As Chairman of Hope for Youth NI, Noel Lamb knows the benefits of hard work, team work and commitment. Qualities that Noel has seen championed by Fleet Financial, Northern Ireland’s leading vehicle contract hire provider, and its continued support of the charity. Dividing his time between Northern Ireland and his work as an investment manager in London, Noel gives us an insight into what makes him tick.
1. What's your earliest memory?
Probably my most vivid memory from childhood was going with my parents to see Mickey Mouse at the iconic Majestic Cinema in Portrush. Up until the age of five I lived in the town with my family and my lasting memories revolve around seagulls, lots of seagulls, and being in my father’s boat as we went fishing around the Skerries. The lasting effect has been a love of the North Antrim coast that has stayed with me ever since.
2. Who are the most important people in your life?
My friends.
3. Shock us! Tell us something very surprising about yourself...
Most of my friends think I can’t boil an egg, an impression I encourage! In fact I rather enjoy cooking. There’s something rather special about cooking dinner for a small number.
4. What's your greatest fear?
Apart from snakes? Extremism and intolerance. They bring nothing but misery. Respect for others with differing points of view is so important. In Hope for Youth we seek to build bridges, to break down barriers and provide, by small steps, a better future for the young in Northern Ireland.
5. What makes you most happy?
Taking anything to a successful conclusion. It can be finishing a project, creating something, playing sport or simply turning the last page in an enjoyable book. I am not a very tidy skier, so getting to the bottom of a black run without any mishaps is always a bonus. From a work perspective, I was lucky enough to build a team in an investment management company in London and it is incredibly satisfying to see a business grow with a small group of people pulling in the same direction, and many remain friends to this day.
6. And your biggest regret?
You should never have regrets in life. Hindsight is a great thing, but we should learn from the past and look forwards.
7. How do you chill out?
Travel, and also sport or exercise. All are great for taking your mind off the ups and downs of a working day. My working days are generally spent at the office in London but when I am able to get back to Northern Ireland, I am lucky enough to call Finnebrogue House home. Ulster’s oldest undefended house, I have spent the last six years refurbishing it and I look forward to welcoming 150 Hope for Youth supporters in June for The Waterloo Dinner, another major fundraising event for the organisation.
8. What's the most important lesson you've learned in life?
Think of others. When making decisions think of the outcomes for other people rather than a company or yourself. Hope for Youth is my principal charity, one which I am very proud to be part of, and in the three years I have been involved it is uplifting and humbling to see, first hand, the genuine impact that the life changing work of this cross community project has on the ground.
9. The book and film that means the most to you – and why?
Graham Greens is my favourite 20th century author. He has such a good eye for the human condition, and finding humour in unlikely situations. So it would have to be the Quiet American, or perhaps Our Man in Havana. For my favourite film, David Lean would be my top director. Let’s go for Dr. Zhivago, a wonderful range of characters trying to find their way against the sweep of history.
10. If you could change one thing....what would it be?
To be a better time keeper
Courtesy of the Belfast Telegraph