David Lissah is an accomplished independent Chartered Manager and Management Mentor with a background as a Safety Compliance Specialist. He is also currently serving as Vice-Chair of the Ireland Branch of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) and as the committee representative for Northern Ireland in the global safety and risk community.

 

In these roles, he focuses on strategic management and leadership, driving change by helping managers become impactful leaders and creating safe, engaged, and resilient teams—because when people feel empowered, they thrive.

 

David began his career in the early '90s on the shop floor and worked his way up the corporate ladder into senior positions through various leadership roles in industries including facilities management and building services, with a particular focus on building management, maintenance, and development.

 

He has worked in multiple environments from military and engineering to creating inclusive communities in sports and recreation. He has led teams of up to 132 personnel, managed operational budgets of up to £10.5 million, and helped deliver projects ranging from minor works (less than £1 million) to major capital schemes of approximately £150 million.

 

Having experienced the challenges of managing limited resources and complex processes, he learned to lead people with different needs, styles, and motivations. This hands-on experience has shaped his understanding of true leadership—working with people at all levels, finding common ground, navigating tough conversations, and building trust within diverse teams.

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David understands first-hand the personal challenges managers face, from overcoming imposter syndrome to balancing task management with the human side of leadership.

 

His passion for supporting people and organisations stems from the belief that great leadership isn’t learned overnight—it’s developed through guidance, experience, and reflection. His guided philosophy is that "managers manage things, but lead people".

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David’s mission is to create environments where teams feel safe, engaged, resilient, and ready to grow—because leadership isn’t just about what you achieve; it’s about who you inspire.