Insights

Celebrating 20 Years at Ant: A Q&A with Managing Director Sean Rawlin

From sales advisor applicant to Managing Director – reflecting on two decades of growth, leadership, and lessons learned

This year marks an incredible milestone – Sean Rawlin is celebrating 20 years at Ant! From his very first day to leading the business today, Sean has seen it all – growth, change, and plenty of memorable moments. We sat down with him to reflect on his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and what advice he’d give to those starting out.

Can you take us back to your first day at Ant? What was your role, and what were your first impressions?

I applied for a sales advisor role, but halfway through the group interview, the interviewer, Marius, pulled me aside and interviewed me for an Assistant Operations Manager position instead. Safe to say, my first impression was: this is a place where opportunities come fast  – so be ready to grab them!

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey with Ant?

Watching people grow. Whether they’ve built long-term careers here or moved on to new opportunities, seeing someone develop, gain confidence, and succeed – knowing I’ve played even a small part in that is incredibly rewarding.

How has the company changed since you first joined?

The systems are unrecognisable! When I started, even bank details were kept on paper. We’ve come a long way since then! The technology, the way we work, and the scale of the business have all evolved massively.

What leadership lessons have you learned over the years?

No one has all the answers, and that’s okay. The best leaders listen, learn, and trust their teams. I believe in empowering people to make their own decisions – it builds confidence, accountability, and, ultimately, stronger teams.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting their career at Ant today?

Step outside your comfort zone. New opportunities won’t always land in your lap – you have to go after them!

If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?

Honestly? I wouldn’t change a thing. The highs, the lows, the mistakes – they’ve all got me to where I am today. The most important thing is that you learn from everything and keep moving forward.

How do you unwind outside of work? Any hobbies or passions people might not know about?

Family time. That’s what keeps me grounded.

Looking Ahead

As Sean marks two decades at Ant, his journey is a reflection of the company’s culture – one that values growth, opportunity, and resilience. From his very first day to shaping the future of the business, his passion for people and leadership continues to drive Ant forward.

Here’s to the next chapter and many more milestones to come! 🥂