In each edition of our Newsletter, we like to pick someone from the sector to shine under our spotlight.  This time, we interview Laurie Russell (CEO - The Wise Group) and ask what motivates him to work in the sector and if there are any sacrifices that come with scaling up.

1. What do you like most about your current role?

Working with great people that are passionate and committed to making a difference to people's lives.

2. What is the main thing that motivates you to work for a social enterprise?

The values that we believe in, and secondly, the knowledge that more and more people believe in it and would like to find a more ethical business model.

3. There is a lot of aspiration for social enterprises to scale up.  What sacrifices do organisations have to make for growth?

I am not sure that there are necessarily sacrifices that need to be made, but more that different balances need to be struck and attitudes could be changed.  We need to think more commercially and business like on one hand but stick to our core values and purposes on the other.  We also need to adopt more professional practices and learn from others.  We need to form different working relationships and collaborate with potential partners from the private, third and public sectors.  And above all be more innovative, take risks and believe we can achieve what we want to achieve. 

Off the tape ...

4. What song or piece of music would you want to end your funeral with?

Leonard Cohen 'Closing Time'. 

5. Who would you consider to be your all time hero?

I have a few heroes - politicians, writers, musicians and footballers - but not one all time hero.

6. If you had a pistol with one bullet, who would get it?

I don't believe in the death penalty.  But I would jail more of the corrupt, egotistic, unprincipled politicians that abuse their positions of power. 

7. Which one book would you take to that desert island?

The Times Atlas of the World