Well done to David Smith-Collins on winning tutor of the month!

Well done to our associate tutor, David Smith-Collins who has been awarded our tutor of the month for October.

David consistently receives outstanding feedback and goes above and beyond to ensure every delegate gets the most from their course. David is our expert facilitator on the CMI Level 5 Leadership and Management programme and this course always gets exceptional feedback.

We caught up with David to ask him a few questions…

Sum up your background in 1 paragraph.

I’m an Executive Coach and Leadership Mentor with over two decades of experience in people development.

My career has involved Strategic Planning, Performance Delivery, Security Management, Risk Management and Disaster Recovery. With extensive experience of operating at a strategic level in public, private and third sector organisations, both in the UK and internationally, bringing a broad spectrum of knowledge, awareness and expertise across a wide range of subjects and disciplines. I’d say I have a challenging yet supportive coaching style and act positively in my approach to teaching.

What 3 words would you use to describe InPD?

Fresh – Exciting – Progressive

What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in your career?

In my previous career, achieving Chief Officer rank in the Police was a big challenge. I was always a bit different from the cultural norm and although I met and worked with some amazing and dedicated people, I experienced my fair share of working for toxic leaders. I know I had a few enemies along the way, but I always pushed for a fair, just and ethical police service.

What would you say your biggest achievement in your career is?

I am proud to be now working with my beautiful and amazing wife Victoria, coaching and developing the next generation of authentic leaders. Victoria has been my greatest blessing and anything I am achieving today is because of her.

What do you like the most about your role as an associate tutor?

Meeting new delegates from such wide professional sectors, facilitating and supporting their learning and development, to find the leader within. The award winning INPD have been amazing with their professional and delegate centric support. They are a dream to work with and for.

What would you say are the biggest lessons you’ve learned over your career?

1. Keep the ‘drains’ out of your life and find the people who act as your ‘fountains’.
2. Take responsibility and never support or become part of a blame culture.
3. Never feel like a victim.
4. Be grateful and live for today.
5. Keep learning.
6. Feedback is a gift.

Do you have a hidden talent and if so, what?

It’s so hidden I don’t know. I will keep searching though!

What one invention would you uninvent and why?

Weapons of any description.

Name one thing on your bucket list or an ambition of yours…

To pass my day skipper’s qualification and take the family sailing around the Med.

If you had to pick an animal to best describe you what would it be?

Tigger from Winnie the Pooh

Tell us something most people don’t know about you…

At 61 years of age I’ve just had my first tattoo (and it’s a big one!)

Thank you again for all your hard work this month David!