Jitesh Patel, CEO, Peldon Rose

About me

I grew up in Earlsfield, South London and now live not far away, in Croydon. I have a degree in Accounting and Finance and have a Chartered Accountant qualification.

Favourite book: Maverick, by Ricardo Semler

Favourite film: Trading Places.

First job: Trainee accountant at Stoy Hayward, which later became BDO.

What do you do and where do you work?

I am the CEO of a design and build commercial interiors business called Peldon Rose. We are a 100 people, £45 million London business delivering inspiring, award-winning office projects.

What motivates you in your work?

I am motivated by making a difference. In the business as a leader, and as an organisation, by the impact that we have on business and the work community.

What does success look like to you?

Success is a motivated, inspired and sustainable business where people want to work and enjoy the work that they do.

How has what you do changed as you have moved up the ladder?

I started my career as a Chartered Accountant and entered industry as a Financial Director. In the early days it was using strong technical and communication skills, and as my career has progressed, what I do is much more focused around vision, leadership and enabling others to show their true potential.

Who has significantly influenced or made a difference to your career and how?

The most significant change in my career was when I moved out of professional accountancy into industry. This was influenced by the founder of Peldon Rose, Andrew Yates. He saw in me the potential to be a commercial leader, and on joining Peldon Rose, encouraged me to use my financial skills to understand every other operational part of the business. This gave me a great insight into people, processes and business.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

One of my biggest inspirations is a learning mindset. Always be inquisitive and positively challenge for betterment and improvement.

What was the biggest turning point of your career?

The biggest turning point for my career would have to be when I took the decision to leave professional practice and move into industry. This was a very difficult decision; professional practice provided security and stability, however I had a passion for business and people that I wanted to explore.

If you had to start your career again, what would you do differently?

Nothing!

What one tip or one piece of advice would you give BAME people making their way up the career ladder today?

Be positive in your view of the world, and your contribution. Focus energy and effort on a positive attitude, and this will lead to success.

Do you mentor/sponsor BAME professionals making their way up the career ladder? Not exclusively. As an organisation, and personally, we are passionate about developing talent, and run a number of programs including an internship program with a leading university through which we mentor and sponsor.

What is your next goal?

To continue making Peldon Rose the leading design and fit out contractor in Central London, maintaining our growth whilst at the same maintaining our people focused culture.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Driven, passionate, inquisitive.