Work is important but it is only part of life says Teresa Bray, chief executive of Changeworks
What time do get up and what’s your morning routine?
I am not really a morning person so I don’t go for an early start. I cycle to work and like to go for a swim beforehand if there is time.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at the office?
Our bicycle parking is in the Changeworks Recycling warehouse so locking up my bike and walking through gives me a good opportunity to see how things are going.
What turns you into the office Victor Meldrew?
With around 100 people using our kitchen, if everyone doesn’t do their bit and clear up after themselves it is easy for things to unravel. Our facilities team does a great job encouraging staff to keep the place clean and tidy but occasionally the dishes pile up and I then have a moan.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
I am not sure as an 18-year-old I would have listened to advice that I was given. Take advantage of opportunities that arise and if opportunities are not arising then create them. Work is important but it is only part of life, so make sure you make time for friends, family and activities you enjoy.
Take advantage of opportunities that arise and if opportunities are not arising then create them
Teresa Bray
When was the last time you socialised with colleagues?
After Changeworks’ Fuel Poverty Conference in September, I took our event organising team to the pub for a well-earned drink!
What do you procrastinate over?
Filling in questionnaires.
What’s the most important quality of a chief executive?
Creating a culture where employees and volunteers feel inspired and able to contribute, as individuals and as a team, to achieving our organisation’s goals. So much more can be achieved.
Who do you prefer working with volunteers or paid staff?
I can’t really choose. My day to day interactions are mostly with our employees as our volunteers are out and about working with communities. I am proud of the expertise and enthusiasm of both our staff and volunteers.
What does your perfect weekend look like?
Being outdoors, either walking up a hill or kayaking to an island.
If you were your boss would you like you?
I would hope so. I believe creating good working relationships are an important factor in being able to take rough with and the smooth of running an organisation.
Is this a step on the ladder to success or your final destination?
It is difficult to imagine a better job than being chief executive of Changeworks. We provide practical services to help reduce our environmental impact and tackle fuel poverty which chime with my own beliefs and practical nature. I enjoy the freedom of being able to lead the organisation. Retirement’s a long way off, so who knows?
Which do you prefer and why – Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin?
Facebook is for friends and family and Twitter keeps me up-to-date with what is happening outside the mainstream media.
Would we all be better off if charities did more in our society?
New models of service provision need to be developed, not only in the field of social care but also in the provision of wider services, such as energy services. While charities and social enterprises have an important role, we need a new approach. For example, Warmworks Scotland is a new joint venture between Changeworks, the Energy Saving Trust and Everwarm which takes the best out of the public, private and third sectors to give householders in fuel poverty the very best service.
Brian Denis Cox or Brian Edward Cox?
Brian Edward Cox. I am fascinated by the science he presents.
Teresa Bray is chief executive of Changeworks
