Today, we are joined by David Swain, the CEO of Endeavour Foundation, an organization that provides services to support people with disabilities.
David trained as a nurse and started his career as a nursing officer in the Army. Unfortunately, a serious accident cut his time in the military short, forcing him to focus on recovery. That pivotal moment in his life brought with it valuable lessons and shaped his future path.
With over 30 years of experience, David has held senior roles across government and industry, including several 'C Suite' positions. He is a founding director and former Chair of the Community Services Industry Alliance and is currently a director with Guide Dogs Queensland.
In this episode David discusses his experiences in various senior roles across healthcare and human services, his approach to handling crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, and his continuous personal growth through activities like long-distance kayaking.
Emphasizing servant leadership and adaptability, David offers valuable lessons on maintaining balance and resilience in leadership roles. The episode concludes with David's reflections on his motivations, decision-making processes, and the importance of being impactful and serving those around you.
David is an active and dedicated leader, driven by his deep commitment to supporting others. Interestingly, he’s also kept his nursing certificate up to date—never letting go of his first love.
Key moments in the podcast:
01:32 Meet David Swain: A Journey in Leadership
03:21 Lessons from the Military and Nursing
04:18 Leadership During COVID-19
06:01 Maintaining Equilibrium and Personal Insights
07:49 The Role of Dogs in David's Life
10:52 Reflections on Army Training and Early Career
14:00 A Pivotal Moment: Injury and Career Shift
16:28 Empathy and Leadership in Crisis
21:45 Scaffolding of Leadership: Faith and Family
24:50 Kayaking: A Metaphor for Resilience
28:46 Transition to Chief Operating Officer
32:16 From COO to CEO: Leadership Insights
38:21 Balancing Multiple Roles and Giving Back
41:32 Conclusion: Nuggets of Wisdom
Here is what stays with us from this conversation:
1. The Power of Teamwork: Leadership Begins with Collective Strength
True leadership is not about standing alone but about lifting others.
Strength emerges when individuals recognize their unique abilities and unite toward a shared mission.
The greatest leaders foster resilience by cultivating trust, collaboration, and shared purpose.
2. Rising from Adversity: Resilience Forged in Challenge
Every setback is an opportunity to rebuild stronger, wiser, and more empathetic.
Hardship is not the end of the road—it is the beginning of a new perspective.
Leaders who have faced pain, loss, or failure gain the depth to lead with humanity and courage.
3. Leading in Crisis: Discipline, Decisiveness, and Action
Uncertainty demands leadership that is calm, strategic, and unwavering.
Military precision meets human-centered leadership—clarity in action, and empathy in decision-making.
In times of crisis, great leaders assemble the right people, move with intention, and create order from chaos.
4. The Leadership Scaffolding: Anchoring in Values and Purpose
Leadership without a strong foundation crumbles—values, beliefs, and past experiences shape the leader you become.
True leadership is not a title—it is the daily commitment to integrity, service, and impact.
When rooted in purpose, leaders inspire not just through words but through every action they take.
5. The Metaphor of Kayaking: Navigating the Currents of Leadership
Just like the river, leadership is an unpredictable journey—requiring endurance, adaptability, and courage.
The greatest lessons come not in still waters but in the challenge of the rapids.
Personal challenge fuels professional resilience—pushing past limits sharpens clarity and vision.
6. From COO to CEO: Stepping Into Greater Impact
Leadership is a journey of continuous growth—every role prepares you for the next level of influence.
Embracing change is the key to unlocking new potential and greater purpose.
The transition from managing operations to shaping a vision requires boldness, learning, and an unshakable commitment to making a difference.
7. Beyond the Job: Leadership as a Force for Community Impact
True leadership doesn’t stop at the office door—it extends into communities, industries, and the world beyond.
Every leader has a responsibility to leave a legacy—not just in their organization, but in the lives they touch.
Giving back isn’t an obligation—it’s an opportunity to amplify impact and drive meaningful change.
8. Essential Leadership Truths: The Call to Action
Be the Catalyst: Don’t wait for change—create it. Step up, take the lead, and inspire others to follow.
Turn Criticism into Fuel: Growth comes from being challenged. Embrace feedback, refine your approach, and keep evolving.
Empower Others to Rise: Leadership is not about personal success—it’s about lifting others and fostering a legacy of collective achievement.
What was mentioned:
Muster Dogs or if you are outside Australia you can watch Muster Dogs on Netflix.
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Connect with David Swain
This is an original podcast by Flyntrok. We help organisations, communities and individuals change and adapt to a new world. You will find Flyntrok on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.
Hosted by Stephen Berkeley and Anne Boland
Produced by Rajeev Nedumaran of Studior.
Music by Damian Smith of Bespoke Music.
Art work by Ben Tibbin of Mozmo Creative and
Social Media Creations by Alana Rauert of Muse Communications.
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