At just 20 years old, Rishi Lad is a becoming a leading advocate for young voices in business here in Leicester.
With a confident yet humble approach, he challenges traditional perceptions of leadership – believing that age should not be a barrier to success. By the age of 19, Rishi had already secured roles on two boards—voluntary positions he balances alongside a full-time career in wealth management.
Picture: Rishi Lad
As a frequent speaker on the significance of youth leadership, he is inspiring others to step into leadership roles and his message is simple: “Age is just a number.”
“It’s not about how long you’ve been in a role; it’s about the value and impact you can bring,” says the Birstall resident, who serves as a governor at Highcliffe Primary School and is a board member at Phizzical Productions, a creative company in Leicester.
“Starting young gives you more time to grow, develop, and make a lasting impact as a leader.”
Rishi is passionate about motivating young people to take on leadership roles. “If young leaders aren’t stepping up now, then what’s going to happen?” he asks. His message is clear: don’t let age hold you back if you have the right skills and drive.
“The world is evolving rapidly, and young leaders bring fresh perspectives, innovation, and the ability to adapt quickly,” Rishi explains. “I’ve spoken to CEOs and decision-makers who are eager to bring young leaders on board, recognising the value of their unique vision.”
As a governor at Highcliffe Primary School, Rishi leverages his professional experience to challenge the senior leadership team, advocating for the integration of real-life skills, such as financial education, into the curriculum to better prepare students for the future. His age allows him to connect with the children more easily.
“I can relate better to the children because I’m not far removed from their experiences. Many of them have the same teachers I did, which makes them more open to listening to me,” he says.
Rishi’s youth also enables him to leverage his network to arrange opportunities for the school, such as a trip to Parliament. This is a great example of how young leaders can bring fresh ideas and new connections to the table.
Rishi emphasises the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. “Who you associate with shapes your mindset and opportunities. Engage with ambitious, like-minded individuals who will push you to be better,” he advises. Building the right relationships has been crucial to his growth and success.
Rishi believes that the hard work he’s putting in now will pay off later. “I try to work as hard as possible now because I know that the rewards will come when I’m 30 or 40,” he says. “While it feels like I’m sacrificing a lot now, I believe that in the future I won’t have to work as hard because I’ll have put in the effort while I’m young, healthy, and driven.”
Rishi’s story is a reminder that leadership isn’t about how many years you’ve been in a role, but the impact you make. With his determination and growth mindset, Rishi is showing that young people can redefine leadership and make a real difference.
