'It was ridiculously ambitious'

摘要

Why did you become chairman? We started Architects for Aid - which became Article 25 - in my office. When the first chairman, Maxwell Hutchinson, stepped down in 2008,I made a convenient 'hands on chairman, being on the spot. It meant I could help the staff make quick decisions as we grew the charity from a woman and a dog. They then put up with me for seven years - that's a little longer than recommended. What has the role involved? Initially I was involved day to day. When Article 25 moved out of my office, I could adopt a more strategic role, meeting the MD on a weekly basis to go through all the decisions, getting involved in significant fund raising events - like the 10×10 auction - or significant projects. I bathe in reflected glory from the achievements of others - notably our brilliant staff.