By Business & Finance 
Pictured: David Savage, Associate Vice President, UK & Ireland, Geotab
David Savage is Associate Vice President, UK & Ireland for Geotab, the world’s largest commercial telematics company. In this role, David leads the operational, commercial and organisational activities of the region.
He has accountability for the delivery of Geotab’s overall strategy and realisation of the company’s ambitious growth targets in support of its wider European growth focus. With more than 15 years experience within operations and transport management, David has a proven ability in helping businesses to scale sustainably.
What was your first job?
My first venture was selling cakes and snacks I had made in home economics to schoolmates. I would have been 9 or 10 at the time. Happy days!
What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?
Professionally, that would be taking over the Geotab Irish and UK business just before Covid hit, supporting the growth of a great team and doubling the size of the business.
In three words or less, how do you define success?
Keep moving forward.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Perfection is the enemy of progress.” These words of wisdom came from a mentor but were originally said by Winston Churchill. They absolutely hold true when it comes to growing a business.
How do you motivate yourself and your staff?
I believe every team and business needs a vision. Since establishing ours, this vision has kept me and my team focused, honest and accountable.
I try to lead by example and spend time in the front lines with every team to get to know them,
understand their day-to-day successes, challenges and if there is anything I or the business can do to make them or their department perform even better. I also trust my team and give them autonomy to execute and balance this by ensuring they have all the support they need to succeed.
How do you relax?
I like to go to the gym for an hour before work. I find it’s a great outlet for frustrations and gives me time to think about the day ahead and challenges that need to be overcome. Generally, it puts me in a good mood!
What’s your motto?
“There’s always a silver lining.” Having been involved in hyper-growth businesses for the last five years or so, there have been plenty of highs and lows but it’s important to remember that there are opportunities to be found in the down times, just as much as in the ups.
What are your aspirations for the future of the business?
My aspirations for the business going forward are two-fold. Firstly, to continue to build on our strong cultural foundations and develop an even more trusting, collaborative, supportive, nurturing and motivating place to work. People don’t deliver success; they are success. And secondly, for Geotab to be recognised as the Irish and UK market leader.
