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'I don't do average!'

posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 09:33 AM

David McQueen might well be the busiest man alive, but here he takes a few moments out to chat to i-genius about his passions, his projects, and what social enterprise means to him…

Editor: What drives you to get out of bed in the morning?
David: I love the challenge each day brings. Being able to be in a business which is in and of itself very challenging is good.

Editor: How have you got to where you are today?
David: I have got where I am today through being obstinate and not taking no for an answer. I also had some great mentors along the way and very supportive friends

Editor: Have you always known you would end up working in the field you are in, or is it a bit of a surprise to you?
David: Errr…I think I was in denial. I have ended up running my companies having made two career changes from accounting to it to this. I have always speaking and training but it wasn’t the right time to get involved before now. I am a bit surprised that I wasn’t here before though.

Editor: Can you tell us a bit more about what the next year holds for you?
David: Ooh the next year is going to be exciting. I am working on a number of projects to do with youth empowerment and community enterprise. Some in London and a few out of it. Am looking to expand my network and teach and learn from other enterprises around the globe. I will be on TV too as a show presenter so we shall see how it goes from there. All scary but very exciting.

Editor: Why are you passionate about helping young people? David: I love seeing the light go on in young people’s heads when “they get it”. Whether it be self-esteem, seeing them laugh, seeing them achieve academically, vocationally or in business. I just love those aha moments. I also love being there when others have written them off. How dare anyone write off magnificent youth??

Editor: What advice would you give to young people in order that they might realise their goals?
David: The advice I always give is self-belief. And if they haven’t got it already to get support till they do. Friends, mentors, parents, teachers, youth workers, or whoever can help them, but self belief is key, because if you don’t believe you can……

Editor: What does being a ‘social entrepreneur ‘ mean to you?
David: Hmm…social enterprise to me is basically being able to run a socially driven business, make a profit and reinvest it back into the project. That kind of motive to drive performance excites me.

Editor: Can you describe an average day in the life of David McQueen?!
David: There is never an average day but it is something akin to networking and meeting interesting people, striking deals for new business, speaking and training and little bit of coaching and getting asked by my kids “are you picking me up from school?” I don’t do average you see!!!

If you would be interested in doing an interview with i-genius, please contact team@i-genius.org

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