A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership
What does it really take to build world-class tech teams and lead with impact in today’s data-driven world?
I’m Michael Young from MBN Solutions and after two decades placing top talent across data, AI, and tech, I’ve seen the real stories behind high-performing teams.
On A Class Act, we go beyond buzzwords. You’ll hear real life, experience-led conversations with the leaders shaping digital transformation - those hiring top tech talent, building data science capability, and leading with purpose.
Whether you're a data leader, people manager, or recruiter, join us for honest, human-first insights into leadership, strategy, and building great teams in tech.
Follow A Class Act for honest, human-first leadership conversations in the data and tech space.
A Class Act: Conversations in Data and Leadership
S1E5: Leadership Lessons in High-Pressure Environments: From the Military to the Boardroom with David Goodacre OBE
What does it take to lead when the pressure is on?
How do you inspire teams to stay aligned in the face of complexity, change, and uncertainty?
In this episode of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, host Shannon McKechnie is joined by David Goodacre OBE, a Senior Executive, Board Member, and experienced leader with significant experience in strategy, transformation, and operational delivery across the military and corporate sectors.
David shares his real-world leadership lessons from high-pressure environments, from commanding teams in combat to leading complex transformation initiatives in global organisations.
What’s covered in this episode:
- The hard early lessons that taught David leadership isn’t about being in charge - it’s about looking after your people
- What leading in combat reveals about keeping teams aligned under pressure
- The real difference between change that sticks and change that stalls
- Why vision is the anchor that keeps teams going when things get tough
- How to build trust quickly across global, cross-functional teams
- The importance of servant leadership, vulnerability, and living your values
- Why leaders must resist the urge to ‘revert to type’ in a crisis and stay on the bridge
Whether you’re leading in data, or transformation teams, shaping strategy, or navigating complexity, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for high-performing leaders.
Connect with David Goodacre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgoodacre/
About Your Host: Shannon McKechnie is the Managing Director at MBN Solutions - the Data and AI talent experts, and a passionate advocate for building exceptional teams and authentic leadership. As co-host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Shannon brings a grounded, people-first perspective to leadership ,exploring how trust, alignment, and shared success drive high-performing teams in today’s complex landscape.
Please note: The views expressed by David Goodacre in this episode are his own and do not reflect those of his current or former employers.
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Connect with MBN Solutions:
Michael Young on LinkedIn – Follow Michael for advice on talent acquisition, leadership in data science, and stories from the front lines of tech recruitment. Connect with Michael here.
MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.
For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:
Email: michael@mbnsolutions.com
Visit MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com