David McQueen: The compassionate provocateur shaping today's leaders

When some people talk in the business world, you can't help but sit up and listen. Whether he's tackling tough subjects or helping leaders through his speaking and facilitating skills, our guest on this episode is a self-proclaimed compassionate provocateur that you need to take note of.

David McQueen is the co-founder of the professional coaching company Q Squared and Black Founders Hub, a network for black-owned high-growth businesses. He is a Non-Exec Director for Forbes Family Group and Our Game Football, a public speaker and coach to executive-level leaders and the host of The Brave Leader Podcast.

Here's what we discussed:

• You have an interesting story because you were an accountant and then you went into IT and now you are a business founder and a speaker and coach. Can you tell us a bit about your journey to where you are now? (01:01)
• You being a charismatic and funny person lends itself to your own public speaking style, and people really relate to your authenticity. Do you think being authentic is important in being a good leader and speaker? (04:40)
• On your LinkedIn, you post a lot about being your authentic self and being - do you think people should be the same version of themselves at work and out of work? (06:45)
• What role does self-esteem have in an executive’s ability to lead well? (09:46)
• How can business leaders recognise their strengths and weaknesses? (12:34)
• When it comes to resilience, how important is it to have a team that is honest and will give honest feedback? (14:33)
• How can business leaders navigate the personalities of their team members and manage conflict? (17:10)
• How important is having the personality type where you don’t take things personally in being a great leader? (20:52)
• What is the importance of defining a company narrative and values? How can business leaders do this? (25:11)
• How can business founders ensure they are considering diversity in every business decision and not just paying lip service/tick-box exercise? (28:34)
• Do we need to speak about race more in a professional setting and how can we speak about these topics? (36:50)
• Answer the Internet: How is company culture formed? (47:17)
• What makes a great business leader? (48:45)

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