Surfing in to tackle a new role
RUGBY devotee and keen surf lifesaver Christopher Stone is riding a new career wave to take over as Davidson’s Practice Director Technology.
Based out of the Sydney office, Christopher brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in tech transformation and leadership to the role.
He previously served as Chief Operating Officer at WHS training provider and tech innovator Excite Safety, steering the company through the COVID crisis with strong growth. While there, he oversaw the roll-out of an SaaS solution that resulted in a recurring annual revenue jump of 250 per cent and overhauled payment and booking systems. His detailed understanding of the tender process, along with technology trends and design solutions will help direct business focus at Davidson.
Christopher says Davidson’s culture of ``very clear and considered objectives’’ with low politics and drama was a big drawcard after a period reassessing what he wanted from work. ``A lot of organisations have the desire to grow, but they don’t have the culture to back it up,’’ he says.
Davidson’s core values align neatly with his leadership style of ``clear communication and considered responses’’. A key part of this is appreciating that each team member is not only different in terms of personality, but in perspective, he explains.
``One of my favourite sayings is that stress is contextual. So, you might not think something is as stressful or important as someone who is more senior or junior on a team, but it’s important to understand that this is stressful for them.’’ He believes in leadership by counsel rather than direction, giving people room to develop skills and ownership.
``I’m also someone that is a great believer that kindness is not weakness and that is something I bring to the way I deal with our people and our clients.’’
While he might be kind in the office, he may not be quite so considerate on the rugby field. Christopher is a keen participant in Sydney’s suburban rugby circuit, although he admits it hurts a just little more these days and takes a tad longer to get up off the ground. And while he no longer patrols Sydney’s surf, after many years in offshore rescue, he still enjoys the city’s outdoor lifestyle.
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