Zaki Cooper co-founded Integra, a strategic communications agency advising entrepreneurs, philanthropists and leaders in January 2021. Prior to that, he was Director of Philanthropy and Communications for Sir Lloyd Dorfman CBE and worked as an Assistant Press Secretary at Buckingham Palace with a focus on the Diamond Jubilee. He has also worked for former Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks and in a range of corporate environments.
He sat on the FCO Diplomatic Excellence Panel and is very involved in inter-faith, including as Co-Chair of the British Indian Jewish Association (his mother’s family came from the small Jewish community of Kolkata).
He has delivered a TEDx talk, “One Earth: Many religions” and written widely, including co-author of a book on cricket grounds, and numerous articles online and in newspapers. He has a BA from Leeds University and an M Phil from Cambridge University. He lives in northwest London with his wife Rachel and three children.
Questions:
Which place or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I am a Londoner born and bred and am very proud to be. I agree wholeheartedly with Samuel Johnson’s comment that “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” I think it’s the greatest city on earth and has a fantastic record in integrating newcomers. I always feel especially proud when I land back here after flying overseas.
What are your proudest achievements?
Professionally it has to be working on the Diamond Jubilee. Through a lucky break, I was approached to go and work at Buckingham Palace on this special anniversary marking 60 years of the Queen’s reign. When someone called me up about it, “I thought they were joking.” It was an immense privilege to work there and play a small role in such fabulous national and international celebrations.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by people who overcome adversity and show grit and resilience. A couple of role models have been my maternal grandmother, who was born in India. She lost her husband before she was 40 and raised 4 kids and became a fantastic family matriarch. One of my wife’s grandmothers was a young girl in France whose parents were killed in the Holocaust. She miraculously shepherded herself and her two younger brothers to safety.
What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
After working for a series of incredible individuals and organisations, it took me a while to work out that actually, I enjoy running my own show. I think there is something in the comment of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus “All human beings are born entrepreneurs. Some get a chance to unleash that capacity. Some never got the chance, never knew that he or she has that capacity.”
Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
I have worked for some inspiring individuals, people who have influenced thousands and thousands of lives for the better. The late and great Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks, was a world-class orator and thinker. Working for the entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sir Lloyd Dorfman, has taught me a lot about discipline, persistence and commitment.
What is the best aspect about your current role?
I enjoy working for people who want to change the world. Our client base at Integra tend to be successful entrepreneurs who have a big vision and we help them achieve their business and philanthropic goals. Over time, I have been convinced that exceptional individuals can affect change, as much as, or more so than, big institutions.
And the worst?
Running a business with a number of high-achieving and demanding clients has its challenges. The most tricky thing is when they all need your focused attention at the same time. I would compare it to being a parent when all the kids call out for you simultaneously! It’s tricky but you learn to get through it and have to rely on good people around you.
What are your long-term goals?
Number one, to be happy and healthy. If the last year has shown anything, it’s that we need to refocus on the important over the urgent. We have just launched the new business, Integra, at the start of this year so we’d like to grow our client base over time. I also see myself continuing my work building bridges between the faiths, especially the friendship between the Indian and the Jewish communities.
If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I would like to see the government do more to encourage philanthropy and giving. We are already a very generous nation – things like Comic Relief show that – but more could and should be done to encourage the very wealthy to give substantially. There are things that could be done in the tax system, as well as recognising and celebrating philanthropy.
If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
I have always been moved by the writings and speeches of Robert Kennedy. He was an important figure in American politics in the 1960s and his assassination in 1968 was a huge tragedy. When I did an internship in Washington DC in the late 1990s, I was fortunate enough to meet his younger brother, Ted Kennedy. Working in communications, I appreciate the power of words, and Robert Kennedy was a master craftsman.
