Patrick McWhinney
Co-Founder and CEO
from Patrick
David has spent decades creating value and improving relationships across a wide range of corporate and non-profit contexts, from coaching top CEOs to training Iraqi Members of Parliament. In addition to advising leaders and teams, David runs the Insight Fellowship and Peace Education Programs, and teaches at the Harvard Mediation Program and Program on Negotiation.
Before forming Insight, David studied at Middlebury College and Harvard Law School, and practiced corporate law for five years.
What achievement are you most proud of?
In everything that we do, we aim to help people make decisions based on a deeper understanding of themselves and others. I’m proud that we’ve created two organizations that help people follow their interests, and as a result have a bigger impact on the world in which they operate, whether that’s in corporate or non-profit contexts.
What has been the most exciting moment of your career?
In the mid-2000s, I travelled to the Green Zone in Baghdad to help recently-elected Iraqi MPs improve their working relationships. It was the first time I’d been to an active conflict zone. The plane had to spiral down rather than make a direct landing, and we had to wear body armor and travel in a bulletproof convoy. At the time it was unnerving, but I feel privileged to have played a role supporting governance in that country.
What leadership quality do you most admire?
When big decisions need to be made, leaders feel pressure to demonstrate high levels of certainty when, in fact, curiosity would be more powerful. I really admire leaders who can get curious in the toughest moments without sacrificing decisiveness or efficiency.
Which aspect of your experience do you think clients find most useful?
Nearly all of the theory and skills I rely on can be traced back to my experience in mediating family matters, and in teaching others to do the same. Nothing can trigger us quite like family! What my colleagues and I have learned trying to create value, resolve conflict and improve working relationships in disagreements like complex divorces has been incredibly useful to all our other clients.
Where do you find inspiration beyond work?
I love the natural world and enjoy spotting traits of negotiation and cooperation in animal behavior. The extent to which collaboration is wired into us as creatures fascinates me. My kids’ favorite stories are the ones I tell about animals that really work together to meet their goals.
Patrick McWhinney
Co-Founder and CEO
Dan Green
Partner
Through our non-profit sister organization, we share the same insights and skills with underserved groups around the world.
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