Dhamija, who says: “I

Piggins’ sense of Joseph’s outlook

to take him through the options.

have been helping entrepreneurs

has crystallised during their

She very generously assented and

through coaching and mentoring

sessions: “He needs to realise that

though the call will take place after

over the past 17 years. Finito’s focus

he is enough by being Joseph, and

this magazine has gone to press it

on young people is admirable and

not having to prove himself to be

is a measure of how far Joseph has

I am proud to join their group in

loved. This leads him onto the issue

come that the boy who was worried

support. My own expertise is in the

of not knowing what he needs to

about fresher’s week is soon to

fast growing online Business to

do for his future as he is only doing

talk to the former leader of a major

Consumer sector, and the green

the current course because he felt

political party. Joseph should be

energy solar and hydrogen fields.”

pressure to go to Uni in order to

proud of that.

We hope to use this expertise in

please parents.”

Joseph’s story is evolving all

future when it comes to Joseph’s story.

After a later session, this began to

the time, but the support so

deepen: “Joseph is not interested

far provided him would have

Joseph has already come a long

in the corporate world but wants

been impossible without the

way. The way ahead isn’t clear, but

to do something; tangible, real,

commitment of two Bursary donors

is becoming clearer all the time.

that you can see, be proud of, helps

in particular, whose generosity has

What’s certain is that we stand 30

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

A

TUSHAR KUMAR

s I sat in the carriage of the train watching the Midlands countryside go

by, I couldn’t believe how excited I was about my future. I had just spent the day having lunch as the guest of Finito Education in a private members’ club in London.

Only a few months before, I could remember being anxious and worried about how my future would turn out.

A year or so earlier I had been working hard at school. My A-levels of Biology, Physics and Chemistry were aimed at getting me into a career in medicine, but for numerous reasons that turned out not to be the case. As a student at the Landau Forte College in Derby I, along with a small handful of other Upper Sixth Form students, were asked to attend a briefing on Finito Education. It was there I met Andy Inman, one of the mentors from Finito. He was there to describe the service that they give in mentoring and networking on behalf of their clients and mentees. Normal clients of Finito have to pay for this significant advantage in life, and here we were in an inner-city school in central Derby being offered the opportunity to become the first bursary mentees of Finito.

Tushar Kumar

because of distractions that I was

introduce me to, and even more so

facing at home I didn’t make the

by the time and effort that those I

most of them. Sadly, one of my

was introduced to were willing to

A-level grades meant that my

spend on helping me.

aspirations for a career in Medicine were not going to happen, and floundering around a little I grasped the idea of becoming a pilot.

Finito works with a broad network of mentors, and because of my pilot

“FINITO TOOK TIME TO WORK OUT WHAT WAS MAKING ME TICK.”

career suggestion I was handed back to Andy Inman who had

It was at this point that I really

briefed me and several of my school

started to lose hope about what

friends a few months beforehand.

the future might hold for me. A

He had 30 years’ experience as a

serious medical condition as well as

military pilot, and over the course of

family disruption at home meant

several Zoom sessions he opened

that I dropped out and stopped

my eyes to the possibilities of becoming a pilot while also being

returning the calls from Andy. I remember the last message from

Knowing that it would be daft

realistic about the harsh realities

not to take the opportunity, I

involved in getting there, both

volunteered along with a number

financially and in how long it would

of my school friends and was later

need my concerted effort. He

introduced to my first business

introduced me to several people,

mentor Robin Rose. He had been

from the Senior Instructor at a local

mentoring for many years, and he

airfield to newly qualified pilots

After a few months my home life

was very patient and kind while

working towards airline jobs. He

became more stable and I decided

taking me through regular Zoom

also put me in touch with the head

it was important to re-engage with

video call sessions explaining how

of the Royal Air Force pilot training

Finito, so I contacted Andy and

recruitment would work as I left

system at RAF Brize Norton. I was

asked if it would be possible to

education. Robin set up a number

amazed at the breadth of the

start afresh. It was clear from his

of opportunities for me. However,

network that Finito was able to

response that he was delighted I

31

him via WhatsApp saying he would give me some space for now, but the door would always remain open for getting back into the mentor scheme.

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

certainly was; there were so many

expense - something that would

rooms it was like a maze, all with

never be possible without Finito.

separate personalities and themes.

I met Christopher in a lounge room near the garden. My hands were sweating, knowing this was another massive opportunity to gain knowledge and experience. We chose to start with lunch but only after he showed me around some of the different rooms. I remember walking into a room that looked was coming back to the fold, and we started regular chats about how to progress things while I was applying to go to Nottingham University later in the coming year.

Finito took time to work out what was making me tick. It was clear that I had an entrepreneurial spirit a couple of years earlier I had made a successful business from selling sneakers online. I had a strong work ethic and Andy dug down into what I enjoyed, where my skills lay, and how that would fit into a future working career. I was shown how to craft emails to companies, how to conduct myself in an interview and how to best come across in a telephone call.

At the same time, the wider Finito system kicked into action. I was introduced to a professional CV writer who helped me craft the most amazing CV, and I was invited to London to have my photo taken by a professional photographer to put on that CV, all as part of the bursary scheme.

like a church hall, another that was warm with colours and paintings,

It was from that meeting that Christopher approached a contact within his network, Daniel Whomes, the Chairman of the Oyster Partnership, who organised an interview for me to join the company for some work experience in the Summer. Recruitment wasn’t a career that I knew anything about, but it was the experience and wider knowledge of the

and the corridors were narrow and

Finito mentors that married my

brimming with art.

salesmanship, entrepreneurial desires and my hard work ethic to

“I WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL TO THE STEWARTS FOUNDATION, AND IN PARTICULAR ITS CHAIRMAN JOHN CAHILL.”

the idea of becoming a recruitment consultant. Having just had the interview I’m delighted to report that I will be spending time with that company soon. The opportunities that I know this work experience will bring would not have been available to me without the help of the Finito Bursary scheme, and I will be

Everything was out of my norm – a peaceful professional environment that was not like anything I had experienced in my normal life in Derby. We arrived at the restaurant, a hall again adorned with art with polite guests and staff. Christopher asked me about my interests and where I see myself going with Finito. I was interested in his story too, and I learned about his experiences and work. After lunch

forever grateful to The Stewarts Foundation, and in particular its Chairman John Cahill, for their financial contribution towards my work journey. I’m excited for what the future holds for me and will always know, wherever life takes me, that I received a life-changing opportunity just when I most needed it.

John Cahill

Christopher walked me through the bustling streets of Central London back to the station. The weather

As part of that visit I was invited to

was perfect, and as we walked and

lunch with Christopher Jackson,

discussed more deeply each other’s

News Director at Finito, at the

stories, Christopher was drafting

House of St Barnabas. The private

ideas in his head for experience

members’ club is invested in

placements for me. That day was

creating a fair and equal society,

more than just a trip to take photos.

but I was still nervous as I arrived.

I was generously given the chance

I remember looking at the door

to see London, learn so many new

and thinking it was like something

things and create contacts with

from Harry Potter. The interior

two lovely people at no personal 32

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

LUELA FIGUEIRA

Luela Figueira

33

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

S

ome people carry the future inside them like a flame. It doesn’t flicker,

though the wind may blow. It holds steady—even when the next step isn’t yet clear. When we first met Luela Figueira, she was already on fire.

with public purpose.

Later, that passion led her to law.

She moved to the UK, studying at The University of Buckingham.

Her results were stellar: FirstClass in her LLB, a Distinction in her LLM in International and Commercial Law, and awards for

A First-Class law graduate, a live

top performance in nearly every

TV host by 17, and a young woman

module.

raised in Guyana now navigating

And yet: even with such

Britain’s job market under the ticking clock of a graduate visa, Luela had everything—talent, drive, voice. And yet, like so many

credentials, when graduation came, the next chapter didn’t immediately write itself.

in her generation, she was still Between Systems

What followed was a story not

Like many international

just of transformation, but of self-

students in the UK, Luela faced

assertion. Through her time with

structural barriers. Despite her

Finito, Luela turned potential into

achievements, her right to stay

deepened her voice, and now stands ready—not as a passive jobseeker, but as a conf ident, creative force for change in a world that urgently needs it.

A Start in the Spotlight Luela’s story begins in the town of Linden, Guyana—a place of

From Fragment to Focus At Finito, the first steps were practical: refining her CV, highlighting transferable skills, building a LinkedIn profile that reflected her range. She

waiting for the door to open.

power. She ref ined her purpose,

Sophia Petrides

hinged on f inding a graduate-

added new experiences, such as leading the social media campaign for her restaurant employer during the busy Christmas season, and her volunteer radio presenting role at 3Bs Radio in Buckingham.

level job that paid over £30,000.

More importantly, she began to

This made even temporary roles a

identify key sectors where her

gamble—and every application a

passions aligned with opportunity:

negotiation not just of talent, but

sustainability, communications, PR,

of survival.

and law. She started applying more

“It was overwhelming,” she recalls.

strategically—including for a role at

“I was applying to jobs constantly and getting no response. I started questioning everything—even

the Global Green Growth Institute in Guyana, a perfect convergence of her legal training, writing skill, and

whether I belonged in this

interest in global development.

system.”

“She’s a natural communicator,”

presenter, scripting, producing,

Finito entered the picture at a

says Matt Thompson, another of her

and hosting her own show. By

crucial moment. Through our

Finito mentors. “But she also has real

17, she was anchoring a daily

bursary programme, supported

depth. Her work on climate change

television programme, The Café,

by The Stewarts Foundation, Luela

and human rights shows that she’s

interviewing artists, politicians,

was matched with experienced

thinking not just about her own

and community leaders, often

mentors who didn’t just offer

career, but about how she can

live and unscripted. “I had to be

career advice—they listened,

contribute to the future.”

quick, calm, conf ident,” she says.

understood, and helped her locate

“It taught me early how to speak

the through-line in her story.

That work includes a significant

resilience, rivers, and red earth.

At just 14, she was already a radio

when it counts.”

academic paper published in The

“She had all the ingredients,” says

Denning Law Journal, where she

This wasn’t youthful dabbling. It

mentor Dominique Rollo. “But like

makes a compelling case for a

was work. Between jobs at Devine

so many young people, especially

human rights-based approach to

Entertainment, community

those with multiple identities

climate change in India—linking

leadership roles in her local youth

and international backgrounds,

environmental degradation with

revival group, and a growing

she needed help translating her

fundamental legal protections. It’s

passion for social justice, Luela

brilliance into something the job

serious, articulate, and ahead of its

was already combining media skill

market could understand.”

time.

34

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

Professor James Tooley, Vice Chancellor; Luela Figueira; Ronel Lehmann, Dame Mary Archer, Chancellor

The Guyana Reconnection Over Christmas 2024, Luela returned to Guyana. What she found stunned her.

dot the skyline of Georgetown.

development. As Finito Senior

Roads widen. Malls sprout.

Mentor Tom Pauk wrote: “It was a

International delegations line up

richly deserved job offer and the

at embassies.

culmination of a year’s worth of

“It was surreal,” she says.

“SHE STOPPED WAITING FOR PERMISSION. SHE STARTED SEEING HERSELF NOT JUST AS A JOB APPLICANT, BUT AS A PARTNER IN THE COUNTRY’S GROWTH.”

“Suddenly, the place I left to find

Sophia Petrides, Finito mentor

business leaders, lawyers, and

opportunity is itself becoming a land of opportunity. I realised: I could be part of that.”

She began researching jobs in the oil and gas sector, legal compliance, sustainability communications, and global trade.

Her mentors helped her refine her approach. She started reaching out to people—overcoming her natural reluctance to cold-call— and soon had meetings with public affairs professionals in

The country, once a quiet corner

Georgetown. In early 2025, her

of the Caribbean-South American

persistence paid off when she

frontier, is booming. Since the 2015

was offered a position at The Sui

discovery of massive offshore oil

Generis Law Firm, a leading law

reserves, Guyana has become one

firm in Georgetown—a role that

of the fastest-growing economies

aligned her legal training with

in the world. Construction cranes

her commitment to Guyana’s

35

intensive mentoring, and a great team effort. She is an exceptionally bright and personable young woman with a wide range of skills and talents. Her new employer is lucky to have her. In fact it was Luela herself who had first spotted the opening at Sui Generis on their website, and my Finito colleague James Slater and I were impressed (though not surprised) by the thoroughness of her preparation once she had secured an interview with the firm’s principal.”

“There was this shift,” says mentor Sophia Petrides. “She stopped waiting for permission. She started seeing herself not just as a job applicant, but as a partner in the country’s growth.”

The Power of Recognition One of the most moving moments

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

in Luela’s Finito journey came unexpectedly. She was selected as recipient of the Finito Award at Buckingham—recognising a student who had shown “the greatest degree of excellence.” The prize: a signet ring, crafted by none other than Bentley & Skinner, royal warrant holders to His Majesty the King.

“IN A PERFECT WORLD, COMPREHENSIVE CAREER GUIDANCE WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO ALL REGARDLESS OF THEIR BACKGROUND. THE STEWARTS FOUNDATION IS DELIGHTED TO SUPPORT THE IMPORTANT WORK OF FINITO VIA ITS BURSARY SCHEME.” Stuart Dench, Chairman, The Stewarts Foundation

The signet ring crafted by Bentley & Skinner

law, creativity, and impact intersect.

to her volunteer work mentoring

She wants to tell stories that matter.

Guyanese youth, to her poised

And she wants, always, to empower

interventions at conferences like

others—particularly the young

the International Conference on

women who look like her, speak

Human Rights and Climate Change.

like her, and might otherwise go unheard.

She’s now targeting roles in legal policy, sustainable business development, and public engagement in sectors like mining, agriculture, and energy. She has begun building a powerful “why” statement, drawing on her lived

know people were noticing me. To be given something so beautiful, so symbolic—it was like being told: you

work.

She is not waiting anymore. She is building.

jewellery. It was a reminder of her worth, and a token of her resilience.

It sits now not just on her finger, but in the centre of her story.

A Rising Voice Luela’s mentors all say the same thing: she is more than employable.

She is essential.

“Every time we spoke,” says Dominique, “I came away more

Returning with More As she prepares for her wedding in 2026 and considers her next move—whether a return to Guyana

creativity, and moral clarity, Luela offers a blueprint for what the next generation of leaders might look like—not self-promoting, but service-minded. Not waiting for power, but cultivating it.

The Last Word Luela’s story is still unfolding. She may return to Guyana. She may find herself on global stages, leading communications for climate

belong.”

The ring became more than

increasingly means adaptability,

experience, her Christian faith, and her commitment to dignity through

“I was shocked,” she says. “I didn’t

And in a world where employability

impressed. Not just by what she’s

resilience initiatives or policy campaigns. She may become a broadcaster again—or an advocate, or a mother, or all three.

But what’s certain is that the arc of her life now bends not toward fear, but toward possibility.

done—but by the grace and

Finito didn’t give her talent. That

intelligence with which she carries

was always there. But what we did

it.”

give—through conversation, belief,

or a remote legal communications

That grace is visible in everything

role with a US firm—Luela’s vision

from her poetry collection The

is clear. She wants to work where

Confessions of a Christian Girl,

and guidance—was space. The space to grow, to reflect, to rise.

And Luela has done just that.

36

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

OLLIE NICHOLLS

Ollie Nicholls

Tell us a little about your early

more prestigious university, I often

to my studies, pushing beyond

life and education? What was

felt overshadowed. As the second

past complacency. Determined

your family background and

child, I was naturally independent

to take control of my future, I

upbringing like?

and frequently left to my own

worked tirelessly, culminating in

devices - sometimes by my own

achieving 90% on my master’s

will, sometimes by circumstance.

dissertation - a defining moment

At this point, I must point out I

in my academic career. I felt this

am very grateful for the impact of

way as I did this on my own merit.

my parents’ roles on my life and

I did not embrace help, I wanted

do not mean the penultimate

to do it myself.

I come from a very traditional family where education was highly valued. Both of my parents were teachers, deeply familiar with the system of success in academia. They understood the importance of discipline, hard

sentence in a negative way.

While my journey may not have

work, and structured learning

After receiving mediocre GCSE

followed the traditional path my

- principles they instilled in

and A-Level results, I realised that

parents envisioned, I ultimately

both me and my older brother.

if I wanted to succeed, I needed

embraced their values of

However, while my brother

to take control of my education.

perseverance and self-discipline,

thrived in this environment,

University became a turning

proving that success is about

becoming a straight-A student

point. Determined to prove my

growth and determination, not

and attending a ‘traditionally’

capabilities, I applied myself fully

just early achievement. I would

37

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

say that whilst I do not regret my

Tom Pauk

decisions, I wish I knew what I knew now, 10 years earlier - but that’s life.

Who were your heroes growing up?

I never really had heroes growing up, but the person I admired most in a professional capacity was my great uncle Gordon. He was a circuit judge - extremely intelligent, effortlessly composed, and someone who just exuded class. I always looked up to him, not just because of his achievements but because of the way he carried himself. He lived in a massive house, which may or may not have influenced my admiration, but more importantly, he acted as a role model for what success in law could look like.

"I REALISED THAT

From my very first experiences

What was it like to be

IF I WANTED

with Finito, I was impressed. Every

photographed by Sam Pearce?

TO SUCCEED, I

been incredibly knowledgeable,

NEEDED TO TAKE

f riendly. It was clear f rom the

CONTROL OF MY EDUCATION." As a trainee lawyer, I feel we had a lot in common, and I only wish we had more time for him to see me follow in his footsteps. When I was at university, I would often ask for his opinion on legal matters, but he would always remind me - half amused - that he had retired long before the statutes I was studying had even been introduced. Still, his legacy and influence shaped my aspirations, and I hope I’ve made him proud. Aside from that, probably, annoyingly, Morrissey.

Tell us about how you came across Finito and what your first experiences with the business were?

single person I’ve spoken to has highly professional, and genuinely outset that I was surrounded by

Being photographed by Sam Pearce was a daunting experience at first, as I had never had my photo professionally taken before. To make things even more stressful, I

people who were at the top of

got lost trying to find the building,

their game, committed to guiding

which didn’t exactly help my nerves.

and supporting those they work

However, once I finally arrived, Sam

with. The atmosphere was both

was incredibly welcoming and put

welcoming and inspiring, and I

me at ease straight away.

knew right away that I was in the right place to grow and develop professionally.

Not only is she brilliant at what she does, but she’s also genuinely friendly, which made the whole

"IT WAS CLEAR

experience far more enjoyable than

FROM THE OUTSET

quality LinkedIn photo, I also ended

THAT I WAS

along the way. All in all, what started

SURROUNDED

I had expected. On top of getting a up with a guided tour of London as a nerve-wracking experience turned into a really positive one,

BY PEOPLE WHO

thanks to Sam’s professionalism

WERE AT THE TOP

asked for more photos than the one

OF THEIR GAME."

and warm personality. I actually she sent me - which I was told - was a Finito first.

38

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

to gather useful insights, and

James Slater

assisting with the writing of application answers. His strategic approach and industry knowledge were instrumental in refining my applications. Both mentors played a huge role in my journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for their support and expertise.

Tell us about the interview process for the role you acquired?

The interview process for the role I acquired was quite unconventional. There wasn’t a formal interview process at all. It started when my f riend casually called me and mentioned they were hiring. He gave me the partner’s email address, and I began emailing weekly to follow

How did you find your LinkedIn training?

My LinkedIn training with Amanda was a great experience - she was incredibly nice and accommodating, especially with my schedule at the time since I was working. She made the process as smooth as possible, which I really appreciated.

immediately reminded me of

up. After a while, I grew tired of

my great uncle Gordon in all the

not getting a response, so I sent a

best possible ways - an incredible

straightforward message: “Hi Raj,

role model and a true oracle of

any update? Cheers.”

all things law. Having lived and

Within five minutes, he replied,

breathed legal service for so many

asking if I was available for an

years, his knowledge and guidance

interview in 30 minutes. I said yes,

were invaluable. Together, we

and we had the interview. During

worked on interview training,

the conversation, we discussed

planning for psychometric tests,

our goals and I shared more about

and scheduling application dates,

who I am as a person. At the end

That being said, LinkedIn is a

all of which helped me approach

of the interview, he offered me

completely different beast f rom

the process with more structure

the job on the spot. It was a pretty

any other social media platform

and confidence.

spontaneous and informal process,

I’ve used. Despite being part of the first generation to grow up with social media, I still haven’t quite got the hang of it - and, to be honest, I probably never will.

However, thanks to the training, I’m now fully set up and ready to use it… even if I still hate it!

Which mentors did you get assigned to and what sort of things did you work on with them?

“FROM MY VERY FIRST EXPERIENCES

but it worked out perfectly!

What is the role like and does it challenge you?

The role I’m in is focused on crisis management and commercial

WITH FINITO, I

litigation, and it’s unlike anything

WAS IMPRESSED.”

embrace the challenge, even

Later on, I had the privilege of working with the intelligent James Slater, who built on Tom’s

I’ve ever done before. I really though I often feel like a bit of an idiot with the number of questions I ask daily. It’s a steep learning curve, but everything always seems to work itself out in the end.

At the start of my assignment,

foundation. James took a more

I was fortunate to be assigned

active role in selecting firms to

I’m working on high-stakes,

the very lovely Tom Pauk. He

apply for, leveraging his network

multimillion-pound cases,

39

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

and it’s an incredibly dynamic environment. Every day feels

Andrew Law

like I’m right in the thick of it, navigating complex legal issues, managing intense client expectations, and developing strategic solutions under pressure.

I’ve learned to think on my feet, make quick decisions, and prioritise effectively, all while collaborating with a brilliant team.

There’s never a dull moment – one minute, we’re dealing with an urgent crisis, and the next, we’re analysing intricate legal details in a fast-paced litigation scenario. It’s a role that constantly challenges me, pushes me out of my comfort zone, and sharpens my skills in ways I didn’t expect.

It’s a demanding but rewarding experience, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What are your goals now for the future?

My goals for the future are to continue with what I’m doing right now for the foreseeable future - seeing out my training contract and gaining as much experience as I can. After that, I’m definitely considering making the move to London. I’ve only visited a few times, but I’ve fallen in love with the vibe of the city, and I can really see myself living and working there.

“AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW, HE OFFERED ME

bigger pay. I’m eager to dive into the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of London and take on the opportunities it offers.

I’m driven by the desire to keep growing in my career, taking on complex work, and continuing to push myself to new heights. The future is all about embracing the next challenge and making the most of the opportunities that come my way. I want to become

“I FEEL READY FOR A BIGGER CITY, WITH BIGGER CHALLENGES, AND OF COURSE, BIGGER PAY.”

a stereotype, I want the Tom Ford suits and working 300 hour weeks – it’s what I actually want to do; obviously not my entire life but it’s a layer cake isn’t it?

THE JOB ON THE

Ollie is another one of the

SPOT.”

Law and the Law Family

Having lived in Newcastle,

like to take the opportunity to

Manchester, and Leeds, I feel

thank them once again for their

ready for a bigger city, with

kind support of the Finito bursary

bigger challenges, and of course,

scheme.

students supported by Andrew Charitable Foundation and we’d

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THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

KHADRA OSMAN

S

ometimes, it helps to look at the bursary scheme

Khadra Osman

from the perspective of

the donor. The Finito bursary scheme has been active since the inception of the broader commercial business, using the name and experience of advisory board member Dame Mary Richardson. Ever since, it’s been an integral part of what we do.

One interesting relationship came along during an interview for this magazine, when the great philanthropist and businessman Andrew Law was asked how it is that he knows his money has been put to good use?

I could see that Law took the question very seriously, and gave it some thought before answering: “My starting principle on philanthropy has been that philanthropists should focus on areas that governments can’t or won’t do.”

to do its work for it.”

I asked Law for examples. “A brilliant

Law continued, pointing out that

example of that is the education

one of his principal interests is

reforms started by Andrew Adonis

social mobility and employability.

under Tony Blair with academies and

He argued to me that a degree

which then continued relentlessly

isn’t an outcome – it’s in many

under the Cameron government.

That was essentially a partnership between the public and private sectors. In that instance, the government found private individuals to be sponsors of the place where they’d been born or had an affiliation with. They would have to bring at least £1m of their own money, typically multiples of that, plus other

respects a starting point. Likewise, academic results can only take you so far. “You have to look at impact measurement,” Law continued.

“There’s no purpose in having a school which has great academic results – because when you go for your interview at Oxbridge or job interview, guess what everyone else

It’s the ability to think and be interested and not just to be good at rote learning. You need the social capital to fit in with people and get on in your environment and you need a broader curriculum – typically it’s what people who went to private school have in their family environments, and what we need to do is create that for people from less well-off backgrounds. The ability to think only comes from lessons and tutorials where there are proper debates in schools and universities. It’s about assessing how those young people developed

in the waiting room has got?”

– not just the universities they got

ons to the school day, whether it be

Law is referring to that extra

but the jobs they got at the end of

sports facilities, or debating clubs,

mile which people need to go to

it.”

and then would make connections

nowadays. “You need something

I found myself liking Andrew

between their own network and

else. In the education world, that

enormously and told him a little

institutions. You get the government

something else is social capital.

about our bursary scheme. To our

resources. These were typically add-

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THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

delight at Finito, Andrew decided

also an early sense that Osman’s

to sponsor three students at Trinity

options needed to be whittled down:

High in Manchester through the

when we are interested in lots of

Law Family Charitable Foundation.

things, it’s sometimes difficult to

The first student which Andrew sponsored – and we shall be

know what in the end we’re really going to do with ourselves.

reporting on other students in

That’s why at Finito we’re

these pages in subsequent issues

sometimes looking for that thing

– is Khadra Osman, and we could

which a person talks about with a

hardly have had a better beginning

particular note of delight and even

to our important work with Andrew.

wonder: this is likely to be their

Osman is a likeable and confident

Andrew Law

leading love – the thing to which they’re meant to devote their lives.

approachable and fun.”

earmarked as having particular

In the case of Khadra, it would

For her part, Pearce remembers:

promise. So what was Osman’s early

become increasingly clear that her

“It was a cold and wet day in

life and education like? “Growing

leading love was sport. “Growing up

Manchester and we struggled to

up, I attended state schools, which

I admired many sporting heroes,

find a dry spot to do the photos. But

provided a fulfilling educational

including Ian Wright, Serena

Khadra was immediately infectious

experience. I always felt supported

Williams and Ade Adepitan, and

and kind. It is an interesting part

and truly enjoyed the opportunities

inspirational figures beyond sports,

of the process, photographing

available to me. I was actively

such as Emmeline Pankhurst,” she

a candidate at the start of their

involved in extracurricular activities

tells me. It was a clear indication of

journey. You know that they are

such as the science club, football

where her interests lay.

embarking on life, and you hope for

young woman who Trinity High

team, and athletics, which greatly enhanced my time at school. I also attended sixth form, achieving two A* grades and a B.”

At Finito, one of our first tasks is to photograph the candidate to make sure that they understand

great things. In Khadra’s case, I was delighted that she had been chosen as she had that right attitude which

their importance to us. It is a form

can make such a difference.”

This shows in its beginnings what

of validation. Osman recalls: “Sam

The next part of her preparations

Law calls ‘that something else’. It

was incredible and made my first

included LinkedIn training with

is the CV of someone who might

photoshoot a smooth and enjoyable

Amanda Brown (“extremely

do many things: Osman, in short,

experience. Her professionalism and

enlightening and it significantly

struck the school and us at Finito

friendly demeanour helped me feel

enhanced my LinkedIn profile”) and

Education as someone who would

at ease, and her guidance made

then presentational training with

be worth investing in. But there was

the entire process much more

Merrill Powell.

Merrill Powell

Stuart Dench

“A DELIGHTFUL CANDIDATE WHO RATTLED THROUGH HER PRESENTATION AT A CANTER , IF NOT A GALLOP!” Powell’s attendance note gives an excellent account of Osman: “A delightful candidate who rattled through her presentation at a canter , if not a gallop! So that was where I began. Pace, diction, clarity.” A few further things needed working on: “Her academic record 42

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

Talan Skeels Piggins

For his part Skeels-Piggins recalls: “I arrived in a noisy cafe in

Marcus Day

Manchester, so not an ideal place, but was looking forward to the session. Khadra said she wanted to get into sports media. She’d had internships but these had all been voluntary and now she wanted to get into work. I briefly mentioned the idea of creating her own blog or podcast to begin the brand and is truly impressive so she lets herself

skillset needed for sports media, but

management. Donoghue, says

down with sloppy grammar, and

Khadra wasn’t too sure of the exact

Osman, “provided guidance on

chewed diction. She remedied this

type of sports media she wanted to

preparing for marketing interviews

immediately after I had explained the

focus on.”

problems which was amazing.”

At this point, Talan began to realise

presentations to ensure they

It was another sign that Osman was

that there was a slight vagueness

were polished and impactful.”

about Khadra’s ambitions which

Day meanwhile “connected me

needed to be tackled head on.

with key contacts, including

“There was a need to identify

professionals from marketing

the exciting and driving factors

agencies, expanding my network

of sports media. So we agreed

and opportunities in the industry.”

shaping up to be a very promising candidate. Powell continues in her note: “We worked on answering questions she failed a previous interview on and learned how to back up words with proper examples, pace the answer, emphasise power words etc. read proper papers on

that Khadra would spend time identifying exactly what it was that excited her about sports media.”

and reviewed my interview

Day recalls: “We started with introductions and getting to know each other. Khadra gave me her

sport not just social media, to up her

The pair also discussed her

‘story so far’ and how she got to this

game.” Powell’s conclusion? “Started

personality traits: this is the sort

point in her journey. I explained my

off badly but ended the session

of rounded mentorship which we

career in the sports industry which

leaps and bounds ahead. A really

value at Finito, making sure that

started in a similar way to Khadra’s

worthwhile session.”

no stone is left unturned. What

by following my passion for sport.”

“HELPED ME REFLECT ON MY EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER JOURNEY, IDENTIFYING MY STRENGTHS AND AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT.” It was the beginning of an exciting momentum for Khadra. From there, Osman chose three mentors, with the first being Talan Skeels-Piggins, who is a Paralympian in not just one but two sports. Osman says that

must be avoided at all costs is a false motivation. Talan recalls: “With personal reflection she admitted to not being too compassionate to herself and can often advise friends but does not take the same

It was an important chance for Osman to get a profound view of the sector she wished to enter through the eyes of someone who had managed over 60 golfers including

advice. This can lead to a degree

Justin Rose and Adam Scott.

of self-criticism. I asked Khadra to

“We talked about the sports

try and put aside some time every

industry in general and then events

day for silent reflection, beginning

relating to Khadra’s focus on the

with breathing exercises to bring

Production Management area

her into the ‘present moment’ and then slowly going through the day, the previous day or the week’s experiences to see how things might have turned out differently if a different approach was taken.”

as her preferred job,” Day recalls.

“I emphasised that the difficult part is getting a role at a sports marketing or events company and that she should prioritise this over the actual role she desires as, in

Skeel-Piggins “helped me reflect on

In addition, Khadra met with

my experience, it is easier to move

my educational and career journey,

two other Finito mentors Mike

direction internally once you have

identifying my strengths and areas

Donoghue and Marcus Day, who

impressed and got to know people

for improvement.”

has 25 years’ experience in sports

in the organisation. “

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THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

Day, like Skeels-Piggins and Donoghue, could see considerable

Amanda Brown

promise in Khadra: “She had achieved good work experience and is clear that she now wants to find a paid role which is understandable.

Having said that, she is open to internships if they are with a high level brand in the sports industry as it will provide valuable experience and added value to her CV.” Day continued: “After digesting everything Khadra had told me, I was able to share with her some job opportunities that I am aware of that I can pass on so she can explore these further. For example,

motivation; Donoghue had worked

new areas and take on challenges

hard on her presentation; and now

that align with my personal and

Day was connecting her.

professional growth goals. I can

worked on several Olympics over

In time, an opportunity came up for

identify areas for improvement,

the past 20 years with Coca Cola

a paid role as a Sports and Events

implement innovative solutions,

would be willing to offer advice and

Marketing Activator at Greenwich

and continually develop my skills in

guidance to Khadra.”

Leisure Limited (GLL), the country’s

a dynamic environment.”

Day also noted certain gaps in

largest social enterprise delivering

there is a Red Bull internship, and one on The Legends Tour. I will also enquire if my contact who has

Osman’s knowledge which he sought to remedy: “Interestingly, Khadra was not aware of any of the sports recruitment agencies. In my

leisure, health, cultural and community services. It seemed the perfect fit for Osman and so the entire bursary team went into

opinion, these are vitally important

action helping her to prepare.

so that you are on their radar

In time the big day came: the

and can be made aware of roles.

Recruitment in the sports industry is driven a great deal in this way, since it is such a niche sector. I have

interview. So what was the process like? “ The interview process had two stages: a presentation showcasing

And what are her goals for the future? “My goal is to advance my career by working on major sports events worldwide. I aim to enhance my professional expertise and personal skills by embracing new challenges and opportunities for growth in dynamic, high-impact settings.”

marketing ideas on how to

Khadra continues to illustrate that

improve a holiday programme and

‘something else’ which Andrew Law

presenting a marketing plan for a

spoke to me about some years ago

Day was also impressed by Osman’s

summer programme,” Osman tells

when he was first told about the

desire to get out there and network.

me. All the work which Osman had

He recalls: “Khadra expressed an

done with Finito paid off: it was a

interest in attending any sports

very proud moment at Finito when

networking events. I agreed with

we discovered that Khadra had got

this approach as it’s a great way

the job.

offered to make email introductions for Khadra to these agencies.”

to meet people in the sports industry. I will let her know of any opportunities. However these are mostly in London so may not be logistically so easy.”

So how is the role going? Osman says: “The role is enjoyable and diverse, offering a range of responsibilities that keep things

bursary scheme. She has worked to help deliver the Wimbledon tennis championships and the 2024 Champions League final in London. In both cases, her posts show someone with an undimmed enthusiasm for sport, and for the joy of the big occasion.

interesting. As the first person to

Philanthropy sometimes delivers

Each mentor had provided

hold this position, I have the unique

happy results – and we look forward

something different: Skeels-Piggins

opportunity to shape it according to

to reporting further on our work

had gone into depth about Osman’s

my vision. This allows me to explore

with our Manchester cohort.

44

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS ALL OF US HERE AT FINITO EDUCATION WANT TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY HERE TO THANK OUR WONDERFUL DONORS WHO HAVE MADE THIS PUBLICATION – AND THE STORIES IN IT – POSSIBLE. Finito is committed to helping young people into work, and we have no desire to turn away students simply because they cannot afford our fees. We believe that proper career guidance and job-seeking advice should be available to everyone, and we have connections with many donors who share that view and are willing to sponsor students who wish to access our tutoring programmes.

Mohamed Amersi Amersi Foundation “After completing their education, many students still flounder trying to secure a meaningful career. As an entrepreneur, philanthropist and thought leader, I have always felt a burden of responsibility to help champion and inspire the next generation. We have long supported young people to increase their employment chances across the world and at this time, we are proud to support Finito for the outstanding work it does in facilitating opportunities for young people.”

Simon Blagden CBE Chair of Larkspur International Ltd and former Chair of Fujitsu UK “I served the Government’s advisory panel reviewing the future of technical education. During the two year process we met with hundreds of young people all over the country. I am delighted to support the work of Finito. The valuable work which you do strongly resonates with both students and their parents.”

Andre Chris Founder and Managing Director of Havilands Estates I totally support the ethos of Finito . For young people to have the opportunity to be guided , mentored in the Finito way and have doors opened that could be the grounding for their future is incredible and truly inspiring.

Our future depends on our younger generation. I am honoured to support you.

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THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

Tim Clark “I was a secondary Head for 18 years, firstly of a selective grammar school and latterly of a very difficult academy in Hackney, sited on one of the largest and most deprived council estates in the country; I now work as an education consultant and professional development trainer. One of the key purposes of education is to prepare young people for adulthood and for the world of work; it is for this reason that I am delighted to support the incredibly valuable work undertaken by Finito.”

Dinesh Dhamija “I have been helping entrepreneurs through coaching and mentoring over the past 17 years.

Finito’s focus on young people is admirable and I am proud to join their group in support. My own expertise is in the fast growing online Business to Consumer sector, and the green energy solar and Hydrogen fields.”

Richard Desmond “Like my book, Finito is the real deal. I am a proud supporter.”

Dr Richard Davis, Belfast “I find myself totally motivated to help young people needing a little extra support so that their jump into work is easier”

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THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

Stuart Dench Chairman, The Stewarts Foundation “In a perfect world comprehensive career guidance would be available to all regardless of their background. The Stewarts Foundation is delighted to support the important work of Finito via its bursary scheme.”

James Ferrin Director, Virtual Campaign Management “We are honoured to be working with Finito, who provide such a vital service to the younger members of our society. We would like to wish all Finito students the very best for their future endeavours.”

Sandro Forte CEO – Forte Financial Group “I lost my father when I was eight years old. My mother, twenty-nine at the time, really struggled financially to bring up four very young children but she always made whatever sacrifices were necessary to ensure her children had the best possible education; giving us all an opportunity to make something of ourselves.

Philanthropy takes many forms and although I am immensely proud to have raised more than £30m for charities all around the world and personally donated more than £2m, all of us can – and in my humble opinion should – do whatever we can to make the world a better place. Giving our time, offering emotional support, sending someone a note to let them know you are thinking of them, participating in a community project – or, inspired by the amazing work of Finito, give another the same chance my mother gave us…..generosity I always vowed to pay forward.”

Laurence Geller CBE CEO and Chairman of Loveday & Co “Having started in the kitchen of the Connaught Hotel worked my way to have owned hotels with some of the most respected hotels bearing luxury hotel brands, and both founder and Chairman of Loveday & Co, I understand the challenges faced by young people in the early days of their careers. I’m proud to be Chancellor of the University of West London, supporting young people into business, healthcare and hospitality, and hope to extend that work through Finito’s Bursary scheme. I have no doubt that mentoring and education go hand in hand and are essential to tomorrow’s leaders from wherever they start in life.”

47

THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

The John Griffin Foundation “In my long career mentoring young people, it fills me with enormous pride that I created employment for thousands of people at Addison Lee. Finito continues this important work and I am delighted to be a part of their team.”

Professor Nadey Hakim GCStJ, MD, PhD “You help so many young people by preparing them for the world of work and a wide variety of careers. Finito really makes things happen and it is incumbent on me to support you and to encourage others to follow my lead.”

Alan Halsall “I am delighted to personally have supported the brilliant Finito Bursary Scheme.

By helping young people discover their true vocation the Scheme makes a real difference to their lives and Ronel can be tremendously and rightly proud of what his Bursaries have achieved.”

Jeff Katz Chief Executive, Bishop Group 1946 - 2020 “As someone who benefited from the days when higher education and career advice was free, I feel the need to assist those who may not have the means to pay. I am pleased to donate a Finito bursary in the knowledge that it will give someone an advantage they might not otherwise have.”

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THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

Andrew Law “The Law Family Charitable Foundation is delighted to be sponsoring Finito’s bursary scheme. Unlocking any individual’s full potential is a difficult but greatly rewarding pursuit. Our intention is that the ongoing proof of concept will lead to more sponsors supporting this fantastic initiative.”

Gemma Levine FRSA “I am honoured to be part of aiding this scheme. It is vital that young people, who have talent and worked devotedly through school and university, have a chance to pursue their passion. Finito is able to find mentors, politicians, highly qualified businessmen, dedicated medical professors to help young people find the right path in their chosen professions, here in the UK and abroad. I am delighted to have been able to respond to this exciting mission, which helps inspire and motivate, the next and future generations.”

Jeremy Levinson, Partner, Levison Meltzer Pigott All too frequently young people leave our inadequately-resourced education system lacking skills, confidence, motivation. Thank you, Finito, for doing so much for so many to redress this imbalance.

Johanna Mitchell Finito’s mentoring and support of young people, as they navigate their first steps on the career ladder, is wonderful. Finito take real care to get to know each individual candidate and to help them find the work that best utilises their unique skills and talents. Lumos Education is delighted to support Finito’s bursary scheme.

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THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

Judy Naake MBE DL Founder, St Tropez Tan “Giving someone the gift of a meaningful career, might spark the entrepreneurial in them and future business success that they never thought possible”

Richard Oldfield Henry Oldfield Trust “Finito works intuitively with young people to help them pinpoint the areas in which they can best excel and to move into fulfilling jobs. Their support of young people is invaluable. Lumos Education is committed to helping young people to access the best education opportunities. Finito helps them with their first step into the workplace. We are delighted to contribute to the Finito bursary for those who would not otherwise be able to afford this superb service.”

Judith O’Driscoll “Supporting this Finito bursary is deeply personal to me. I’ve seen how mentoring and career preparation can change a young person’s life and I am proud to help make that possible”

Dr Selva Pankaj CEO, Regent Group “As CEO of a UK education group, I fully appreciate how difficult it can be to take those first steps onto the career ladder, especially in the current volatile landscape of the pandemic. Hopefully, by supporting this initiative, we can help more individuals find the path that is right for them.”

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THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

Atul Pathak OBE I strongly believe in the value of education and in our collective responsibility to support disadvantaged students in achieving their full potential. Finito does outstanding work in providing bursaries and opportunities to students who may otherwise be unable to access valuable education, training, and skills development without financial assistance. The impact of this support extends far beyond the classroom, helping to create brighter futures and opening doors that might otherwise remain closed. Finito, you are doing remarkable work in helping those who need it most. The difference you make is truly remarkable.

Keep up the excellent work.

David Pearl “Young people have the potential to bring energy and creativity that drive meaningful change in any business. Supporting students searching for the right career, enabling them to fulfil their potential is a wonderful thing and as an ardent supporter of young people I’m proud to sponsor Finito’s work.”

Quintessentially Education “As a specialist education advisory service, we are fully aware of the challenges that young people can face when trying to transition into the world of full time employment. After years of academic training, many need further support with realising their full potential in the jobs market. We are proud to support such a worthy cause.”

Khawar Qureshi KC “My work has enabled me to interact closely with senior State and Business sector representatives from more than 80 countries on commercial and international disputes . It is a pleasure to work with Finito in providing opportunities to talented individuals who will hopefully, in turn, contribute meaningfully to society when they flourish in their chosen careers”

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THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

Lord Ranger “The future of a nation lies in the hands of its students. By supporting students, the destiny of the country is shaped.”

Professor Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBE Chairman, Coltraco Ultrasonics Limited “I am delighted to modestly support Ronel and Finito in their work. The causes of modern poverty are well documented in homelessness, educational failure, worklessness, drug and alcohol addiction, indebtedness, and family breakdown.

If someone finds themselves in one of these, they are at great risk of joining the bottom 20% in our society, but if they have two of them, they are probably already there. We must all be a part of a national, shared endeavour to succeed to generate economic and prosperity.”

Mike Watson CEO, Tube Tech International Limited “As a business owner, I often find myself mentoring students, school leavers and university graduates, many of whom are desperate for reassurance and guidance. Finito’s offering allows the sharing of invaluable insights, empowering youngsters in essential life values and reminding them the world is not as complex as portrayed – we’ve been their age before! Finito definitely put their money (and my own) where their mouth is!”

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THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

CONTACT US To find out more about our bursary please contact: Ronel Lehmann ronel@finito.org.uk Rara Plumptre rara@finito.org.uk Finito Campus, Sutherland House, 3 Lloyd’s Avenue, London, EC3N 3DS www.finito.org.uk www.finitoworld.com

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THE FINITO BURSARY SCHEME

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Finito Campus, Sutherland House, 3 Lloyd’s Avenue, London, EC3N 3DS 020 3780 7700 | www.finito.org.uk | www.finitoworld.com