SCC UK boss: I’ve returned to London after 10 years. Locals forget how good they have it

Each week, we dig into the memory bank of the City’s great and good. Today, Russell Brown, CEO at IT giant SCC UK, tells us about returning to London after a decade away, and how he’s navigated a career in tech, in Square Mile and Me

CV

• Name: Russell Brown
• Job title: CEO at SCC UK
• Previous roles: Chief revenue officer at ACP CreativIT; Vice president of sales at Computacenter US
• Age: 45
• Born: Birmingham
• Lives: Richmond, London
• Studied: Business Information Technology at Nottingham Trent University
• Talents: Staying calm under pressure and spotting opportunity early
• Motto: “Focus on the things you can control. The outcomes tend to follow.”
• Biggest perk of the job? The opportunity it has given me and my family to travel, experience different cultures and meet great people around the world
• Coffee order: Black filter coffee
• Cocktail order: Dirty martini or a mezcal negroni
• Favourite book: Ian Fleming’s Bond novels and Mick Herron’s Slow Horses series

What was your first job?

I had a mix of jobs while I was at school and university, mostly warehouse work during holidays and sales roles in call centres. Looking back, both taught me a lot about work ethic and dealing with people very quickly.

What was your first role in tech?

My first “real” role was joining a graduate programme in the technology industry after university. It gave me a solid grounding in business and technology at a time when the industry was starting to accelerate quickly.

When did you know you wanted to build a career in tech?

Originally, I wanted to be a professional rugby player, but I realised pretty quickly that my earning expectations and actual sporting ability were slightly misaligned.

Technology felt exciting, fast paced and full of opportunity. I liked the fact the industry was constantly evolving and that if you worked hard and stayed curious there were opportunities to build a genuinely international career.

I’ve been fortunate that the industry has given me exactly that. I’ve lived in Paris and Los Angeles, and met some incredible people and customers along the way.

What’s one thing you love about the City of London?

Coming back to London after 10 years living abroad has given me a very different appreciation for it. There are very few cities where finance, technology, creativity, food and culture all collide in the same way. There’s a real energy to London right now. I’ve enjoyed rediscovering London.

People in London love complaining about transport, but after living abroad for years, I still think it’s incredible how easily you can move around the city.

And one thing you would change?

I’d probably like to see more diversity of thought in business. London is incredibly international, but business can still surprisingly become an echo-chamber at times.

What’s been your most memorable business lunch?

Living in France taught me a lot about the importance of relationships in business. Some of the best conversations happened over long lunches where you spent as much time getting to know the person as the business or opportunity itself.

I remember bringing that approach back into meetings in London and finding the results fascinating. The deeper connection, the time to properly ask questions and really listen, often created far better outcomes than rushing straight into talking business.

That approach is just as relevant when connecting with colleagues and partners as it is with customers. Technology changes incredibly quickly, but trust still moves at a human pace.

And any business faux pas?

Like most people early in their career, I probably thought having all the answers was leadership. Experience teaches you that curiosity and listening are usually more valuable.

What’s been your proudest moment?

Moving to France with a one-year-old daughter when I barely spoke French was probably the biggest leap I’ve taken personally and professionally.

At the time it felt exciting and slightly terrifying in equal measure, but it completely changed the trajectory of my career and ultimately my family’s outlook on life as well. It taught me there’s huge value in putting yourself outside your comfort zone.

And who do you look up to?

I was fortunate early in my career to work with leaders like Humphrey Walters, the performance coach who worked across business and elite sport. He challenged conventional thinking long before it became fashionable in business.

He had a strong belief that culture, preparation and marginal gains really mattered, but he also understood people.

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

Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking and give you energy. Avoid energy sappers.

I also think modern leadership sometimes overcomplicates things. Most people want clarity, honesty and the opportunity to do meaningful work.

And the worst?

“Stay in your lane.”

Most of the best opportunities in my career came from taking risks before I felt fully ready for them.

Are you optimistic for the year ahead?

I’m optimistic. Growth creates energy in organisations and economies. When businesses stop growing, everything becomes internally focused.

That’s true in business and it’s true of cities too. London still has an incredible ability to attract talent, creativity and ambition.

We’re going for lunch, and you’re picking – where are we going?

Depends on the mood. Scott’s Richmond overlooking the Thames. St. John for something classic and unmistakably London. Or Bambi in London Fields if we want something more relaxed with great music and atmosphere.

And if we’re grabbing a drink after work?

If I’m in Mayfair, probably The Audley Public House. If I’m craving a proper Guinness, then The Devonshire. Cocktails depend on which side of town I’m on; Dukes Bar in the west, or Satan’s Whiskers if I’m east.

Where’s home during the week?

Richmond. After years abroad, it’s been great coming back to London and settling near the river.

And where might we find you at the weekend?

Ideally, sunrise golf tee time, back for brunch with the family, dog walk, then probably heading to Twickenham for rugby.

You’ve got a well-deserved two weeks off. Where are you going and who with?

The south west of France with my wife and family. Good food, good wine, the ocean and a slightly slower pace for a couple of weeks.