Evolved Strategy

Early last year, I did a 6-day hike through the Kosciuszko National Park with some friends. The views were incredible - the sleep, not so much. Between the cold and the wind, I probably got a few hours each night at best. But it was totally worth it, and I’d recommend the hike to anyone needing a challenge and a reset.

That said, my “roughing it” was nothing compared to the reality faced by over 122,000 people in Australia who are homeless on any given night - many of them children under 12. And with housing and living costs soaring, more and more families are being forced to choose between rent and groceries.

After hearing Vinnies CEO Kevin Mercer speak at a recent summit event, I felt called to take action and join the CEO Institute team in this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout - spending one night out in the middle of the winter cold to help raise money for those doing it tough every night.

Funds raised support:
* Emergency services like food vans and crisis support.
* Long-term solutions like training, employment pathways, and housing.
* The 500 Homes in 5 Years project — Vinnies’ biggest housing initiative in QLD, based on the successful “housing first” model used in Scandinavia.

With construction starting soon in Nerang, Bundaberg and Toowoomba, the 500 Homes project will help vulnerable Aussies move from crisis accommodation to stable tenancies - and even home ownership.

I’ve committed to raising $5,000 and would love your support. Every donation made helps Vinnies deliver life-changing services to those who need it most.

Donate here:�https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/davidmcdermott

Enjoy this cracking interview with my latest guest on The Evolved Leadership Podcast: Michael Engeman, CEO of the Ainslie Group, one of Australia's largest bullion and crypto dealers.

Ainslie is the country’s only Over-The-Counter (OTC) crypto dealer, and also launched The Gold & Silver Standard (AUS and AGS) digital tokens backed by securely stored bullion.

Highlights of our conversation include seeing the opportunity in crypto many years ago, selling physical gold and silver tokens on the blockchain, Trump's impact on crypto, minting a one ton gold coin, and discussing how we might create a more equitable world.

Check out the full interview at: https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au/podcast

ChatGPT is exploding around the world. But what are the ethical implications of AI and machine learning coming into the mainstream in a big way?

I discuss this question in the latest episode on the Evolved Leadership Podcast with my guest Ross Farrelly, Director of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for IBM Asia Pacific. We also explore how AI is helping the planet, and what organisational leaders need to be understanding about AI to lead more effectively in today's world.

Check it out at: https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au/podcast

Don't cultivate contacts. Cultivate friends.

One of the gems in my recent Evolved Leadership Podcast conversation with Annalie Killian, VP of Strategic Partnerships at New York-based strategy consultancy sparks & honey.

Other highlights include Annalie's experience of organisational leadership under apartheid, exploring how personal challenges can help you hone your empathy as a leader, and using machine learning to optimise consulting service quality.

Check out the conversation at: https://www.evolvedstrategy.com.au/podcast