David McCutcheon

MCG Principal & instructor/facilitator

David McCutcheon was born and raised in a beautiful little town called Ayr on the south-west coast of Scotland.

For the first half of his career, he specialized in training senior level instructors in winter mountaineering and whitewater kayaking. It was during this time that he became utterly fascinated by the subtle, yet very powerful leadership skills that are the mark of the truly exceptional guide.

From this very hands-on foundation, he then chose to analyze and reflect on his extensive field experience through the academic lens. He earned a B.A. in Outdoor Education in 1992 at Strathclyde University, Glasgow, and a Master’s Degree from UBC’s Human Kinetics Department in 1997. His academic work focuses on two main subject areas: Human Performance Analysis and Instructional Design and Coaching.

For the majority of the last decade David has been a full time Federal Government of Canada employee, either working in organizational learning teams or creating brand new leadership development initiatives. He has worked with the Canada Revenue Agency, Canada Border Services Agency and through the Canada School of Public Service, has provided service to more than 80 other unique departments. This broad exposure has helped develop a keen appreciation for the leadership cultures within Federal Departments at both the micro and the macro levels. During this period, David has designed and successfully implemented many highly creative professional development solutions, helping many organizations move towards their goals with greater effectiveness and efficiency.

David is passionate about his work and unconditionally committed to helping clients and partners create inspiring leadership cultures within the workplace. Participants in David’s sessions often report that they have never felt so engaged in the learning process, that his classes and seminars were refreshingly up-beat, that the concepts and ideas were genuinely valuable and relevant to their work – and that their knowledge, enthusiasm, confidence and commitment have been enhanced and renewed.

When he is not working, climbing mountains or sailing the pacific North West coastline, you can find David on Bowen Island where he lives with his wife, three young children, a very large dog, two cats, one rabbit and some chickens.