In this edition of Leadership Insights: 3 questions with…, we speak with Paul Blant, who is the Group CEO of Finatal, the human capital partner to private capital.
Paul oversees the business’s global operations. He has more than 20 years’ experience in private equity and has built a reputation as one of the most successful recruiters for CFOs and finance leaders across the industry. Paul was one of Finatal’s first hires, joining the business in 2011. Since becoming MD he has delivered 20% +year on year growth and overseen the launch of the business into the US, which is now c. 35% of group revenues in just two years.
And here’s what Paul had to say about the leadership lessons he wishes he’d learned sooner—from the importance of communication to having a distinctive culture.
If you could rewind the clock to when you started out on your leadership journey, what advice would you give yourself?
You can never (or rarely) overcommunicate – particularly thinking about how different people might receive the same message and making sure you have thought about how it might land; and following up regularly to make sure the messages hit home.
What is the best advice you have been given about creating a positive team culture or being a leader?
I think two messages have stuck with me: the classic praise in public, criticise in private – though I know I still don’t get perfectly right; and secondly, standing for something a unique team culture – something that is clearly identifiable and people feel like they have a real common goal or set of values.
What is the one book that has most influenced your approach to leadership?
Scaling Up – why so companies make it and others don’t by Verne Hamish; though slightly cheesy at times, it is full of practical advice that we have implemented into our business – such as the pulse and cadence of meetings; and I think really invaluable for businesses going from 20-250 employees. I also think Matt Syed’s books generally have got lots of advice that is transferable into business – especially Rebel Ideas, the Power of Diverse Thinking.