Disability – The Optimistic Cynic

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”

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?”

Open to Opportunity

With my Census contract coming to an end, I’m now “open to opportunity” ie I’m actively searching for my next adventure. If you know of anything coming up that may match my skills and passion, please let me know. Contract or employment – office based or working from home – everything considered. Thanks

Why “The Optimistic Cynic” ?

Optimistic by nature, cynical by experience. People often ask me why I use the name “The Optimistic Cynic”. The simple answer is ‘the name picked me’ but here is what it really means for me: I’m a passionate believer that people basically want to do good. It’s not always easy but with the right support,Continue reading “Why “The Optimistic Cynic” ?”

YES !!

The Govt today announced that they will create a Ministry for Disabled People. No longer will disability be just an add on to Health. This should be a huge step forward and hopefully paves the way for a real focus on this significant part of our community. Here is a link to the official announcement https://lnkd.in/gXr2F-8d Continue reading “YES !!”

Positive change is the ‘why’ for your thoughts

Thought leaders must generate conversations. Conversations must generate action. Actions must generate positive change This seems simple but whether it’s in business, social services or even politics, it provides a basic rule of thumb for what “thought leaders” should be striving for. Ideas are great, action has to follow but positive change is what it’sContinue reading “Positive change is the ‘why’ for your thoughts”

Here we are !

Let’s thump the table about the positives that people with disability bring to our communities. Hard to believe that this was over three years ago when I first published this – but like so much about disability, things don’t change very quickly (if at all). It may only be a short post (one of theContinue reading “Here we are !”

When the system punishes – a never ending story

I don’t usually do a follow up post but in this case I really want to share the ongoing frustrations our systems put people through. So in the first post we got to the stage where a benefit was cut because someone with an intellectual disability hadn’t completed a form that was never sent toContinue reading “When the system punishes – a never ending story”