New Zealand Speakers

David Downs

Innovation leader, cancer survivor and optimism expert inspiring people to embrace possibility

Overview

David Downs is one of New Zealand's most inspiring voices on resilience, innovation and optimism. A former Microsoft executive, bestselling author, entrepreneur and cancer survivor, David combines humour, authenticity and extraordinary life experiences to help audiences navigate uncertainty and embrace change. Whether sharing lessons from New Zealand innovation, leadership, business growth or his remarkable recovery from terminal cancer, David leaves audiences feeling hopeful, energised and ready to tackle challenges with confidence.

Who is David Downs?

David Downs has built an extraordinary career spanning technology, innovation, business, government and entrepreneurship. He has held senior leadership roles with organisations including Microsoft and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, helping businesses grow, innovate and succeed on the global stage.

An accomplished author, David has written multiple bestselling books exploring innovation, leadership and resilience, including No. 8 Re-Wired, No. 8 Recharged and A Mild Touch of the Cancer. The latter chronicles his remarkable journey after being diagnosed with terminal cancer and ultimately surviving through a combination of cutting-edge science, determination and optimism.

Alongside his corporate career, David is known for his entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to helping others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he co-founded SOS Business, a not-for-profit initiative that generated more than $2 million in support for thousands of struggling small businesses across New Zealand.

With a background that includes comedy, broadcasting, governance and technology leadership, David brings a unique blend of insight, humour and humanity to every presentation.

Career Highlights

• Former senior executive at Microsoft and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
• Bestselling author of No. 8 Re-Wired, No. 8 Recharged and A Mild Touch of the Cancer
• Survived terminal cancer through pioneering medical treatment and personal resilience
• Co-founder of SOS Business, supporting more than 2,500 small businesses during COVID-19
• Generated more than $2 million in support through the SOS Business initiative
• Recognised advocate for innovation, entrepreneurship and positive change
• Former comedian, television and radio performer
• Semi-finalist for New Zealander of the Year
• Respected speaker on innovation, leadership and resilience

Key Speaking Themes

• Resilience and overcoming adversity
• Innovation and future thinking
• Optimism in uncertain times
• Leadership through change and disruption
• Entrepreneurship and business growth
• Lessons from surviving terminal cancer
• New Zealand innovation and global opportunities
• The power of science, technology and human potential

What Your Audience Will Gain

David equips audiences with practical tools and inspiring perspectives for navigating uncertainty, embracing innovation and maintaining optimism through challenging times. Through a combination of humour, storytelling and hard-earned lessons, audiences gain valuable insights into resilience, adaptability and the importance of focusing on opportunities rather than obstacles. His presentations leave people feeling inspired, hopeful and empowered to take action.

Ideal For

• Leadership and innovation conferences
• Business and entrepreneurship events
• Technology and future-focused forums
• Resilience and wellbeing programmes
• Corporate conferences and strategy sessions
• Community and educational events

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does David Downs speak about?
David speaks about resilience, innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, optimism, business growth, technology and overcoming adversity.

Who is David Downs?
David Downs is a former Microsoft executive, bestselling author, entrepreneur, cancer survivor and keynote speaker from New Zealand.

What is David Downs best known for?
He is known for his leadership in innovation, his bestselling books and his extraordinary recovery from terminal cancer.

What is A Mild Touch of the Cancer about?
The book tells David's remarkable true story of being diagnosed with terminal cancer and surviving through a combination of science, luck and resilience.

What was SOS Business?
SOS Business was a not-for-profit initiative co-founded by David during the COVID-19 pandemic that raised more than $2 million to support small businesses across New Zealand.

Why is David Downs a popular keynote speaker?
David combines humour, optimism, business expertise and powerful life experiences to deliver presentations that are inspiring, practical and memorable.

What leadership lessons does David Downs share?
David teaches resilience, adaptability, innovation, positive thinking and how to lead effectively through uncertainty and change.

Is David Downs available for keynote presentations and corporate events?
Yes. David Downs is available for keynote speaking engagements, leadership conferences, innovation events and business forums throughout New Zealand and internationally.

NEW ZEALAND SPEAKERS

David Downs

Innovation leader, cancer survivor and optimism expert inspiring people to embrace possibility

Overview

David Downs is one of New Zealand's most inspiring voices on resilience, innovation and optimism. A former Microsoft executive, bestselling author, entrepreneur and cancer survivor, David combines humour, authenticity and extraordinary life experiences to help audiences navigate uncertainty and embrace change. Whether sharing lessons from New Zealand innovation, leadership, business growth or his remarkable recovery from terminal cancer, David leaves audiences feeling hopeful, energised and ready to tackle challenges with confidence.

Who is David Downs?

David Downs has built an extraordinary career spanning technology, innovation, business, government and entrepreneurship. He has held senior leadership roles with organisations including Microsoft and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, helping businesses grow, innovate and succeed on the global stage.

An accomplished author, David has written multiple bestselling books exploring innovation, leadership and resilience, including No. 8 Re-Wired, No. 8 Recharged and A Mild Touch of the Cancer. The latter chronicles his remarkable journey after being diagnosed with terminal cancer and ultimately surviving through a combination of cutting-edge science, determination and optimism.

Alongside his corporate career, David is known for his entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to helping others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he co-founded SOS Business, a not-for-profit initiative that generated more than $2 million in support for thousands of struggling small businesses across New Zealand.

With a background that includes comedy, broadcasting, governance and technology leadership, David brings a unique blend of insight, humour and humanity to every presentation.

Career Highlights

• Former senior executive at Microsoft and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise
• Bestselling author of No. 8 Re-Wired, No. 8 Recharged and A Mild Touch of the Cancer
• Survived terminal cancer through pioneering medical treatment and personal resilience
• Co-founder of SOS Business, supporting more than 2,500 small businesses during COVID-19
• Generated more than $2 million in support through the SOS Business initiative
• Recognised advocate for innovation, entrepreneurship and positive change
• Former comedian, television and radio performer
• Semi-finalist for New Zealander of the Year
• Respected speaker on innovation, leadership and resilience

Key Speaking Themes

• Resilience and overcoming adversity
• Innovation and future thinking
• Optimism in uncertain times
• Leadership through change and disruption
• Entrepreneurship and business growth
• Lessons from surviving terminal cancer
• New Zealand innovation and global opportunities
• The power of science, technology and human potential

What Your Audience Will Gain

David equips audiences with practical tools and inspiring perspectives for navigating uncertainty, embracing innovation and maintaining optimism through challenging times. Through a combination of humour, storytelling and hard-earned lessons, audiences gain valuable insights into resilience, adaptability and the importance of focusing on opportunities rather than obstacles. His presentations leave people feeling inspired, hopeful and empowered to take action.

Ideal For

• Leadership and innovation conferences
• Business and entrepreneurship events
• Technology and future-focused forums
• Resilience and wellbeing programmes
• Corporate conferences and strategy sessions
• Community and educational events

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does David Downs speak about?
David speaks about resilience, innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, optimism, business growth, technology and overcoming adversity.

Who is David Downs?
David Downs is a former Microsoft executive, bestselling author, entrepreneur, cancer survivor and keynote speaker from New Zealand.

What is David Downs best known for?
He is known for his leadership in innovation, his bestselling books and his extraordinary recovery from terminal cancer.

What is A Mild Touch of the Cancer about?
The book tells David's remarkable true story of being diagnosed with terminal cancer and surviving through a combination of science, luck and resilience.

What was SOS Business?
SOS Business was a not-for-profit initiative co-founded by David during the COVID-19 pandemic that raised more than $2 million to support small businesses across New Zealand.

Why is David Downs a popular keynote speaker?
David combines humour, optimism, business expertise and powerful life experiences to deliver presentations that are inspiring, practical and memorable.

What leadership lessons does David Downs share?
David teaches resilience, adaptability, innovation, positive thinking and how to lead effectively through uncertainty and change.

Is David Downs available for keynote presentations and corporate events?
Yes. David Downs is available for keynote speaking engagements, leadership conferences, innovation events and business forums throughout New Zealand and internationally.