NAME: David Kennedy
What aspirations do you have for New Zealand?
To be a lighthouse for other countries to visit and see how we are adapting to the changing world.
It is the responsibility of leaders to create a platform for domestic success and international partnerships for today and the future. Tech will enable us to act as a much larger country trialling emerging technologies and create value that can be shared across the globe. This will gives us a strong foothold in the global market.
What set you on the path to becoming a leader?
Drive, ambition and a hint of luck. During my career I have worked in many industries. I was attracted to the FinTech industry due to the rapid pace of change being experienced and the difference that can be achieved. What I most enjoy is the look on people’s faces when we achieve a goal as a team!
What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?
Everyone is on their own journey and when you align personal and professional goals you can achieve truly transformative aspirations.
How do you motivate your team?
Change is both hard and incredibly rewarding. I endeavour to provide my team with clear, achievable goals to work towards, aligned to their individual needs. However, I am empathetic when things are not going to plan. Then, whiteboards and many minds work best for problem solving.
How do you encourage creative thinking?
I have a six word strategy; create time, thing big and kill complexity. These words certainly help encourage my team to think outside the box and achieve great results.
Favourite productivity tip?
Create flexibility by blending work and personal life so you have mental space for family and friends.
