Dave Parr
Vice President of Business Development
Dave Parr joins Optus as Vice President of Business Development, bringing over 30 years of enterprise technology experience. His appointment strengthens Optus' North American presence and growth strategy.
Q & A
In your own words, describe what makes a great leader.
A great leader goes beyond just managing tasks; they inspire and uplift those around them with a clear and exciting vision that everyone can support. They lead with honesty, kindness, and strength, building trust and respect within the team. By listening to different viewpoints and making thoughtful decisions, they create a space where everyone feels important and eager to do their best. This way, the whole team can grow together, work better, and achieve success.
What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
The excitement of building meaningful relationships with clients, the challenge of meeting goals, and the chance to contribute to the company's growth drive me each morning. Every day presents an opportunity to connect with new people, address their needs with customized solutions, and propel success for both the client and the business.
Who is someone you admire as a mentor?
I admire a former boss as a mentor due to their unwavering support, insightful guidance, and ability to recognize potential in others that they might not see in themselves. Their leadership style, marked by wisdom, patience, and a genuine commitment to nurturing growth, has profoundly impacted my personal and professional development.
How can a leader fail?
A leader can fail by neglecting to listen to their team, making unilateral decisions, or being unable to adapt to changes. Ignoring team input can damage morale, result in missed opportunities, and erode trust. Additionally, poor communication and avoiding accountability can undermine a leader's effectiveness
Describe your perfect team.
My ideal team consists of diverse, motivated individuals who each bring unique strengths and ideas. Everyone collaborates, trusts one another, and shares a common goal. In this team, each member feels valued, supported, and driven to perform at their best, knowing their contributions matter. Together, we tackle challenges with creativity and determination, transforming them into opportunities for growth and success.
What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest weakness?
My greatest strength is my ability to connect with people and forge strong, lasting relationships, which helps me understand clients' needs and drive successful outcomes. My greatest weakness is occasionally focusing too much on details, which can slow decision-making, but I am working on balancing thoroughness with efficiency.
What do you like to do when you aren’t leading the Optus team?
I enjoy spending time outdoors, engaging in activities like swimming, boating, camping, and hiking. I've recently started learning to play the acoustic guitar and love listening to live music. Additionally, I'm an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and enjoy traveling whenever possible.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I grew up on a small farm, I've been known to sing karaoke occasionally, and I'm always up for White Castle cheeseburgers.
What’s your favorite quote?
"It's All Good"
What makes Optus different?
Optus, Inc. stands out by continually seeking innovative ways to enhance and serve its customers. The company fosters teamwork and values everyone's ideas, promoting growth. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and offering personalized solutions, Optus ensures that its customers receive exceptional value and support.