The Sunshine Valley Gazette

View Original

Q&A Profile: David Dangerfield, Compass Founder, leads way as a 'disruptor'

David Dangerfield ... “I love that Compass has been a disruptor in a space that really needed a shake-up”. 

David Dangerfield founded Compass, an innovative Sunshine Coast-based, for-purpose organisation assisting people with intellectual and physical disabilities. David is this edition’s Q&A Profile Person.

• Birth Place  and Star Sign: Ashgrove Private Hospital in Brisbane. Aquarian / Pisces cusp. 

• Dream Car: I’m more of a motorbike guy and I already own my dream bike, a 2020 Triumph Rocket 3R.

• What’s one thing on your bucket list? I want to travel the world for one full year, minimum.

• What was your first job? My career as an entrepreneur started when I set up my first business at age 12 … a Carwash at the garage at the top of our street. 

• Best advice you have ever received? My Uncle Harold advised me to assume all other road users were idiots and expect them to do ridiculous things. This has saved me from serious harm on many occasions.

• What has been your most memorable moment (not related to family matters)? I’m a huge fan of the here and now. It’s called the ‘Present’ for a good reason.

• What is something people don’t know about you? People may not know that I enjoy watching the Sumo.

• What’s the best thing about Compass Inc? I love that Compass has been a disruptor in a space that really needed a shake-up. We’re breaking rules all over the place … and having fun with the wonderful people of Compass – the trainees, their families, my colleagues. And, of course, our amazing supporters.

• What’s Your Vision for Compass Inc? It’s all about our impact. How many people with a disability can wake up with the sense that people believe in them and will assist them to lead rich and meaningful lives.  

• What one thing would you like to see happen in Nambour/Hinterland? Free and reliable public transport (electric) that would improve connectivity and enable people who may not be able to drive.

• Best thing about Nambour/Hinterland (apart from the people)? Well naturally as a motorbike enthusiast I enjoy the quiet country roads early on a Sunday morning on my way to some of the great breakfast destinations we have around us.

• Is there a Nambour/Hinterland business or community group you’d like to give a shout-out to? My shout-out goes to you guys and girls at the Sunshine Valley Gazette. I think you provide a vital service and you do so with genuine friendliness and professionalism.

• What haven’t we asked that we should know about you?: My passion is to understand how can we work together to develop a system of governance at all levels that attracts non-partisan people with genuine vision, wisdom, energy and a non-adversarial mindset to positions of leadership in our country.