David was born into a world without light, a premature birth leaving him without the gift of sight. The excessive oxygen provided to save his life took away his ability to see. But in the face of this adversity, David's journey of resilience and determination began.
At the tender age of five, David was sent to a special school for blind and low-vision children, far away from home. The school, burdened by a shortage of staff, forced him to confront the harsh realities of life early on. Surrounded by older low-vision boys, he faced brutal bullying. However, these challenges only fuelled his desire to become self-reliant and competitive, emerging stronger from each battle.
In his youth, opportunities for education and employment were scarce for individuals with visual impairments. Society held low expectations for people with disabilities, painting a bleak future. Yet, amidst the darkness, David discovered the power of second sight—the influence of foresight, insight, and hindsight in shaping our dreams and visions.
Fuelled by mentors who possessed forward-thinking minds, David envisioned a life of independence. His dreams materialised in the form of seven magnificent guide dogs, providing him with mobility. He also achieved financial security through jobs in local government and radio, while gaining self-confidence through exposure to debating and public speaking. Moreover, his insight led him to a loving family, guided by Ruth, a former nun, who became his wife and gave him three sons.
David's pursuit of success was propelled by his intuitive understanding of people, intangible services selling, and an unwavering need for respect. Leveraging sophisticated telephone interviewing and selling techniques, he won lucrative high-level recruitment assignments, placing key individuals across Australia and even in countries like New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, South Africa, and the UK. Remarkably, in many cases, he never met the people whose lives he had influenced.
But David's dreams didn't stop there. The day he discovered sailing, he ignited a passion that led him to envision becoming the first blind person to participate in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. After honing his skills in smaller vessels, he partnered with psychiatrist Mike Epstein to purchase a Farr 37 racer cruiser, aptly named Out Of Sight Out Of Mind.
The 50th anniversary of the renowned race brought treacherous weather conditions, with violent storms and towering waves. Out Of Sight Out Of Mind battled through the tempest, but a point of disaster struck when flooding rendered the engine useless. Stranded without lights, radio, or navigation systems, David made the difficult decision to retire and return to safety.
In subsequent races, David faced calmer waters, reaching Hobart to the warm embrace of a resounding welcome. However, upon returning to Melbourne, he received devastating news—his wife Ruth had been diagnosed with inoperable cancer. Despite a valiant 16-month battle, Ruth passed away, leaving David to raise their three young boys alone.
In the midst of grief, David found love again and married Liz, creating a blended family of eight children and 19 grandchildren.
Throughout his career, David's diverse background in media, manufacturing, and retail, coupled with his innovative problem-solving skills, greatly impacted the lives of many as a recruitment professional. His analytical approach and innate strengths as a learner, strategist, activator, communicator, and analyst shaped the fortunes of his clients and mentees.
Reflecting on his journey, David learned invaluable life lessons: self-discipline, professionalism, the art of intangible services selling, deep analysis of himself and others, resilience in the face of adversity, the acceptance of responsibility for mistakes, forgiveness for oneself and others, the importance of family values, and the pursuit of balance in life.
David's story is a testament to the power of vision, both literal and figurative, and the ability of the human spirit to overcome darkness, transforming it into a beacon of hope and inspiration for others.
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