Netsehet Workneh, the 6th child among 7 siblings, was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in a loving family. Growing up, Netsehet enjoyed various outdoor games. Her Education started at German School in Addis Ababa which closed under the Derg regime and subsequently had to switch to Kidanemihret Primary School and later to Nazareth School for her high school education until she left for Germany at the age of 16. Netsehet moved to Germany following her mother’s appointment at the Ethiopian Embassy in Berlin.

Netsehet believes, having frequent school changes and leaving the country at a young age, has helped her develop social skills and the keen ability to easily connect with others creating lasting friendships. She earned her BA degree in Social Sciences in the UK aspiring to follow her mother’s diplomatic footsteps and later obtained a postgraduate diploma in Human Resource Management (UK).

Netsehet began her career as a recruiter at a local government office in the UK, where she lived and worked for 16 years before returning to Ethiopia for family obligations and to raise her young children next to her loving family. The transition was challenging, but she worked hard to acclimatize in the professional and social community she was now a part of. She particularly acknowledges the support of her family and friends as well as the book “Who Moved My Cheese” which she has read over 4 times, in helping her during this transition period.

After adapting to her new reality, she joined Zemen Bank during its establishment, where she successfully recruited the bank’s first batch of employees. During this time, Netsehet recognized the untapped potential of Ethiopia’s HR sector and decided to venture out on her own and Co-founded LonAdd, an HR consultancy company, in 2009. The name LonAdd was selected to reflect her journey from London to Addis.

The company has grown significantly over the past 15 years, operating as a Recruitment, Outsourcing, Training and HR consulting and advisory service provider working with both local and international companies. Headquartered in Addis Ababa, LonAdd has branch offices in Hawassa and Dukem with plans to open additional branch offices in various additional locations in Jigjiga and Bahir Dar. The company is also operational in Dubai, UAE and in the process of securing licensing in Juba, South Sudan. Currently, LonAdd employs 36 permanent employees and manages over 3000 personnel across various organizations.

With 24 years of experience in HR, Netsehet always strives to discover new and impactful ways of people management. She continuously prioritizes delegation and places immense trust in her team. She fosters commitment, empowerment and motivation through continuous encouragement and annual recognition events, presenting awards in five categories to always acknowledge her employees’ accomplishments within the year. Netsehet prides herself in maintaining integrity in the HR industry by creating a fair and bias free atmosphere where qualified job seekers are presented with employment opportunities and clients discovering ideal candidates.

Netsehet is grateful to have her mother still by her side. She is also grateful for her close-knit family and enduring friendships that have lasted over 30 years, which have supported her throughout the years and greatly contributed to her success to date. Netsehet is also blessed with a wonderful and supportive husband and two incredible children (1 boy and 1 girl) who are both currently residing in university out of Ethiopia. She spends ample time with her family and maintains a very close relationship with her children even with the demanding nature of the business she has built.

Netsehet is best known for her empathetic nature as well as understanding and relating to other’s perspectives. She is an optimist who always finds the good in people and situations which enables her to maintain a positive work environment. One of her priorities in life is philanthropy, and she has supported various causes consistently like sponsoring widows and their children, provided medicines, blankets, and energy supplements during the Tigray war, and donated a baking machine to the regional primary school. She has plans to open an orphanage mainly focusing on boys, as they are often less accepted by families, addressing the societal challenges they often face.

Some of Netsehet’ s most significant achievements include founding and successfully managing LonAdd, completing the London Marathon in 2023, successfully completing quite a number of half marathons and shorter runs organized by Great Ethiopian Run  and other organizations, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and undertaking mentorship roles. In addition to being a steady early riser and fitness enthusiast, running is a crucial part of her life; she absolutely enjoys it and is part of a running team called ‘DUKA’ that runs twice a week. This routine has shaped her personality, contributing to her calm demeanor and fostering her positive workplace relationships.

Netsehet is considered an inspiration to many in her circle. She influences her colleagues in her character, work ethic, optimism, and overall life outlook. Those who know Netsehet, praise her patience, empathy, and kindness in every and all instances.

Her advice for the younger generation is to be realistic, avoid expecting success over night, emphasizing that it requires patience, commitment, discipline, and focus. Her discipline in building her company through various ups and downs and consistency in her exercise routines are a motivation to all who know her. She emphasizes the importance of respect and equality, integrity, learning from challenges, and maintaining regular exercise for mental well-being and is an exemplary leader who lives what she preaches.

Netsehet expresses deep gratitude for the support and community she has found through AWiB. AWiB has not only strengthened her family bonds but has also encouraged her to reflect on her contributions to her country. She values AWiB’s initiatives that empower young girls and women, recognizing their significant impact on leadership development. Being a member of the Female CEO Breakfast Club (FCBC) brings her immense satisfaction. It provides a space for collaboration with like-minded individuals, where they can learn from each other’s experiences and offer genuine support.

With LonAdd’s commitment to providing quality and efficient HR services across Ethiopia and Africa, Netsehet is excited about the potential for positive change in the leadership landscape. AWiB wholeheartedly wishes her continued growth and success as she strives to make a meaningful difference.

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