James Wood
Chief Executive
James is a Community Development professional and a gifted partnership-builder, engaging in international & multi-cultural settings with public, private, third-sector and community groups since 1998. He holds a degree in Cultural Anthropology and Community Economic Development (CED), and a Master’s degree in Corporate Social Accountability & Sustainable Procurement Policies.
James was born and raised in a Ukrainian family in the multi-cultural surroundings of central Canada. He gained an appreciation of place-based CED projects working with Mexican and South Pacific indigenous communities. He then spent a decade in the arctic region of Yukon, Canada working with self-governing First Nations in education, health, and community & economic development.
James moved to Scotland in January 2016, where he co-founded CultureGarden.org, a grassroots consulting organisation supporting the development of healthy team cultures. He also directed a place-based social enterprise centre in the North East of Scotland (Forres) before covid changed the world! As a result he recently relocated to Edinburgh with his wife and new puppy Lily, and loves to spend time in the great outdoors, riding his mountain bike.
Steve Lawrence
Member Engagement Officer
Steve has worked in a variety of jobs across the public and private sectors most recently a six-year spell in the fishing industry managing economic data collection projects and the delivery of their findings to stakeholders. He also has experience running his own business and has spent a number of years as a freelance writer working across TV, radio, games and print.
As Member Engagement Officer, Steve is responsible for liaising with current membership and finding out how we can support them grow and develop their business, he is also a source of information and welcome for new and potential members.
His favourite part of working for Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network is meeting members and helping them build partnerships with one another.