#ImpactExpertsQT: Paul Finnis

For this edition of Impact Experts Question Time, we’re thrilled to feature Paul Finnis, a passionate leader in the fight against digital poverty and an advocate for systemic change. Paul is the founder of the Digital Poverty Alliance, a coalition dedicated to addressing digital exclusion and creating a more equitable society. With an impressive career that spans both the UK and Vietnam, Paul has championed initiatives that drive meaningful change, from scholarships for underserved youth to empowering communities through collaborative action. His reflections on collaboration, progress, and purpose offer inspiring insights into the heart of ethical leadership.

In this QT, Paul shares his perspective on creating impactful change, the lessons learned from his global experiences, and why he believes in taking bold action to address challenges rather than holding out for perfection. From his proudest milestones to his most cringe-worthy moments, Paul’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, humility, and a relentless drive to make a difference. Dive in to hear his thoughts on what it means to go far – together.

What is the biggest thing you have done to create or improve social impact? 

As often is the case, it would depend on how you define “biggest”. In terms of sheer scale, the “biggest” thing I have done, certainly in recent years in the UK, apart from semi-managing my two growing boys, is founding the Digital Poverty Alliance; a coalition we brought together to collectively respond to the issue of digital poverty and exclusion. But, for me, “biggest” can also refer to the most important and, for me, that is almost always at an individual level – seeing someone or a family, for instance, move forward successfully and happily in their life in which case it would have to be one of many wonderful stories from my time in Vietnam – happy to recount those at length any time!!

 

If you were the Prime Minister, what would you do to improve the UK for everyone? 

I would immediately introduce a policy of Universal Basic Income (UBI). UBI is a policy whereby everyone gets a set amount of money regularly, no strings attached, and making sure that everyone has enough money to cover their basic needs. It’s designed to help prevent poverty and reduce inequality by giving people a financial safety net. With a UBI, people have more stability, which can improve their overall well-being and let them focus on things like health, education, and personal goals. UBI would also simplify welfare systems by replacing many benefits, cutting down on bureaucracy; it also supports the economy by helping people keep spending during tough times, reducing strain on social services and fostering a more resilient, inclusive society. For me – there is urgency needed in addressing inequality, poverty and disadvantage and UBI would be the quickest and most affordable way to achieve this quickly. It is way more affordable than it might sound and although there are many out there who nay-say this, the reality is that it is infinitely better than the prolongation of poverty which the current social system creates.

 

What is your biggest work lesson? And why? 

I have learned many valuable lessons, but one that stands out for me, especially recently, is, “Perfection is the enemy of good.” It reminds me that striving for perfection can sometimes hinder progress and effectiveness. I recently had the opportunity to speak at a UN event in Geneva which was looking at progress towards the SDGs and the impact that digital inclusion can have. I was very polite, of course, but I felt compelled to say that whilst all of their work and discussions are important as we build towards a fairer society, we also have to get on and do things NOW! We may get elements wrong but I still think that is better than waiting until we think everything is perfect before doing anything at all. I expect this will cause consternation for some, but, especially with digital inclusion, I think the upsides hugely outweigh the negatives.

 

Can you share some key milestones or proudest moments in your career?

Two moments stand out, both from my time in Vietnam and both, by chance, were during my final week there. The first was speaking to a group of 250 young university students who were not even in full-time schooling when I first arrived 8 years earlier. One of my first actions as the CEO at Saigon Children’s Charity was to introduce a university scholarship programme to complement the schools’ scholarships we already did; so that young people who had done really well at school, were then able to progress on to university. Seeing that group of young people epitomised, for me, all the reasons that I had gone to Vietnam in the first place. The second was receiving two Vietnamese medals – one was the national medal for Peace and Friendship and the second was for contribution to society from the Ho Chi Minh City authorities. I haven’t had a chance to wear them yet though!! 

 

What is your most embarrassing moment at work?

This would have to be in the early days of email and my making the classic mistake of replying “All” to an email where I was rude about the sender – ironically someone who was and, thankfully, still is a close friend!

 

What is the thing that brings you the most #workkjoy?

This is easy for me to answer – witnessing someone’s life improve as a direct result of our work, though I wish it happened more often and more universally. It has felt like wading through treacle sometimes and there have been plenty of times when I have really struggled to find this joy in my work but I feel really fortunate to be able to experience it at all and it is absolutely the reason that I have worked in the sector as long as I have.

 

What is one of your pet hates? Why?

Over bureaucratisation – which I find stifles innovation, hinders creativity and slows down meaningful progress.

 

Who or what inspires you to continue pushing the boundaries of ethical and impact driven business practices?

If what we all do doesn’t improve life for people and/or the planet – then what’s the point?

 

What is your favourite quote that you would like us to include? And please explain why.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”.

I have always liked this African proverb. I think it is particularly pertinent in development work where sometimes speed is of the essence whereas long-lasting, sustainable systemic change can only happen when people are brought together. I note that the great Freddie Quek also quoted this as his favourite and I am not surprised as he and I have been of exactly the same view on this especially around digital inclusion and this being a job for everyone working together and no one organisation (no names mentioned!!) trying to take this on on their own.

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