Greenhouse Pioneer:
John Spiers, EQ Investors

As we reach the end of BCorp month, we are sharing the love for other companies that take their impact seriously. Hear below from John Spiers, CEO of EQ Investors – experts in impact investing and a founding UK BCorp.

1. Tell us, in 20 words or fewer, about EQ Investors – what’s your mission? 

Our mission is to maximise the probability of our clients living the life they desire in line with their values. EQ stands for Emotional Quotient, a measure of our ability to recognise people’s emotions. It reflects our intention to treat all people: clients, staff, suppliers, as human beings and to value their feelings.

2. What drives you? 

Determination to succeed, desire for fairness and honesty and a pleasure in helping others. 

3. What is your greatest achievement to date? 

It’s a familiar response, but I’m most proud of my family.

4. What are the challenges you face?

Finding enough time to do all the things that I want to and stay focused.

5. What, in your vision, is the most powerful way to change the financial sector?

Showing that there is no conflict between success and doing things the right way.

As a founding UK B-Corp, making a positive contribution to the wider community and helping people less fortunate than ourselves is a core part of our business philosophy.

6. What are you working on that’s getting you fired up and excited?

The ‘Giving is Great’ project, which has the potential I believe to transform the way in which people make decisions about philanthropy by giving them data on the actual impact achieved by their donations.

We’re actually hosting an event in April – ‘The EQ Foundation presents: Make Your Giving Great’, where we’ll hear from two highly regarded charity sector experts as we discuss how we can transform the way we give.

7. Where do you want to take EQ Investors next? 

To become an affordable family office for the growing amount of people who would like to use their money as a force for good. We are a leader in impact investing and offer our Positive Impact Portfolios as a unique proposition for individuals who care about how and where their money is invested. 

I’d like positive impact investing to become the default investment choice for all investors as we address global issues like climate change and environmental destruction.

8. What can we, as individuals, do to make a difference?

Everything! From investing our money in projects that deliver a positive impact to avoiding harmful products and practices. As human beings we have a choice to lead a life that takes future generations and the planet into consideration. 

9. How is what you are doing inspiring change in others?

I don’t know, you’d have to ask those I work and spend time with! 

10. Can you recommend a life- or game-changing book for our readers? 

I’ve just read a brilliant book, ‘Why we sleep’ by Malcolm Walker. It explains that sleep, more than exercise, diet and wealth, is the most important factor to our physical and mental wellbeing.I couldn’t recommend this more highly.

 11. What do you listen to when you’re cooking dinner?

Radio Paradise, an electric online rock station without commercials. It’s supported through donations from listeners and lifts my spirits.

 12. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? 

Sleep on it. It’s often better not to rush to a resolution but to allow for some time and space to open up a wider perspective.  

 13. Can you leave us with who’d be your Eco Hero? 

Sir David Attenborough for a lifetime of work raising awareness of the natural world.

Are you a B-Corp looking to increase your impact through communications? Get in touch with Greenhouse to find out how we can help.