David Irvine - The Leaders' Navigator
As the Leader’s Navigator™, David is a connector and a communicator. He has dedicated his life to building productive, engaging and vital cultures through authentic leadership. He has a unique ability to create a trusting learning environment through the power of his authentic presence. David inspires and guides leaders in all walks of life to connect with their authentic self, so they may, in turn, inspire and guide those they serve and love to find their authentic voice, thus enabling greatness within the culture around them.
David is an international authority on the human dynamics of business leadership. He tackles the toughest problems today’s leaders face, proposing unique strategies to:
- Build trust
- Sustain high performance
- Engage people in meaningful ways
- Build loyalty and morale
- Deal with change
- Develop leadership capacity
- Implement accountability
- Find personal balance
Biography
David holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science from Brigham Young University (where he made the Dean’s List of Outstanding University Students in America in 1980) and a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Utah. During the 1980s, David trained extensively with world-renowned psychotherapists Carl Rogers and Virginia Satir, and poet Robert Bly. Since 1982 he has been introduced to and impacted by the teachings of Joseph Campbell, Bru Joy, Scott Peck, Peter Block, Geoff Bellman, Matthew Fox, Parker Palmer, Alan Savory, and Thomas Berry. His parents, Joyce and Harlie Irvine, also greatly influenced his philosophy.
As one of Canada’s most respected voices on leadership and personal development, David has more than 30 years of experience as a family therapist, workshop facilitator, professional speaker, and advisor. He has taught at three universities and the Banff School of Management.
David is the best-selling author of five books that have sold more than 250,000 copies world-wide: Authentic Leadership: It’s About PRESENCE, Not Position (co-authored with Jim Reger); Becoming Real: Journey To Authenticity; Simple Living In A Complex World: A Guide To Balancing Life’s Achievements; Accountability: Getting A Grip On Results (co-authored with Bruce Klatt and Shaun Murphy); and his most recent publication, Bridges of Trust: Making Accountability Authentic (2009).
On a personal note, David trained with members of the US Olympic Team in the late 1970s. A nationally ranked 10 mile, 10 k and 5 k runner for more than 25 years, he retired from competitive running after his first and final marathon — at the age of forty. Living on the edge of the Bow River in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada, David enjoys hiking, biking, gardening, an active Ashtanga Yoga practice, and relaxing with his wife and daughters. He also volunteers several hours each week in the field of mental health and addictions.
What people are saying...
"David’s attention to detail ensures that he can facilitate a positive and realistic outcome when working with people — it has been the key to his credibility."
–Investors Group
"David, you contributed to nursing leadership in our province... thanks again for such a wonderful sharing and challenging us to find our centers and reflect on what leadership means for not only others or our profession but importantly within ourselves and our families."
–Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association
"...humorous, dynamic, enlightening, practical, down-to-earth, inspiring... I was personally touched by your honesty and sincere desire to help..."
–Regional Director, Public Service Commission
"I have been receiving overwhelmingly positive and rave reviews regarding the workshop and the materials you presented... More importantly for staff was the personal messages you shared and your open, narrative style of presentation."
–Director, Mental Health, Alberta Mental Health, Capital Health Region
"Your message brought into perspective why the staff was feeling the way they were, and the steps needed to advance to the next level. We were inspired by your message and it created the perfect foundation for a high-energy development weekend..."
–CEO, Battlefords Credit Union
Programs
David is committed to developing cultures that attract, retain, and unleash greatness - the commitment and capacity to fulfill your natural, authentic potential. Below are seven powerful, inspiring, life-changing programs David offers to build personal and leadership capacity at all levels of your organization.
Authentic Personal Leadership: Living A Complete Life
You can’t lead others until you can lead yourself. As one of Canada’s most respected voices on leadership and personal development, David will share his profoundly human perspective on personal leadership: leading a life that is defined by an internal compass. In this program, David will inspire you to live authentically by designing a life that is aligned with your purpose, your passion, and your essential values.
The High Performance Organization: The Power Of Alignment
Discover how to reach your potential as an organization by creating a culture where people don’t have to leave who they are at the door; where you can align your talents, passion, and highest aspirations while creating value for those you serve.
Authentic Leadership At Every Level: Building Cultures That Attract, Retain, And Unleash Greatness
Regardless of your title, leadership starts with you. It lies at every level in an organization. In this inspiring and thought-provoking learning experience, you will leave with practical insights and strategies for unleashing greatness in your culture, no matter where you decide to serve.
Authentic Leadership For Managers: Building Cultures That Attract, Retain, And Unleash Greatness
While this session is designed for those in a leadership position, real leadership cannot be reduced to title or technique. Great leadership comes from the strength of one's authentic presence — the identity and integrity of the leader. In this compelling program, learn the difference between a “boss” and a “leader” and what it takes to build a culture of greatness.
Bridges Of Trust: Making Accountability Authentic
Great cultures are built on leadership at every level: leaders who are aligned with organizational vision, values and expectations, and leaders who take ownership to make it happen. While the foundation of a great culture is leadership, the foundation of great leadership is accountability – the ability to be counted on. In this thought-provoking and engaging session, David will share his proven and practical approach to accountability that will inspire a great culture.
Embracing Change: The Power Of Possibility
In the midst of unprecedented uncertainty and change, how do you continue to build an engaged, confident, and inspired culture? Leave with a practical roadmap for leading a culture through times of change: from chaos to confidence.
Simple Living In a Complex World: The Power Of Personal Balance
Discover how to maintain perspective and balance in a demanding, uncertain world.
