Wisdom and understanding

Since graduating more than 30 years ago, Rakesh Sinha has worked all over the world. Now he shares his experiences to help current Leeds students.

“I sold out,” laughs Rakesh Sinha (Chemical Engineering 1991) looking back at his graduation. “I wanted to get into commerce and decided to become an accountant. My professor shook his head in despair.” The decision proved the catalyst for a rewarding career that has taken Rakesh all over the world. 

“I spent most of my career with Unilever, and worked in Singapore, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and The Netherlands. I was fortunate enough to live in these places and immerse myself in their cultures. I gained a reputation of a ‘Mr Fix It’ – tackling challenges in different areas of the business, managing and working with people from diverse cultures, and understanding what makes them tick. It’s a cliché but I went in as a boy and came out a man.” 

Even so, Rakesh retains a strong affinity to the University: “We’re a family of Leeds people. I was born in Leeds while my dad was studying here and my sister studied here too.” And though he’s now based in Rotterdam he regularly returns to the city, often to visit Elland Road: “I’m a huge Leeds United fan. My dad watched them during the great Don Revie years and it’s something that really bonds us now.” 

While his career took him a long way from the chemical engineering he studied at Leeds, Rakesh credits the University with being a foundation for his working life. “People talk about the importance of diversity in business now, but Leeds was really diverse back then. I went into Lupton Flats where there were people from lots of different cultures. It left me determined to explore the world.” 

He channels his passion for the University into mentoring our students, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, who take part in the Plus Programme. “When I was a student, there were always questions I wanted to ask or seek advice, but was not sure who to ask, where to go, or was worried that if I did so, it might be seen as a sign of weakness. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realised that it’s actually a strength. 

“As a coach and mentor, I try not to answer students’ questions directly, but rather help them develop the tools to tackle these issues themselves by asking powerful questions, clarifying, by being curious. Everyone is naturally creative and resourceful. It’s about tapping into this. It’s rewarding to be able to give back in a way that’s meaningful to students who have the same questions I had. The themes are consistent. Future employment paths, lack of self-confidence and what others might think, are the most common.”  

“I have been so fortunate to work with the most amazing Leeds students who have overcome enormous personal challenge and have shown remarkable courage. For example, fleeing a war-torn country and then growing up in several countries as a refugee. One can’t help be in awe of them. It’s a truly humbling experience.” 

Rakesh has also offered careers advice to those approaching graduation and has mentored those taking part in the Beverley Fellowships programme, which supports academics to develop their research ideas into working products and solutions. 

“I know that the University of Leeds set me on my path, and on my journey,” says Rakesh. “I often think what useful words of wisdom I might have given to my younger self. I am grateful for the opportunity to do this at Leeds.”