Insights & Opinions Archives - Paul David Mather 💡

Being Shot At Isn’t The Most Stressful Thing I’ve Experienced

Paul David Mather leading soldiers in Afghanistan

Hearing I was a British Army officer in Afghanistan, people often say: “wow, you were so brave!” I appreciate the sentiment, but I beg to differ. I wasn’t brave. I was well-trained, motivated by a clear mission, and supported to achieve it. You can reduce stress in your organisation by becoming a better leader…

The Most Important Leadership Lessons I Learnt At Deliveroo

Leadership lessons from Deliveroo by Paul David Mather

I reflected this week on my personal leadership principles. Then I remembered my “3 life-changing leadership lessons” from Deliveroo. I shared them with the company when I left in 2019, having joined as employee number 15ish 5 years prior…

The Truth About Startup Operations Consultants

Shhh..! Don’t tell my clients. There are lots of consultants out there, offering all kinds of services, using a variety of approaches. But what is a startup operations consultant exactly? What do they do? And do you even need one..?

3 Great Reasons To Define Roles And Responsibilities In Startups

Roles and responsibilities – sounds a little dry, right? But working in the world of startups, I’ve come across too many employees who simply don’t know what they’re supposed to be doing.

You know: the green as grass operations associate, who scurries round the office sheepishly asking how they can help…

The Truth About Work-Life Balance: It’s For Gurus And The Gullible

The internet is full of self-styled experts promoting work-life balance. You may have heard:

You need a better work-life balance!
Nobody lies on their deathbed wishing they’d worked harder!
Work to live, don’t live to work!

But is this helpful advice? Or is it a fool’s errand? That all depends on you…

The Best Career Advice For Military Veterans Entering Startup Operations

Transitioning from the Armed Forces to “civvie street” pushes you out of your comfort zone – I know from experience. These days there’s an abundance of free advice and resources available to help service leavers navigate the plethora of civilian jobs on offer. But if, as I did, you want to explore a career off the beaten path – like in the world of startups – it can be more challenging to find useful guidance. How do military operations translate to civvie street?

I spoke to three former military officers from the British Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force (learn about them below). Since hanging up their boots, they’ve each pursued unique and fulfilling careers in the startup space. I asked them what they’ve learned from making that bold career change – good and bad, about startups and the military – and what advice they’d give someone looking to follow in their footsteps.

Risk Management: How Pandemic Panic Can Change Our Attitude

Coronavirus – Fear Divides Us: Risk Can Unite Us

There’s nothing quite like this pandemic to make us reevaluate our attitude to risk management.

Pay Transparency: The Truth About Fair Pay

Fair pay and pay transparency: good for business?

Pay transparency remains a taboo subject for many – employees and employers alike. But why? Here’s my take on why pay secrecy is bad for business. And how to achieve fair pay, transparently.