David Henderson is using big data and technology to improve driving and reduce fleet costs.
What’s your story?
I am Co Founder of DRVR. I was born in the Seychelles, one of the most beautiful counties in the world!
I’ve lived all over the world, Now I’m in Thailand trying to reduce the number of road accidents.
What excites you most about your industry?
The intersection of different technologies that’s happening. IoT, Big Data and AI/ML are all coming together at the same time.
What drives you in business to push beyond what other people consider normal?
The ability to see a real impact in what we do. Many tech jobs are pretty alienated from what we do. At DRVR we can see a direct impact. Every time we detect an accident there is a chance we saved someone’s life.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
I would say it’s a soft skill. Grit. As a founder you will take knocks. It’s part of life. Do you give up or get back up and try again. Not the same thing but maybe something a little different.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
I’ve received lots of advice over time some of it great, most of it uninteresting but the really good advice has come from my mentor. The key thing is to focus on revenue everything else comes from that. It’s like the blood flowing through the veins.
Who inspires you?
I’m a huge fan of the fictional character Flashman. I like the anti-hero character. I have the same devil may care attitude!
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
Well it’s been an amazing 18 months with the Pandemic. One thing I have had reinforced is the importance of entrepreneurs to reinvent themselves and their business. Anyone who is depending on handouts will fail.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Well I would not have moved to Thailand – don’t get me wrong it’s a great place to live but a terrible business environment.
How do you unwind?
Two ladyboys – no MSG 🙂
Actually huge fan of board games – board games by the beach even better!
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your business?
I have been running a startup for the last 5 years or so. It’s always been on the cusp of happening! One thing I learnt from that is that promises and words are cheap. Show me the money.
Everyone in business should read this book:
I’m a huge fan of the Lean Startup by Eric Ries – whilst some of the examples are dated, the underlying concept of applying the scientific method to business was ground breaking when it came out and still is.
Shameless plug for your business:
Every year businesses lose millions due to fuel theft, accidents and dangerous driving. Using a smartphone and the power of AI DRVR can help reduce the cost of managing your fleet by at least 15%!
How can people connect with you?
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dchenderson1/
Whatapp +66645800007
If you’re in Bangkok hit me up for a coffee.
Social Media Links?
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dchenderson1/
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.