Victor Da Cunha

Chief Executive, Curo Group

1 What do you do for fun?

For me, having a full social life is as important as a career, so when I’m not focusing on social housing, I fill my time with friends, lots of music, some rather bad golf, watching Arsenal, traveling lots to Portugal, some holidays, lots of family time and an occasional cheeky soul weekender.

2 You have the power to change one thing about the social housing sector: what would it be?

There’s so much broken with our housing system but if I had a magic wand, and could use it only once, I’d conjure up stable, long-term political leadership at cabinet level; I’d pop someone in there who understands the importance of a truly affordable home for all, someone who is ambitious, bold and prepared to challenge the barriers to the perceived wisdom that frames housing as a financial investment, rather than a universal basic human right for all.   

3 What advice would you give to someone starting out in housing?

For me, I’d always say, focus on the customer; listen and act on what you hear. If you do, we (the sector) and you (personally) will be successful.

4 Who’s your favourite author, and why?

Don’t really have one but I’m currently doing a lot of reading from ‘babies first bath book’ because I have recently become a granddad for the first time and Sofia loves it.

5 Strangest thing you’ve ever experienced?

I’ve lots of very happy experiences etched in my mind but I think the strangest experience must surely be the feeling you get the moment just before you are anaesthetised; those that have been taken to surgery will know exactly what I mean. It really does feel weird.

6 What are your three favourite albums?

Music is really important to me and there are of course far too many great albums, but three obvious ones straight from the hip for me are:

Off the Wall – Michael Jackson

Raise – Earth Wind and Fire

Never Too Much – Luther Vandross

Bosh.

7 Sat snugly at home or travelling around the world?

I love to travel but coming home is always lovely, too.

8 A world without music or a world without literature?

I used to be a DJ and resident in a nightclub before I got married, so it must be music.

9 If you had to work in housing in another country, which would it be, and why?

Err, Portugal.

10 Favourite food?

Bacalhau a gomes sa – salt cod fish is our national dish in Portugal, and I’ve heard there are supposed to be 365 ways to cook it – one for every day of the year. My mum cooks a fantastic gomes sa amongst other things.

11 Pessimistic, optimistic or unsure about the future?

I’m very lucky to have been born an optimist. Sometimes too much of an optimist, some would say. I think being optimistic makes for a better life and personal wellbeing. So, my view is that we’ll navigate the future as we always have and will be stronger than we’re today.

12 You can resurrect anyone from history and talk to them for an hour: who, and why?

James Brown. Gutted I never heard him live.

13 Favourite film?

You can only logically assess films by genre. I refuse to accept that you can have one favourite film as a result. Whilst there are many possible genres, some initial thoughts are:

Action – The Usual Suspects

Sci-fi – Predator

Comedy – Shaun of the Dead

Xmas – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Romcom – Fifty First Dates

John Wick (the first one).

14 If you didn’t work in housing, what would you do?

100% I’d be a DJ. There’s absolutely nothing better than seeing the joy in people’s eyes when they are dancing to a track they love. Music is a massive antidote to most of life’s bumps in the road.

15 What makes for a good life?

Family, friends and doing the right thing with a clear sense of social purpose.