I find the space to think and listen to others is really useful in maintaining a perspective out with Ryder. It’s inspiring to be able to help others out by questioning their approach to a particular problem, and equally satisfying being challenged to think differently about my own problems.
Dave manages to choreograph the sessions with precision, ensuring everyone shares their experience and wisdom, and every minute is well spent.
Mark Thompson
Managing Partner, Ryder Architecture
Dave brings together a small group of construction industry leaders in his excellent Mastermind programme. He creates and shapes a confidential, safe and inspiring place for us to exchange ideas, concerns, supportive advice and challenges.
And there is something wonderful that comes from just setting aside that time, making space in our busy lives to listen and learn from each other. It helps me feel grounded and calm, yet also energised for the day ahead.
Highly recommended for anyone with a growth mindset.
Liz Male MBE, FCIPR
Director
I have come to know Dave quite well in the last 18 months. Via LinkedIn, from his books, and most recently in attending one of his MasterMind courses. He is a thoroughly decent human being. Insightful, compassionate, and forever learning.
I recommend his MasterMind course if you are at an executive stage in your career development and in any way connected to construction. I particularly rate his ability to bring wider reading of people and coaching into discussion; the ever-ready anecdote that confirms his praxis meets this theory; and the calibre of person he attracts into such places of discourse.
Warren Beardall
projectswithinprojects.blog
Completed the last of my second Mastermind sessions yesterday.
The format is such that the topics of discussion are wide-ranging and set by the group as the discussion emerges. This format allows free and unconstrained thinking in an environment that is both safe and challenging.
A massive thank you to my fellow participants. Who have bought such a breadth of experience, wisdom, insight and convivial discourse and from whom I have gained so much learning. This group's experience included politics, major projects, academic research, climate and sustainability, leadership, coaching, and Gen Z to name but a few. A fantastic cohort of knowledge to be part of.
None of this would be possible without the inimitable Dave Stitt who provokes, prods and facilitates us to do our best thinking in an environment where there is no set agenda.
If you want to engage in “free space” discussion and learn from others, I thoroughly recommend Mastermind. I have signed up for what will be my third Mastermind, a testament to the quality of the sessions and how I see them as a crucial part of my ongoing development.
Chris Mackenzie-Grieve
Chief agitator at Visible Construction Partners and experienced NED
This will probably be unlike anything you have done before. So my best advice would be to embrace it with an open mind and no specific expectations other than to meet some different people and engage in some different conversations than you would otherwise get to do.
For sure, the more you contribute, the more you will get back out of the sessions.
Personally, I have really enjoyed meeting some great people from different backgrounds, with different experiences, who have all been very generous in wanting to share their knowledge. I have taken something away from every single session that I could use in a very practical sense back in the workplace, or for my personal development, which will make me a better leader.
I think it's this lack of common purpose (or conflict) that makes the session – it’s the complete opposite of life in business or on a project where everybody is either a) hyper focussed on getting to a specified output/deliverable by a set time, or b) has an alternative motive and agenda that they are driving – It's what makes the sessions so refreshing!
Andrew Bull
Partner Arcadis LLP
I have just completed a six session "Mastermind" series with colleagues from across the industry hosted and facilitated by the excellent Dave Stitt.
It was around 1.5 hours per month where you could think, with others, outside of your normal "box". Generating ideas, new thought patterns, realisations and a "walk in someone else’s moccasins".
Highly recommend this Mastermind to anyone who really wants to improve their thinking and understanding of people. We covered a whole range of issues and learnt a whole lot of things that we can apply in our working (and private) lives.
Chris Mackenzie-Grieve MSc,MCIPS,MAPM
Chief agitator at Visible Construction Partners and experienced NED
The Mastermind programme, facilitated by Dave Stitt, is an opportunity for senior managers from across construction to discuss the challenges facing the industry today. It’s a chance to “come up for air” and think more deeply away from the day to day business pressures.
Personally, I have found it very insightful. Despite all the systems and processes, it’s people who are going to drive change to improve and innovate.
Jamie Wolstencroft
Turner & Townsend
Imagine being offered an hour and a half of time a month, not to frantically work through your to-do list, or to book another meeting, but rather to focus on thinking.
This is what the Mastermind sessions offer me - an oasis in the helter-skelter and hurly-burly of life, where we engage with five other "masters', and consider the bigger strategic and global issues facing industry today and that are impacting work
The commitment of all masters to be present, focused and energised makes for a hugely engaging, thought-provoking and insightful discussion, helping me to sift my thoughts, align priorities and aid focus.
It's also great fun.
I would definitely recommend it as a worthwhile investment
Phil Sproston
Global Sales Director/ President of Sales at Engagement Multiplier
