On this week's episode, I’m joined by David Neal, a leader whose career has been anything but conventional. After a distinguished decade-long military career, Dave didn’t take the usual transition period. Instead, he finished his service on a Friday, and by Monday, he was leading IT projects in the not-for-profit aged care sector.

Fast forward to today, where he's now CEO of The Eighth Mile Consulting. They specialise in training and education - helping businesses build stronger leadership skills, enhance cultural communications and manage conflict more effectively.

Drawing from his military background, he’s applying battle-tested principles of leadership, strategy and resilience to help these organisations navigate complex challenges and develop high-performing teams.

What stands out about Dave is his practical yet innovative approach to problem-solving. He and his business partner, Jono, don't hail from a typical L&D background and so approach traditional challenges with curiosity and a willingness to challenge the status quo. This has led his clients to achieve different, more progressive outcomes for their organisations.

In this episode, we dive into Dave’s unique career journey, the leadership lessons he’s carried across industries, and how structured training and education can transform businesses. Whether it’s honing leadership skills, addressing cultural change, or challenging preconceptions around areas like DEI, this episode is full of practical takeaways.

A key part of Dave’s leadership philosophy has been shaped by books like 1984 by George Orwell and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley - two classics that offer deep insights into power, control, and human behaviour. Their influence is clear in the way Dave approaches his own management and communication style.

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