Triodos Bank's Graeme Galloway likes a film with meaning and believes in the power of money to create social good
How many hours do you normally work in a week?
The Triodos working week is 37.5 hours but there’s a plus sign in front of that figure, that’s all I’m saying.
Would our economy be stronger with more social enterprises?
Yes, I’m sure it would benefit from more engagement and partnership working with the SE sector. There is a lot of added value to be had from spending money in a conscious way, with social and environmental impact in mind.
Who is or was your role model?
I’ve never really had one, however my late father in law was such a fantastic and caring person and gave me confidence and belief in what I could achieve, and what was important in life
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Well, the tables have turned in my family; my wife and I get up early and the kids stay in bed. My work does drive me to get out of bed most weekdays.
When was the last time you socialised with colleagues?
We’ve a small team in Edinburgh so we do try to nip out from time to time. We socialise with Bristol colleagues every three months when we’re attending team meetings.
Money is one of the most powerful tools we have, but it is misused terribly.
What makes a good day at work?
When I visit projects and see the impacts of the depositors money I have lent. I travel to a number of remote places in Scotland so it’s even better if the sun is shining.
What turns you into the office grump?
My IT skills are ok but could be better, which can be frustrating. Oh, and if there is no chocolate in the fridge.
What’s your favourite film and why?
Melancholia. For me, a film must be an experience and affect you in some way to be truly enjoyable. This film is about the end of the world. It’s not a Hollywood special effects romp where the hero saves the day. It is very real and disturbing, and, yes, the world does end; everybody dies. (sad face).
Is social finance the future?
That’s a challenging question. I believe it is very much a part of the future and I hope organisations like ourselves can make a difference and at least make larger corporations consider the power of money in a way that benefits people and the planet more. Money is one of the most powerful tools we have, but it is misused terribly.
Do you live an ethical life?
I have to be honest here and say I do what I can within our household fund. The exciting bit is in learning ways to be economical and ethical with finances and this encourages us (the family) to be creative and to try ways of making things work. It’s an ongoing process of change.
Would your 16-year-old self be impressed by where you are today?
Possibly. My son will be 16 next year and he’s kind of like his dad. I think he’s a bit impressed. I think what matters is that I’m happy and my 16-year-old self would have wanted that.
If you were your boss, would you like you?
I think there would be things I’d like and things that would annoy me. I have the ability to annoy myself from time to time.
If you could give one piece of advice what would it be?
I was brought up to think of others so I suppose it would be along the lines of ‘be true to yourself and be very grateful for what you have and think of other people’
Is this a step on the ladder to success or your final destination?
I’ve taken a few steps already in my working life and success doesn’t always equate to happiness. Certainly from a materialistic point of view, it doesn’t. I’ll take each day as it comes and work hard at this level provided I continue to get the satisfaction from doing such a worthy job.
Which Brian Cox?
Oh, is this a popularity contest or something? I’d say the astronomer chap but as they are both men, how about Lucy Bronze? (Ed: who?)
