Testimonials
“I was referred to David by a highly experienced contact centre leader, and I will not hesitate to do the same. Throughout the recruitment process, I felt that David was a true partner, ensuring that I was supported and informed at every step. His direct and honest approach brought a level of transparency and clarity that often lacks for candidates in the market. He is a true leader in customer contact centre recruitment.”
David Young – Head of Contact Centre, Brighter Super
David is an outstanding coach and mentor whose effectiveness is underscored by his integrity in providing direct and honest feedback. His commercial acumen, industry knowledge and expertise hold him in great stead as an industry recruiter, operational manager coach and mentor. I would recommend David in any of these roles to anyone looking for expert guidance.
Darren Sutton, Associate Director, HealthShare NSW
David is known for getting the best out of his team. He has a proven track record of delivering results aligned to company strategy, operational requirements and company values across multiple industry sectors and continents (Aust/NZ and Asia).
Beth Parkin – Change Leader, OneSky Aerospace, Airservices Australia
I had the pleasure of working with David at Barker College, were we working closely together to build the Aquatic Centre in a financially strong, award winning learn to swim, and high performing squad program. David’s strategic leadership, and staff empowering philosophy, really put the facility on the path to greatness.
Haydn Belshaw – Managing Director, Podium Sports Training and Consulting
During this time, I was also witness to many great initiatives outside the Aquatic Centre, including:
• Successful implementation of formal coach induction program.
• Development of new and transparent sports scholarship process (first in CAS history).
• Introduction of a new fundamental movement skills (TEAMS) program in the Junior School in a formal collaboration with UTS.
• Successful implementation of our new winter and summer season 1st Team presentation events (whole of school).
• New partnerships for external school holiday camps with various partners (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University, Basketball NSW & Cricket NSW).
• Successful delivery of coach education courses (Levels 1 & 2) across multiple sports including Basketball, Cricket, Rugby, Touch Football, Tennis, Netball and Football.
• Implementation of new dress standards for all coaching and teaching staff.
• Development and implementation of new ‘We are Barker’ promotional video.
• Successful implementation of new software system (Clipboard) which enabled the school’s first paperless payroll and attendance recording system for all external coaching staff.
• Development of inaugural student well-being program.
David pushed me to be the best version of myself. Great coach and mentor to help me decide what I want to do with my career.
Steven Macchi – Team Leader, Key Pharmaceuticals
It was only a year, but it was a memorable one that I will never forget.
David is such a genuine and brilliant individual. I had the opportunity to work under his leadership for the past 18 months and cannot fault his approach. His can-do attitude and tenacity for building strong relationships is highly commendable. I’m grateful to have known him as a mentor and friend and know without a doubt he will be a great asset to any organisation.
Zainub Madarwala – Client Relationship Manager, Life Healthcare
I reported into David O’Keefe during my time at Ozemail/iiNet and in fact it was David who gave me opportunity of a role when I had no contact centre experience. From the get-go David’ open leadership style and his willingness to mentor struck me as something very unusual and I grew into the role for one reason, and one reason alone, and that was it! His ability to inspire was also instrumental in making it a success and, as the months went on, I was also able to clearly see the broader impact that this had not just on myself, but the team in general and on our sales results! I have rarely worked for anyone like this and in such a positive environment!
Jason Smith – Sales Marketing Manager, Intellisoftware
DOK is such a delightful person to have around. He is a great manager and an outstanding mentor with a rich experience. He is innovative, organized as well as supportive and is always open to ideas and suggestions. His ability to work through the Covid period and develop new ways to achieve the targets were always inspiring. He has made me improve in many professional areas and taught me about leadership skills. It was a pleasure to be managed by him.
Aygun Nuriyeva – Payroll Officer, Ventia
I can confidently recommend David to any managerial/strategic positions due to his diligence and forward-thinking approach. His experience and knowledge allows him to connect and relate to all parties and stakeholders while keeping a long term strategic vision.
Manuel Garcia Posadas – Director of Rugby, Barker College
David has a wealth of management and leadership experience across multiple sectors. He has proven ability to manage complex change through effective stakeholder engagement, workforce mobilisation and accountability. He is a result driven professional who leads others to get the job done. I have worked with David personally and have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending David for a senior management/ Change role.
Jacqueline Ross – Change & Transformation Lead, Healthscope
Testimonials for Darren Sutton.
I have had the pleasure of working with Darren through both Myers Briggs assessment and coaching, a number of Human Synergistics workshops, as well as in tailored sessions he has delivered as part of our Team Days. Darren is an outstanding facilitator and coach as he is inspirational, engaging, and highly attuned to both individuals and the broader culture in which he is working.
What makes Darren exceptional is his ability to translate leadership and culture frameworks into meaningful, practical development. His workshops and coaching sessions are never one-size-fits-all as they are carefully designed, targeted, and always leave participants with tangible insights, renewed energy, and actionable steps to grow as leaders and as teams.
Personally, I have experienced genuine growth in my self-awareness and leadership style through Darren’s sessions and have witnessed the positive impact ripple across the wider team. He has a rare gift for blending coaching, leadership development, and team culture work in a way that creates lasting results.
Darren is not only a skilled facilitator, but also a trusted partner in building stronger leaders, more connected teams, and healthier workplace cultures. I feel fortunate to have worked with him and would recommend his expertise to any organisation or individual looking to strengthen leadership and/or culture.
Eloise Calitz – Senior Manager, Governance & Capability (PMO) | Partnerships & Projects | HealthShare NSW
I’ve had the pleasure of attending multiple workshops facilitated by Darren Sutton, focused on team and organisational culture during some particularly challenging periods. At a time when staff were feeling stressed and anxious about ongoing changes and the rise of negative behaviours among both leaders and colleagues, Darren’s approach was exactly what was needed.
He has a remarkable ability to engage staff at all levels, creating a safe and inclusive space where people feel heard and validated. Darren’s workshops consistently left participants feeling more confident, supported, and empowered to take positive steps forward.
One of the most impactful aspects of Darren’s workshops was his use of relatable, real-life examples that resonated deeply with the team, along with clear, actionable strategies for those wanting to help shift and improve workplace culture. His sessions were not only insightful but also practical, and they made a genuine impact.
I would highly recommend Darren to any organisation looking to strengthen their culture and support their people through change.
Steph
Stephanie Burns she/her – Senior Project officer, Project Mangement Office, Partnerships and Projects, HealthShare NSW