Entrepreneur Spotlight: Rishi Lad

Rishi Lad is an entrepreneur, investor, and strategic advisor who is redefining what it means to lead at a young age. At 16 he launched his first business, at 18 he was appointed as a Governor at Highcliffe Primary School, at 19 he became a Board Director, and at 20, he invested in Neuro Notion and now sits on their advisory board. He is passionate about financial education, empowering youth, and supporting innovative ventures. His personal motto, "Believe it, achieve it," fuels his drive to push boundaries and create opportunities, proving that age and circumstance should not limit you.

1. You started hustling at 13 with a paper round and learning about the stock market. What’s one thing you learned back then that still helps you today?

One thing that’s stuck with me is the value of hard work, the importance of money, and how to negotiate. Delivering newspapers at 6am taught me discipline. Learning about the stock market taught me how money works and that investing, whether in stocks or businesses, is a powerful way to build wealth. Negotiating rates with my manager showed me the power of confidence and backing my worth. Those lessons have stuck with me ever since.

2. At just 16, you launched R&L Fashion. What inspired you to start a clothing line, and what was the most exciting or unexpected moment from that journey?

Entrepreneurship is in my blood. My parents and grandparents all ran their own businesses. I wanted to build something of my own. I had the idea for R&L Fashion, and instead of sitting on it, or overthinking it, I went for it.

What I didn’t expect was just how hard it would be to build a brand from scratch, but that journey taught me so much. It’s also where my love for networking started. The most surreal moment was seeing influencers and real customers wearing my designs and being featured in a UK article and a US talk show. That really gave me a taste of what was possible.

3. By 19, you were already a board director. Did anyone ever underestimate you because of your age? How did you prove them wrong?

Surprisingly, I’ve never felt directly underestimated. I think people saw my confidence and what I could bring to the table. Many organisations now want younger people at the table to bring fresh thinking, new ideas, and generational insight. The key is knowing your value and communicating it well.

4. Juggling leadership roles and life as a teenager isn’t easy. Any hacks from trying to balance it all?

It’s a lot, but it’s possible with structure. Everything is in my calendar. I take networking calls or study during my lunch breaks. I’ve sacrificed evenings and weekends because I want to work hard while I’m young, hungry, and healthy. You’ve also got to learn how to switch gears fast. One moment I’m reviewing investment portfolios, the next I’m making strategic decisions in board meetings. Prioritisation and presence are everything.

5. For young people wanting to start their own business, what’s one tip you’d give them to get ahead?

Understand the problem you’re solving. Don’t just chase money or trends. Then stop overthinking and just get on with it. Action beats perfection.

Also, seek mentors and understand the power of networking. The right contact can change your whole trajectory. Your network is your net worth. And above all, believe in yourself.