The Optimistic Cynic

Look back to see the way ahead

I was idly looking through my notebook from the CELF* course I undertook a few years ago. On the first few pages, two quotes stood out for me: If you have great understanding of your values, you can be totally committed to an organisation – even if that organisation itself may not be clear aboutContinue reading “Look back to see the way ahead”

Integrity

Integrity can sometimes mean doing the right thing, even if it’s not safe to do so. Not every environment is supportive or welcoming of honesty. Sometimes it’s met with anger, resentment, or worse, total silence. When faced with these situations, trust your own values and instincts. You are the sole protector of your integrity, don’tContinue reading “Integrity”

We do make a difference….

Thanks to the great folks at Impact Hub Waikato for sharing this quote in their newsletter. We do need to remind ourselves that the little things do matter… “You make an impact in the world around you every single day. Whether it’s how you treat the tired grocery worker or how you react to the rushed personContinue reading “We do make a difference….”

Peer Magic

Did you see this on Substack? We know how important it is for leaders to build effective teams. It seems every second post on LinkedIn touches on this subject, and we have courses coming out of our ears on this topic. We need to remember though, it’s not the only team we need to have workingContinue reading “Peer Magic”

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”