Welcoming our new Chief Finance Officer: A conversation with Sean McDiarmid
We are thrilled to introduce Sean McDiarmid as the new Chief Financial Officer of MIMO Connect. Joining us all the way from South Africa, Sean brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our team. In this spotlight, we delve into his background, his vision for MIMO Connect, and his initial impressions from meeting with our team and clients. Get to know the person behind the title and discover how Sean plans to drive our financial strategies and contribute to our continued success.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to MIMO Connect?
When MIMO Connect was first being conceived, I had the privilege of hearing about the plans and sharing some early ideas with Jason and Nicci. Fast forward five years, and the timing and circumstances aligned, bringing me into the business. My background is rooted in businesses providing investment administration, legal advisory, and fiduciary services to corporate clients, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and multi-family offices. I also spent a year sailing a small private yacht around Southeast Asia, which provided insight into the needs and value of connectivity at sea. This combined experience has given me a strong foundation in strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement, which I now bring to my role at MIMO Connect.
What excites you the most about joining MIMO Connect as the new CFO?
MIMO Connect has built an impressive legacy of delivering exceptional products and services, provided by a network of incredibly talented individuals. What excites me most as CFO is being part of this dynamic team at a time of significant change. The industry is experiencing unprecedented technological disruption, bringing challenges and opportunities. Navigating these changes, identifying new avenues for growth, and helping shape MIMO Connect’s strategic financial direction to capitalize on opportunities is what truly motivates me.
How do you see your role contributing to the growth and success of MIMO Connect?
I see my role as pivotal to driving the company’s growth and long-term success by providing strategic financial leadership and ensuring MIMO Connect’s resources are effectively allocated to foster innovation and profitability. Working with a strategic financial plan allows MIMO Connect to support investment in research and development and market expansion, remaining agile to navigate industry disruptions. By using data-driven decision-making, I hope to help MIMO Connect navigate market shifts and structure deals and partnerships that will drive growth and success.
What are some of the key financial strategies you plan to implement at MIMO Connect?
As CFO, my focus is on implementing financial strategies that drive growth, enhance efficiency, and mitigate risk. I aim to provide the tools and insights needed to identify investment opportunities, support expansion, and mitigate risk while building margin.
Can you share any initial impressions or experiences from your meetings with the team and clients?
My initial impressions have been incredibly positive. The team is not only professional and highly knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about the business. There’s a genuine sense of camaraderie and trust, like a close-knit family. MIMO Connect is a place where clients feel heard, valued, and confident that their needs will be met with effective solutions.
What do you think sets MIMO Connect apart from other companies in the industry?
What truly sets MIMO Connect apart is its culture of care and commitment. This is reinforced by core values of honesty, integrity, and reliability, which are evident in every client interaction and business decision. Clients not only receive innovative solutions but also experience a level of trust and personal attention that fosters long-term relationships. It's this dedication to both excellence and genuine connection that distinguishes MIMO Connect in the industry.
How do you plan to foster collaboration between the finance and other members of the team at MIMO Connect?
Fostering collaboration starts with open communication. I plan to keep the team informed about both successes and challenges that impact the financials, ensuring everyone understands how their work contributes to the broader business goals. Transparency is key to building trust and alignment. Additionally, MIMO Connect values celebrating collective achievements and has planned incentives for all employees to share in our successes, strengthening engagement and a sense of ownership across the business.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the finance industry?
Beyond keeping up with the updates and CPD courses required by my professional body, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to approach challenges and spot opportunities. This curiosity often leads me into deep dives on emerging trends and developments, helping me stay ahead of the curve.
What advice would you give to aspiring finance professionals looking to make an impact in their careers?
Experience counts for a lot, and it comes from learning through both successes and mistakes. My advice? Don’t be afraid to try new things, but always keep a close eye on minimizing the impact when things don’t go as planned. It’s all part of the journey, so embrace it, learn from it, and keep pushing forward.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you're not working?
Over the years, my interests have evolved, but I still have a deep appreciation for many of my earlier pastimes, such as squash, paragliding, golf, and tour cycling. Whether actively participating or simply enjoying them as a spectator. These days, when I’m not working, I love to travel, ride motorcycles, run, hike, and sail. Most importantly, I cherish spending quality time with my family.
Do you have a favourite book or movie that you would recommend to others?
"Around the World in 80 Trades, by Connor Woodman" is a favourite of mine. It’s a unique blend of humor, adventure, risk, and business—all in one compelling narrative. I came across it early in my career, and it really broadened my perspective, encouraging me to think beyond conventional paths and embrace opportunities that involve calculated risk and exploration. I believe there is a documentary out now, but it’s a great read for anyone interested in the dynamics of global trade and the entrepreneurial mindset.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
It would have to be the North Sentinel Island, if one was allowed to go there. It is one of the most mysterious and isolated places on Earth and the idea of witnessing a world untouched by modern technology is intriguing – it would be like stepping into a completely different timeline.
What's one fun fact about you that most people don't know?
I'm licensed to travel by sea, land, and air. Well, that’s sailboats for the sea, paragliders for the air, and cars and bikes for the land. Basically, if it moves, I can probably steer it - unless it's a spaceship, but give me a weekend and a YouTube tutorial, and who knows?
What's your go-to comfort food or favourite dish to cook?
There are plenty of meals on my favourites list, but lasagne has to be the winner. It's the one dish that not only fills stomachs but also boosts my ego with all the compliments I get as the chef. I like to think it’s my secret weapon—layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese, with just enough effort to make people believe I’m a culinary genius (but really, it’s just Italian magic doing the work).
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
In context of business it would be Ernest Shackleton. His leadership during the Endurance expedition is nothing short of legendary where his ability to keep his crew together through extreme adversity is something I’d love to understand firsthand. Plus, I’d probably ask him how he managed to stay so optimistic while being stuck in the ice for months. The guy was a master of resilience and decision-making under pressure.
If you could have any superpower what would it be, and why?
If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to instantly remember names and faces. It's always a challenge to keep track of everyone I meet, and being able to instantly recall a name would be a huge asset in both personal and professional interactions. Plus, it would make networking a lot easier, and who doesn’t love being able to make a lasting impression?
