Scale-up series: Build a positive culture and team

Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam, Founder, The FD Consultant

Romesh trained and qualified as an accountant many years ago with EY and then moved on to join Bunzl plc, a FTSE 100 organisation where he gained experience in various senior finance roles. He then pivoted his career to the world of start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs, and has been a full time CFO or FD of some successful growth businesses. One business, a pioneering eco-friendly consumables supplier, increased its revenues by 9 times during his time there. A second business, in student accommodation, grew from 4 employees managing 20 properties to over 600 properties managed by 50 employees in 25 cities across the UK. 5 years ago, Romesh set up The FD Consultant (a collective of part time/fractional CFO Consultants) because he is truly passionate about helping businesses achieve their full potential.

Lorna Feeney, Mental Health & Wellbeing Practice Leader, Marsh

Lorna is a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist Practitioner, Health & Wellness Coach, Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Head of Mental Health risk management for Marsh. After experiencing a mental health illness, Lorna chose to dedicate herself to supporting organisations in raising awareness of mental health. She is passionate about the role organisations can play in preventing mental health difficulties. Utilising her own and others’ experiences, Lorna provides a unique and people-centred approach to help organisations navigate mental health and wellbeing matters.

Today, Lorna works for the Marsh and specialises in the implementation of mental health strategies as well as the provision of mental training. She is adept at producing bespoke courses/content and is a regular speaker at industry events. Lorna is a champion of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and has over 10 year’s professional experience.

Kerri Hollick, Owner, Before the Box Ltd

Kerri, a highly sought-after trainer, coach, and facilitator, empowers leaders to cultivate exceptional teams and thriving organisational cultures. With over two decades of experience transforming workplaces, Kerri possesses a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics that drive collaboration, engagement, and high performance. She doesn't just theorise about positive culture; she builds it.

Her extensive background includes collaborations with top-tier companies across a remarkably diverse spectrum of industries. From the fast-paced world of automotive and travel to the complexities of finance and technology, and even the dynamic arenas of sports, creative industries, and legal practices, Kerri has consistently delivered impactful results. This breadth of experience gives her a unique perspective, allowing her to tailor her approach to the specific challenges and opportunities of each organisation.
Kerri's approach is unique. She seamlessly blends a deep understanding of human dynamics—what truly motivates and inspires individuals—with practical, real-world experience gained from years of working on the front lines of business. This combination allows her to translate complex concepts into actionable strategies that leaders can implement immediately. She understands that real change requires more than just good intentions; it demands a clear roadmap, consistent effort, and a focus on measurable outcomes.

In the past year alone, Kerri has spearheaded successful culture revitalisation projects for two large organizations, navigating the complexities of change management and demonstrating her exceptional ability to drive meaningful and sustainable improvements. These projects weren't just about surface-level adjustments; they involved deep dives into the existing culture, identifying pain points, and implementing targeted interventions to foster greater collaboration, boost employee morale, and enhance overall productivity. She's a master at helping organisations not just improve their culture, but transform it.