Biography

David’s background includes a broad range of experiences in industry and academia and an eclectic mix of training, qualifications and personal development.

For a change of scene, he’s very much at home in the outdoors, both on land and on the water.

He’s also an author.

A downloadable version of this biography is available here.

A short-from version of this biography that may be more suitable for introductions at events is available here.

Dr David Fraser began his career in engineering, later developing a particular curiosity about how to handle the human side of working life effectively and intelligently—in short, how to bring more wisdom into the workplace. His first book, Relationship Mastery: A Business Professional’s Guide, was published in 2010. His second, The Mastery of Leadership: Presence and Practice in Transformational Change was published in 2015.

David’s academic and business career has always been about excelling. After securing First Class Honours in Electronics and Electrical Engineering and a PhD at Glasgow University in power system simulation and control, he rose rapidly through several engineering companies including Thales and BAE Systems to the role of Programme Director in the naval shipyards on the River Clyde in Glasgow, later going on to lead a number of new enterprise companies. He is a Chartered Engineer and has an MBA from Strathclyde University.

Sounds like a great record? Yes, but there have been challenges, and, of course, we learn more when things go wrong than when they go right, especially when people are involved and we have complex organisational problems to solve. In response, David has developed a systematic approach to leadership and interpersonal effectiveness, incorporating numerous well-researched insights.

David works with a range of clients in the private sector and further and higher education, assisting their leaders with the development of their organisations. He specialises in the development of leadership, agility, and making organisations effective through successful strategy and implementation of strategy and establishing an enterprising culture. He also runs open workshops and is the organiser and host of the Leadership Conversations series of events in Glasgow. David is Managing Director of his own business, Success for Leaders.

David lives in Glasgow, Scotland, with his wife and three children. He sails, cycles, and walks on the hills when time permits.

Get in touch to explore how David may be able to assist you and your organisation

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Testimonials

“Not just leadership – strategy understanding and working on the business”

Dr Ken Sutherland, President, Canon Medical Research Europe, Edinburgh

“It’s important for others to understand, one of the reasons this has worked so well is that you listen, understand the problem and help us do our work.”

Commodore Chris Hockley RN, Commander Naval Base Clyde

“One of the skills I would associate with David is his fantastic ability to rapidly take in a lot of detailed information and quickly make sense of it, enabling the flow of the session to be maintained. He is well-known for this.”

Caryn Hughes, Partnerships and Innovation Lead, The Pandemic Institute

“Able to interpret what’s required, take board level responsibility and make it happen without needing further input, whilst coming forward with options when appropriate. The only one around with the skills to make this happen.”

Craig Lockhart, Managing Director, Babcock, Marine Division

“Extremely thought-provoking and conscience-prodding. David really underscores the results that can flow from true values-based leadership.”

Amanda McMillan, Chief Executive Officer, AGS Airports Limited