In this episode of ConnectToWork, David Campbell shares how he turned around a struggling organization by leading with empathy, resilience, and strategy. From transforming operations and reducing turnover to building high-performance cultures, David opens up about the personal experiences and leadership philosophies that shaped his 17-year career in professional services. It’s a candid conversation about growth, vulnerability, and driving impact through connection.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
💡 Why vulnerability and collective commitment are essential in business transformation
✅ How growing plants taught David about team leadership and proactive care
🎯 What classic leadership books still hold true—and why they matter at every stage
Key Quotes:
🎤 “I want to be a bridge builder and a connector. I am only as good as I am able to communicate the value of the future to the people actually doing the work.”
🎤 “Leadership is a contact sport. It requires a hands-on approach, just like caring for living things.”
🎤 “What got you here won’t get you there. You have to continue to evolve and grow.”
Meet The Interviewee:
David Campbell is a veteran professional services executive with over 17 years of leadership experience in IT consulting, managed services, and business transformation. As former Chief Operating Officer at Optimal Networks, he turned around organizational culture, cut turnover, and scaled operations through strategy and empathy. David shares how lessons from his mother, his passion for growing plants, and his love of team sports have made him a respected connector and culture builder.
Books Mentioned:
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
How to Connect
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dcampbellqb
📧 Email: dcampbellqb@gmail.com
MTMG’s Pay-It-Forward Mission
With ConnectToWork, we amplify real career stories to inspire and connect professionals. If you or someone you know is navigating a career transition, we’d love to hear your story.
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