Logged In With….Russ Piper, CEO of Sovereign Health Care

Logged In With….Sovereign Health Care’s chief executive Russ Piper

Tell us about your career highlights:

I think that breaking into any new role is always a highlight, especially each time you reach the next level in your career whatever that ‘next level’ may be.

In an earlier insurance role at Liverpool Victoria I was one of four selected from 230 applicants – that was a good feeling! Joining Sovereign as sales and marketing director was a significant land mark in my career as ultimately it led me to my current position as chief executive.

When I was appointed it was a very strange, exciting and overwhelming feeling, walking in to the office that first day thinking, it all stops with you now Russ!

Who has had the biggest influence on your career to date?

As I can only pick one, I would have to say an old boss James Bawa, who is currently chief executive at Teachers Building Society.

Not only did he hire me on two separate occasions, but he also taught me the importance of humility. This is particularly important in senior roles when decisions you make can touch people’s lives. His advice has stayed with me throughout my career.

What do you enjoy most and least about your role?

Most – I would have to say the unpredictability. Each day is planned but there is always the possibility of an unexpected opportunity or situation to deal with.

Least enjoyable or perhaps the biggest challenge is that I am now one step removed from the more hands-on tasks, there is sometimes a temptation to jump in but I realise it is important to empower people and let them grow and develop.

As a business leader, what’s the key to managing people?

I call it contracting. Agreeing clear roles and standards so you can manage each others expectations. I think that it is extremely important for long term motivation that people have goals and aspirations (work and personal) to work towards.

Good management is supporting staff to help them achieve their goals. It’s also important that leaders demonstrate calmness and level headedness, if we can’t keep our cool how can we expect them to?

What are the biggest barriers to your organisation’s success?

People can have an outdated view of what health care cash plans are, so we have to raise awareness of what they can do for individuals and businesses.

Health care cash plans are traditional and have a long history but they are designed to be used and we are making great strides to ensure they are relevant for the current environment as well as in years to come.

How well do you feel this region is placed to weather the recession?

In theory it should be good. We are well positioned geographically to reach the entire country. Our region covers a huge area and we are blessed with very good transport infrastructure and diverse population.

However, I do think that it is very important that business leaders talk the region up, and show some confidence in what Yorkshire has to offer.

Our own particular industry is important in a recession as people need to look after their health but they may be tempted to delay treatment because of the cost.

Health doesn’t become any less important because of the economic climate. Health care cash plans can help with affording health care as and when you need it. You never know what is around the corner. 

How has technology changed your life in the last five years?

I continue to be staggered by the instantaneous nature of news. I think that technology continues to open opportunities to market and it is essential that we keep abreast of the changes and how people react to these technological advances now and in the future.

In 2020 almost everyone will access the internet on their mobile, there is obviously a social element to this but we must be aware of the impact on business and be prepared to embrace it.

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what alternative career would you choose and why?

I’d be in politics. I do believe passionately that you should treat people the way that you want to be treated and that this is lacking in politics.

I think that a lot of people in politics wouldn’t cut the mustard in business, when they are in fact running the biggest business of all! I would bring a fresh voice and say what others are thinking, but politicians don’t say because it’s not PC. I would aim to be transparent so people know what they are voting for!

Which sectors do you think will thrive/struggle in the coming years?

I think the retail sector will continue to struggle in the immediate future as this will be affected by the amount of personal debt and uncertainty around job security.

Regarding sectors that will thrive, I think that there is only one way for the construction industry to go and that is up. After all we are being told that there is a serious shortage of houses.

I also think that the manufacturing industry will improve, maybe not thrive but pick up particularly where companies are able to specialise and develop a niche competitive edge over lower production cost countries. We have the talent and the knowledge on our doorstep; it would be a serious shame if manufacturing didn’t improve.

In five words, describe your character

Determined, honest, enthusiastic, compassionate and focused.

Which actor would you choose to play you in a film?

He is a bit older than me but I would have to say Bill Nighy. He’s eccentric, a bit sarcastic and I think he’d capture my personality and mannerisms. He was great as the newspaper editor in State of Play.