Meet David, our Accelerating Asia Mentor!
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO/WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
I continue to evolve as a performance consultant, bringing a cross-functional, cross-industry and international outlook to deep intellectual property startups. I blend 360 degrees finance experience with a strong granular executional and organisational development approach to my work with startups and growth scenarios. My cross-functional armory also sees me draw on the world of sport, especially track and road running where I have a modest second life that corroborates much of my approach. My 30+ years of international experience has seen me build holistic perspectives across the finance spectrum as: a CFO in an industry with multiple exits and M&A efforts; an investment banker and auditor that has allowed me to see strategic execution, fundraising, entrepreneurship, team building and global M&A from multiple angles. I now enjoy working with early-stage entrepreneurial teams where I also leverage my coaching, mentoring, governance and academic teaching interests.
WHAT ARE SOME SIGNIFICANT TRENDS IN YOUR INDUSTRY AT THE MOMENT?
The power of networks through formal and loose ties continues to find its way into the startup domain. Network power along with the agility of teams represent a fundamental intellectual property that is challenging to build, nurture and retain but these are cornerstones of success across all industries. Digital transformation is also a recurring theme, which I see as a nod to the need to ensure the handling of data and related processes in any business is optimal in ensuring client solutions/services are optimized and founded on robust insights. Creative data analysis and the application of such into previously staid and guarded industries will continue to be a catalyst for innovation.
WHAT ARE YOUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE?
Working with founder teams to build capabilities and challenge limits at a personal, team and corporate level. A cross-functional and coached approach which is underpinned by a 360-degree financial domain approach and a strong belief that detailed executional excellence is a strong foundation for building success. Granular planning that integrates operational detail, customer-centricity and strong governance in an aligned manner helps deliver Authentic Solutions. I'm a Chartered Accountant, ICF affiliated coach and my PhD research was on Business Accelerators. I've been a technical contributor to RUN SG magazine since their launch in 2014 where my musings intermingle goal setting, milestone management and intrinsic motivation.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE INVOLVED IN THE STARTUP COMMUNITY?
I have been doing startups since 1999, where I did multiple acquisitions and join ventures in the media and market research space in Asia-Pacific and then across the EMEA region. I enjoy the buzz of building teams and ideas from an early stage, and the subsequent rising complexity that requires stronger and changing governance skills as institutional investors enter the fray. The human interactions, challenges and unknowns of frontier entrepreneurs explore our limits, and that is the core of what I find exciting.
WHY DID YOU BECOME AN ACCELERATING ASIA MENTOR?
I was previously a mentor from Season 1 of muru-D's entry into the Singapore startup ecosystem and so continuing that ongoing involvement with the birth of Accelerating Asia through founders Craig and Amra was a natural evolution. They have boundless energy and optimism which they instil in each cohort, and that is fun to be exposed to. I am a life long learner, and ongoing exposure to a constant stream of entrepreneurs also compliments my interests as an investor, researcher and lecturer at business schools.
ANY TIPS TO STARTUP FOUNDERS FOR A SUCCESSFUL MENTOR/MENTEE RELATIONSHIP?
Build you network proactively and seek out those that believe and resonate with you and your team. A 'deep bench' of aligned mentors that selflessly engage with your team is a clear intangible asset that can have limitless value.
Connect with David on LinkedIn here!
Interested in becoming an Accelerating Asia Mentor? Apply here!