The following is part 7 of 7 in an interview series put together by guest writer Josiah Filler on Micro Home Solutions in New Delhi.  Please refer to part 1, part 2,  part 3,  part 4, part 5, and part 6.  Josiah had a chance to sit down with with Aden Van Noppen of Micro Home Solutions, based in New Delhi and here is what transpired:

Josiah, RP:  So what is the number one thing you need to have to be successful in social enterprise? Is there one thing that stands out to you?

Aden, MHS:  This is kind of cliché and maybe too typical but for me it’s all about the people. You have to have the right people in play in order for things to fall into place.

Josiah, RP:  Interesting, is it specifically talent on the ground that could be coming from anywhere, or having a local partner that know the local market inside and out?

Aden, MHS:  I think you need some of both. We’re a very international team, half Indians and half non-Indians. Our founder grew up in Delhi and that’s really important for both the network but also for the legitimacy of our organization. At the same time, finding local talent is really, really hard. In India it’s easier than in a lot of other places and it’s getting more and more easy because people are starting to see this sector as a potential career for themselves. Historically it has been hard to get someone to make a career choice that is “out of the box” and uncertain. But if you can get good local people it makes a huge difference.

Josiah, RP: Aden, this has been a wonderfully enlightening discussion. Thanks so much for making the time to speak with me!

Aden, MHS:  Of course!