Loral Quinn is co-founder of Sustainably a technology for social good company, based in Edinburgh
What are you working on at Sustainably?
We're launching an app early in the new year that makes it easy for everyone to give to charity, hassle-free, every day by rounding up their cashless transactions to the nearest £1 every time they shop.
Where did the idea come from?
I was head of digital marketing and strategy for a global company for a number of years. I was advising our senior executives on innovation and transformation. So I guess I was inspired by a real mix of lifestyle, gaming and technology brands who have created simple technology that becomes part of everyday life.
How many hours do you work on it in a week?
At the moment I'm spending a lot of time - probably more than 60 hours a week, but that's life as a start-up, and to be honest I am a workaholic so I enjoy working hard!
There is a real opportunity for charities to benefit from digital but I don't think the industry is there yet
Loral Quinn
How many people work at Sustainably?
As a start-up it varies from week to week - for the past couple of months we had 16 people working with us. At the moment it's more like 12, as we bring in specialists to work with us for short bursts, but we will be ramping that up again soon.
Do you think if charities don’t embrace digital they will die?
I think disruption is happening across all industries. People want to do good and the challenge is to make it as easy as possible. There is a real opportunity for charities to benefit from digital but I don't think the industry is there yet.
What’s your favourite social network from Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter?
There are definitely benefits to them all so I don't particularly favour any one over the other as I use each of them for different things.
Who is or was your role model?
I admire Sheryl Sandberg for both her achievements in technology at Facebook and Google, but also her involvement in philanthropy and the promotion of diversity and inclusion. She's not afraid to say what she thinks, regardless of the critics.
What do you enjoy about working in the third sector?
Being able to make a difference every day is core to what we're doing at Sustainably - so that's definitely a motivator for me.
What’s your favourite film and why?
Cinema Paradiso – being passionate about doing something, then eventually making it happen.
Would your 18-year-old self be impressed with where you are now?
I think my 18-year old self would be quite proud of my current self. I was always a hard worker, but now I'm on a mission to make the world a better place!
Which Brian Cox?
The actor. I believe he played Edward Norton and Rachel McAdam's fathers - both of whom are big philanthropists. Maybe he can give me an introduction!
Loral Quinn if co-founder of Sustainably.
