Start a Conversation | David McQueen
UK and Global · Confidential · By Conversation Only

Start a
Conversation.

If you are carrying a consequential decision, navigating sustained pressure, or responsible for a room that needs clarity — share the context below. I will respond directly if the work fits.

Share Your Context

A few questions about what you are navigating. Takes 2 to 3 minutes. If the situation warrants a conversation, I will reach out directly.

Step 1 of 7
What are you enquiring about?
Select the offering that brought you here. If you are unsure, choose the closest description.
Individual Advisory
Direct, confidential counsel for CEOs and founders — intensive, strategic day, or retained relationship
Group Advisory
For leadership teams navigating the moments when collective decision-making has become the constraint
Board Counsel
For boards at inflection points where collective decisions carry asymmetric consequences
The BRAVE Leader Programme
Executive leadership and decision-making methodology across all four pillars
LEADERSTORY Programme
Reputation capital and narrative intelligence for executives managing scrutiny
Speaking or Masterclass
Keynote, fireside conversation, executive briefing, or masterclass for a senior leadership group

Please select an option to continue.

Step 2 of 7
What is your current role?
CEO / Founder / Managing Director
C-suite executive (CFO, COO, CTO, CMO or equivalent)
Director, VP, or Head of
HR, L&D, or Chief People Officer
Buying or assessing on behalf of others
Events or conference organiser
Booking a speaking engagement
Other

Please select an option to continue.

Step 3 of 7
How would you describe the organisation?
Pre-revenue or very early stage
Under £500k annual revenue
Growing SME
£500k to £5M annual revenue
Established business
£5M to £50M annual revenue
Large organisation
£50M+ annual revenue
PE-backed or VC-funded
Any revenue stage with institutional investment

Please select an option to continue.

Step 4 of 7
Where does the final decision authority sit?
For the issue or decision you are navigating — who ultimately makes the call?
With me — I make the final call
Shared between me and one or two others
Board or investors hold final approval
I lead the process but do not have unilateral authority
Someone more senior than me makes the final call
Not applicable
I am booking a speaking engagement or enquiring on behalf of someone else

Please select an option to continue.

Step 5 of 7
What is the cost of getting this wrong?
Be honest. The answer shapes whether and how this work is useful to you.
Existential or highly material
Financial loss, reputational damage, or organisational fracture that is difficult to recover from
Significant but recoverable
Costly in time, money, or trust but not fatal
Moderate
A missed opportunity or a step backwards, but manageable
Relatively low
I am here primarily for professional development rather than an immediate pressing decision

Please select an option to continue.

Step 6 of 7
Which best describes where you are right now?
I want to understand what is true, even if it is uncomfortable
I am prepared to act on what the work reveals
I am exploring whether this type of support is right for me
Not yet committed — assessing fit before taking a next step
I have a direction in mind and want a sounding board
Primarily looking for a second opinion on a decision already made
I am completing this on behalf of someone else
The person who would engage is not filling in this form

Please select an option to continue.

Step 7 of 7 — Assessment and your details

If the assessment above suggests a fit, complete the details below. David will respond directly within 2 to 3 business days. If it does not fit, you are still welcome to share context but please read the flags above first.

Please complete all required fields before submitting.

All submissions are treated as confidential. Your details will not be shared with third parties.

✓

Received.

David will review your context and respond directly within 2 to 3 business days — either to propose a next step, ask a clarifying question, or explain honestly if the work does not fit the situation.

In the meantime, The Quiet Work is worth reading if you have not already.

Not every enquiry leads to an engagement. That is intentional.

What Happens Next
01

If the Work Fits

You will receive a response within 2 to 3 business days with a proposed next step — typically a brief call to clarify scope, confirm fit, and agree on structure.

02

If It Does Not Fit

You will receive a clear explanation of why, and where relevant, a redirect to someone better placed to support the situation. No vague deferral.

03

If More Context Is Needed

I may ask two or three clarifying questions before confirming whether the work is appropriate. This happens when the initial context is ambiguous or the right format is not yet clear.

Quick Reference
Individual Advisory

Direct, confidential counsel for CEOs and founders. Intensive, strategic day, or retained relationship depending on what you are carrying.

Explore Individual Advisory
Group Advisory

For leadership teams and boards navigating the moments when collective decision-making has become the constraint. Away day, multi-day, or retained.

Explore Group Advisory
Board Counsel

For boards at inflection points. CEO appointment, capital event, activist investor pressure, or succession. Someone with no stake in the outcome.

Explore Board Counsel