At SVGC we’re proud to be a small business formed of experienced, highly qualified people operating on a national platform.
As a Power Platform Developer within SVGC Digital, Dave uses technology to solve business problems, improve processes and reduce administrative burden through automation and digital solutions. He brings experience of leading digital transformation initiatives and championing the responsible adoption of AI, helping to bridge the gap between people, processes and technology to deliver practical improvements.
What are your ‘must haves’ to start the working day?
My must-have to start the day is the right mindset. Work will always throw challenges at you, whether that’s tight deadlines, back-to-back meetings or unexpected issues. I’ve learned that starting with a positive, solution-focused attitude makes a huge difference. You can’t always control the situation, but you can control how you respond to it.
What’s your proudest work achievement to date?
My proudest achievements have been helping organisations embrace change through technology. From leading a paperless transformation programme that digitised records and automated key processes, to becoming a Defence AI Champion and promoting the responsible use of AI, I’ve enjoyed finding practical ways to reduce administrative burden, improve efficiency and give people more time to focus on higher-value work.
Seeing technology deliver real benefits for individuals and teams is what makes these projects particularly rewarding for me.
What do you love most about what you do?
What I love most is enabling others to succeed. Whether that’s helping someone learn a new skill, adopt a new technology or overcome a challenge, there’s real satisfaction in seeing people grow and achieve their goals.
I’ve always believed in looking for ways to make things better and easier for the people who come after you. Continuous improvement, sharing knowledge and helping people reach their potential are what motivate me most.
What does your typical working day look like?
My typical working day starts with a bit of preparation. Before work, I like to get the house in order, whether that’s doing a few chores, making the beds or simply getting things set up for the day ahead. It gives me a sense of structure and means that whatever challenges work throws at me, I know home is ready for when I finish.
At work, I start by reviewing my priorities and checking for any changes to meetings, deadlines or urgent requests. Then it’s coffee and task hunting! I also make time for short reset breaks throughout the day, as I’ve found that stepping away for a few minutes often helps me think more clearly and solve problems more effectively.
I like to end the day by planning for tomorrow. A plan that needs a few tweaks is far better than starting the morning with no direction.
When you hit a wall workwise, what do you do to help overcome the hurdle?
When I hit a wall, I try not to force my way through it. Instead, I step back and look for different perspectives. AI can be a useful tool for this, as it can challenge my assumptions and help me consider approaches, I might not have thought of myself.
I also have a small network of people I trust to soundboard ideas with. Sometimes the most valuable input comes from someone who sees the problem completely differently.
I’m a big believer in exploring ideas that might seem a little unconventional at first. Even if they don’t become the final solution, they can help you understand what you’re really trying to achieve and uncover a better way forward.
