Podcast

Finance Connect Podcast: Alex McWilliams

Alex McWilliams, Head of Brand and Communications at Simply Asset Finance and a Director of the Leasing Foundation, joins Richard O’Donohue to explore what the asset finance industry needs to do to attract, develop and retain its next generation of talent.

08/27/2026

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

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

With hybrid working now firmly established, Alex and Richard discuss how employers can balance flexibility with the benefits of time in the workplace, from building relationships and learning from colleagues to gaining exposure to senior leaders and new opportunities.

The conversation also explores the Leasing Foundation’s NextGen community and recent research into early-career experiences across specialist finance, highlighting the continued importance of mentoring, career development, networking and peer learning.

For employers across asset and equipment finance, the episode offers practical insight into supporting the next generation as they build long-term careers.

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