The Optimistic Cynic

I need to sort myself out

Not sure if my business model is really sorted…… I was going to write something here to promote other ways I can help businesses by providing an experienced hand when things are very busy or for a specific project. As is often the way however, it got me thinking and my mind took a weeContinue reading “I need to sort myself out”

Solutions being lost

Did you see this on Substack? Last week I attended the graduation of the 2023 Co-creatives programme in Tokoroa run by Impact Hub Waikato. It was inspiring to see so many young people striving to develop their businesses, recognising that they need to know how to be in business as well as knowing their product/service. One of theContinue reading “Solutions being lost”

hmmm could this be my new motto?

Are you recruiting

as previously published on substack Being “open to opportunities” means that I have been applying for various roles, and it’s already been interesting. Some organisations are great at recruitment and a joy to work with, but many others just seem, well let’s call it for what it is, rude! Having done a fair amount ofContinue reading “Are you recruiting”

They’re not the expert

Have you noticed that everyone is an expert? Jump onto platforms like LinkedIn and it’s full of people giving you information or sharing their esteemed wisdom. Giving you advice, whether or not you need it. Thanks for reading David’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Subscribed Now don’t getContinue reading “They’re not the expert”

Reconsidering scalability in the not-for-profit-sector

I wrote this over six years ago and it still rings true today. Growing the new wave It was interesting to reconsider the point I made about scalability and infrastructure: “There is a place for mergers and joint ventures. We need to look past our own brands and ‘local solutions’ if we wish to makeContinue reading “Reconsidering scalability in the not-for-profit-sector”

Vulnerability is not limited by ethnicity

*** Trigger alert warning. If this post seems like I’m challenging you, rest assured that I am definitely doing that. With all of the current ‘noise’ about prioritising Maori and Pacifika health interventions, I thought I’d add my two cents worth – and as usual, it’s slightly off the main thread. Firstly let me justContinue reading “Vulnerability is not limited by ethnicity”

Passion

My passion – a world where business and purpose collide.

Why do you want to be redundant?

Before leadership was such a buzz word, I attended a first level supervisory course that left a piece of advice forever embedded in my brain. Your key job as a manager is to make yourself redundant. This pearl may date back to the ‘80s but it’s still a key fundamental for leadership. It’s about buildingContinue reading “Why do you want to be redundant?”

Those magic words

Having been head down for 12 months, I’ve missed networking (drinking coffee) with a range of people. I’m slowly getting back into it and realise how much I’ve missed hearing people say “thanks, I’ve never thought about that” or “wow that’s a different way to look at it, thanks”. I really do love sharing randomContinue reading “Those magic words”