David Provides Highly Effective Leadership Development Programmes
What’s your story?
I have been actively leading and equipping leaders in the Singapore Armed Forces for 24 years from 1991 to 2015. In 2010, I received the State Awards (Military) in recognition of my exceptional efficiency, devotion to duty and for creating work products of special significance. In February 2017, after a year of sabbatical rest, I set up my company, The Mighty Men, whose mission is “To be an effective leader who ignites, inspires and influences others to achieve mission success.” Since then, I have engaged and coached students, working adults, leaders and the management of organisations.
Being a lifelong learner and avid student, I am a Certified Coach (ACSTH), a Certified Practitioner of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), an NLP Coach, and a Time Line Therapist. I am also one of the Master Trainers for Mastering Leadership Agility (Singapore) and Trainer for Adam Khoo Learning Technologies Group as well as for the Charisma Academy. I am also an Associate Partner with Trillion Training (S) Pte Ltd in customising and delivering the message of “Culture of Honour” which is initiated by Honour (Singapore) Ltd. I am privileged to be the assigned moderator for Community of Learning, a FB closed group, with a total membership of 3.9K. I am also one of the members of the Honour Champions Management Committee, under the umbrella of Honour Singapore, founded by Mr Lim Siong Guan. Currently, I am embarking on a learning adventure for a Master of Counselling at the Singapore University of Social Sciences.
What excites you most about your industry?
The opportunity to serve as a role model, an encourager and a change agent within the sphere of authority and influence. Most importantly, the opportunity to help my learners, participants and clients to overcome their limiting beliefs and tap into their internal resources to be the mighty men and women within their respective destiny.
What’s your connection to Asia?
Being socially connected both online and offline has provided me the channel to fulfil the purpose of The Mighty Men. Being born in Singapore gives me an advantage as she is an ideal launching pad for companies setting up or expanding in the ASEAN region. The opportunity for multicultural engagement helps me connect with Asia more intimately.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Definitely, my beloved country Singapore. This is the place I call home. Most of all, Singapore has a unique position in the global economy and plays a pivotal role as a business epicentre in the heart of Asia. The city-state has been consistently acknowledged as a global business hub – one that features developed infrastructure, political stability, open business policies, a skilled workforce, the use of English as the main working language, and respect for intellectual property rights.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Be Curious” in learning and about people.
Who inspires you?
I have been inspired by many people in my life. Besides the leaders in the country, military, educational institutions and spiritual domains, I have been inspired by the attitudes and the words of wisdom from ordinary people, and even children, such as my son, even though he is only 12 years old. My mantra is, “A leader is a learner, for the moment we stop learning, we stop leading.” Thus, I will always seize the opportunity to learn.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
The lesson of “largeness of heart,” to embrace diversity and different perspectives, especially in challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. I took this advice to heart when I observed myself becoming agitated with someone who advanced biased comments for his own motives.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I’d be quick to listen, and slow to speak. I’d have more empathy, and ask more questions to gain insights into individuals.
How do you unwind?
I enjoy a simple selah walk, which means pause and reflect, in the park, and I find it relaxing when I spend time with my family and friends.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Thailand. My family and I visited last year and we fell in love with the food, massages and shopping. They also have various resorts available for relaxation and family bonding.
Everyone in business should read this book:
The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations,” by James Kouzes and Barry Posner.
In today’s fast changing world, leaders play a crucial role in leading and uniting people to solve the world’s challenges. The Leadership Challenge is about mobilizing people to create extraordinary results, and uniting people to turn challenges into successes. Besides, the learning acquired from this book is applicable on the home front too.
Shameless plug for your business:
The mission of The Mighty Men – To build effective leaders who ignite, inspire and influence others to achieve mission success through finding clarity on an individual basis, and uncovering the team’s or organisation’s identity. Create awareness, build and equip individuals, teams and organisations to be effective leaders, taking them from Good to Great.
How can people connect with you?
Facebook: David Jedidiah Goh
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jedidiah-goh-9a558b14b/
The Mighty Men’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themightymen.sg/
Email: [email protected]
Contact: (+65) 947 507 89
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This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connects’ 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 and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’ and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
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Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
