We chat to Richard Taylor, chief fundraiser at CRUK and new chair of the Institute of Fundraising, about his achievements, dreams and those ‘desert island’ essentials.
Why and how did you get into fundraising?
I became disenchanted with creating wealth for people who did nothing good with it. Then my father was diagnosed with cancer, which prompted me to write to Cancer Research UK where I was appointed head of retail. It was the start of 16 of the best years of my career.
What do you love most about being a fundraiser?
The pace, ambition and what our success achieves and means for cancer patients. It’s important, real and incredibly rewarding. I get to meet amazing people and to see how the generosity of the British public translates into life-saving treatments.
Give us an unusual fact that people might not know about you?
I was once on the judging panel for Miss England.
What would be your superpower?
No-one would ever be able to say no to me.
What has been your proudest achievement?
Professionally, being at the helm of the most successful fundraising team in the UK. Admittedly that isn’t a personal achievement, but I’m immensely proud of the incredible talent that I have the privilege of leading.
If you weren't in fundraising, what would you like to do instead?
I’d like to be running a consumer-facing business within either arts or leisure. If this wasn’t possible then I’d probably do executive coaching; something I enjoy and appreciate for myself.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Surround yourself with brilliant people, and don’t be frightened of recruiting people who are better at their job than you would be.
What's your best piece of advice for other fundraisers?
What’s the worst that can happen?
What three things would you take with you to a desert island?
An iphone and a portable charger; a beard trimmer; and a paint and easel.
What makes you happy?
That’s easy. Walking on the beach every weekend, and seeing Man United lift a trophy (it’s only a matter of time until we’ll see the latter happen again).
Richard Taylor is executive director of fundraising and supporter marketing at Cancer Research UK and chair of the Institute of Fundraising
