Lily Johnson Talks Talent

Insights from Skybound Wealth Management's Group Head of Talent

At Skybound Wealth Management, we are committed to attracting and nurturing top-tier talent. In this exclusive interview, our CEO Mike Coady speaks with Lily Johnson, our new Group Head of Talent, about her journey, her experiences, and her vision for Skybound Wealth Management. This interview highlights the importance we place on building a supportive, dynamic, and inclusive work environment that empowers our people to achieve their full potential.

Mike Coady: Can you tell us a bit about your professional journey so far? How did you get started in talent management?

Lily Johnson: I began my career with Jumeirah in HR, where I quickly discovered my passion for recruitment. After two and a half years in that role, I transitioned to the Atlantis in Dubai, focusing solely on talent management. During my three years as a Talent Acquisition Manager at Atlantis, I further developed my skills in sourcing and hiring top-tier and internationally based talent.

Mike Coady: What have been some of the most rewarding experiences in your career so far?

Lily Johnson: One of the highlights of my career has been my rapid promotion in both Jumeirah and Atlantis, where I was given the responsibility of leading a team. Being part of the pre-opening team for one of the most luxurious hotels in the world and contributing to the hiring of over 4,000 people was incredibly rewarding. It was a privilege to play a role in such a significant project.

Mike Coady: Your role at Atlantis involved hiring a large number of people and contributing to the opening of a world-renowned property. What was that experience like, and what key lessons did you take away from it?

Lily Johnson: It was a remarkable experience that required strategic planning and extensive recruitment efforts. We needed candidates who were multilingual in languages like Arabic, French, German, Mandarin, and Russian, which meant conducting recruitment trips to ten different countries. The key lessons I took away were the importance of a strategic approach and the value of casting a wide net to find the best talent.

Mike Coady: What did you enjoy most about your time at Atlantis? Are there any particular moments or achievements that stand out to you?

Lily Johnson: One of the most enjoyable aspects was my promotion to Manager, which allowed me to take on more responsibility and lead a team. Opening Atlantis The Royal was also a standout moment—few people get to see Beyoncé live while working! Achieving the hiring goals with the specific language skill sets needed was incredibly satisfying.

Mike Coady: Now that you’ve joined Skybound Wealth Management as the Group Head of Talent, what are your main priorities and goals for the coming year?

Lily Johnson: My main priority is to grow and retain the talent at Skybound Wealth and ensure we remain a top wealth management firm and an employer of choice. I aim to create an environment where our team members feel valued, supported, and motivated to achieve their best.

Mike Coady: What do you find most exciting about working in the wealth management industry, and how do you see your role contributing to the company’s success?

Lily Johnson: The wealth management industry is rapidly evolving and with increasing awareness of the importance of financial planning. My role is to assist with both internal and external growth. More successful team members lead to greater success for the company. I aim to help people find a fulfilling career in this industry, not just a job.

Mike Coady: Skybound Wealth Management places a strong emphasis on attracting and retaining top talent. What strategies and initiatives do you plan to implement to achieve this goal?

Lily Johnson: My first focus is on our employer brand. With an ever increasing presence on social media, I believe it is important for each team member to work on their brand. I also plan to enhance job satisfaction, happiness, and development plans with our managers. Utilizing our current systems, I will identify any skill gaps in our current team which will be a long-term plan.

Mike Coady: What do you believe sets Skybound Wealth Management apart from other companies, and why should potential recruits consider joining our team?

Lily Johnson: Skybound offers an inclusive team atmosphere and the opportunity to work with some of the top executives in the region. We have a strong regulatory background in multiple jurisdictions, including the US, UK, UAE, and Europe, with a huge emphasis on compliance. We support our employees with qualifications and focus on internal growth. Our London office has the Academy, and I believe implementing a similar program in Dubai would be highly beneficial.

Mike Coady: On a personal note, what do you enjoy doing outside of work? Are there any hobbies or interests that you’re particularly passionate about?

Lily Johnson: I enjoy working out and attending my weekly Pilates classes. Another hobby of mine, probably picked up from my years working in hotels, is hotel hopping. I love staying in new hotels and comparing their facilities and services.

Why Choose Skybound Wealth?

At Skybound Wealth Management, we believe in fostering a culture of excellence and support. Lily Johnson’s vision and expertise in talent management will be instrumental in driving our growth and maintaining our position as a top employer in the wealth management industry. We are dedicated to providing our employees with the resources, opportunities, and supportive environment they need to thrive.

If you are passionate about wealth management and looking for a place to grow your career, Skybound Wealth Management is the perfect fit for you. Join our dynamic team and be part of a company that values its people and strives for excellence. Connect with Lily Johnson and explore the exciting opportunities we offer. Visit our Careers Page to learn more and apply today.