Finance Connect Podcast: Alex McWilliams on attracting and retaining the next generation

The latest episode of the Finance Connect European Equipment Finance Podcast, sponsored by Alfa, is now available, featuring Alex McWilliams, head of brand and communications at Simply Asset Finance and a director of the Leasing Foundation with a focus on its NextGen stream.

Joining host Richard O’Donohue, Alex McWilliams explores what the asset finance industry needs to do to attract, develop and retain its next generation of talent – and whether younger professionals really want something different from their careers.

While today’s early-career professionals face a very different economic and working environment from previous generations, McWilliams argues that many of their fundamental aspirations remain familiar: rewarding careers, opportunities to progress and learn, and employers that recognise and value their contribution.

Drawing on her own career journey at Simply Asset Finance, McWilliams discusses the importance of giving younger employees responsibility, exposure to different parts of a business and opportunities to develop beyond the confines of their immediate role.

The conversation also explores the work of the Leasing Foundation’s NextGen community and the findings of recent research, conducted by Finance Connect in association with the Leasing Foundation, into early-career experiences across specialist finance. The results provide encouraging signs for the industry but also highlight opportunities for employers to do more around mentoring, career development, networking and peer learning.

McWilliams and O’Donohue also consider the importance of developing communication and networking skills, bringing different generations together and giving younger employees a voice in business discussions.

And with hybrid working now firmly established across many organisations, they explore the balance between flexibility and the less visible benefits of spending time in the workplace – from building relationships and learning from colleagues to gaining exposure to senior leaders and new opportunities.

For employers across asset and equipment finance, the episode raises an important question: are we doing enough to give the next generation the opportunities, support and connections they need to build long-term careers in the industry?

The full episode is available now on the Finance Connect European Equipment Finance Podcast, as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and Amazon Music.