David Pope has dedicated his career to helping people find their voice. His company helps good speakers become great speakers.
What’s your story?
I have a faded post- it on my wall ‘Flexibility means life, rigidity means tension’. I can say my story has been that I have listened to the market and adapted. From early days at the BBC as an assistant film editor, to London Production companies as Producer, from voice over artist to studio Director and Producer and to now, as Founder and MD of All Voice Talent a Voice over agency and Voice Coaching organisation here in Hong Kong, my journey has been one of adaptability and fluidity.
What excites you most about your industry?
From how we provide creative support on large-scale media projects where our roster of voice talent can really help ‘sell’ the client’s products, to the way our voice coaches can really help individuals tap into their own voice and transform the way they are heard.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I came to Hong Kong for a holiday and 26 years later I’m still here
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Hong Kong. My work takes me to many Asian business hubs but for me, Hong Kong is where things can always happen. Fast-paced, efficient, connectivity – it’s set up to help businesses like mine flourish.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
My old boss at a London Film Production company who is now firmly entrenched in Hollywood taught me to be humble and respect everyone in the hierarchy of life. He told me to never look down on people for the jobs they do, but see them for the people they are.
Who inspires you?
Obama. My passion is teaching corporate clients the power of authenticity, clarity in the message and the techniques behind the delivery. He is absolutely the poster boy for Gravitas – poise, respectability, humility.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I watched “The Great Hack” recently. That blew me away in a terrifying way. A must-see and I won’t reveal for spoilers’ sake.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I’d look more at a better work/life balance. Sometimes the tendency to grow bigger in a business means that other things have to take a back seat.
How do you unwind?
I’m a serial swimmer. 6 days a week, when my head goes under the water, the silence puts me in a wonderful zone.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Koh Samui. I’ve got to know secret quiet spots, so combine that with sea and the food and it’s sometimes hard to come back to reality.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“21 Speeches that shaped our world” Chris Abbott. A deep dive into the people and ideas that changed the way we think. No cliches of “how to’s” and “best to do” etc. It’s just people speaking their truth”
Shameless plug for your business:
When we hear someone speak we make judgements about that person, either consciously or subconsciously, based on the sound of their voice. So, it is critical to understand how others actually hear you. We are the experts in helping good speakers become great speakers.
How can people connect with you?
http://www.allvoicetalent.com
[email protected] or on linked in https://www.linkedin.com/in/popedavid/
Twitter handle?
@AllVoiceTalent
https://twitter.com/AllVoiceTalent
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This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connect’ series of more than 500 interviews
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder of The Marketing Group PLC. He is the author two best selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’ and ‘Agglomerate’.
Connect with Callum here:
twitter.com/laingcallum
linkedin.com/in/callumlaing
Download free copies of his books here: www.callumlaing.com
