Good Talks

Mike Mackay believes from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Probably why this 37 year old is working so hard to make Strand Development awesome

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Episode notes

#36: Join Mike Mackay on an inspiring podcast episode as he navigates the responsibilities and legacy he's building at Strand Development. From childhood challenges and rugby experiences to encounters with influential figures like Bill Clinton and attending Nelson Mandela's birthday party, Mike's journey is filled with remarkable moments. With a clear vision for Strand, he emphasizes attracting top talent, creating an enjoyable work environment, and practicing servant leadership guided by strong company values. Mike shares insights on contrarian thinking, securing new sites, and expanding into the supply chain and private equity. Discover his commitment to employee growth, the benefits of team sports, and the importance of cultivating compassion in children. This episode explores Mike's impactful experiences and his passion for leaving a positive imprint at Strand Development.

• 00:04:04 Being in the shadow

• 00:05:20 Little brother fighting

• 00:06:52 John Mackay

• 00:09:34 Rugby at St Georges

• 00:10:50 Met wife through rugby

• 00:12:02 Meeting Bill Clinton

• 00:13:21 Going to Nelson Mandela's birthday party

• 00:15:00 Vision for strand

• 00:15:48 Leaving something positive when he is gone

• 00:17:14 Getting the best people to work at Strand

• 00:17:55 Provide a work environment people want to go to

• 00:20:11 Servant leadership

• 00:21:01 Company values (integrity, involved, our word is our bond)

• 00:21:08 Shemtov “A good name”

• 00:22:53 When to be a contrarian

• 00:23:35 Buying new St Pauls site

• 00:28:27 Looking to do more outside of real estate - dipping toes

• 00:28:55 Entering the supply chain - concrete - private equity

• 00:30:53 The permanence of development

• 00:35:35 Raising capital will come if you have a good deal

• 00:37:29 Deliver on your promise or do everything possible to

• 00:38:51 Lend employees money to invest in Strand projects

• 00:40:23 Getting a job at Onni

• 00:42:20 Onni lets you learn but has good guardrails

• 00:43:57 Gaining a foundational understanding of development at Onni

• 00:45:54 Benefits of team sports

• 00:49:33 Getting perspective from learning other cultures

• 00:52:03 Developing a sense of compassion in children

• 00:53:25 Leading with a compassionate perspective

• 00:57:23 Cam giving a job to tagger of 195

• 01:46:27 Eswatini

• 01:48:07 UNICEF

• 01:07:15 Failed adoption of a child from Swaziland

• 01:09:29 People want Cam to help fund a study to see what can change

• 01:14:13 Adoption gone bad

• 01:18:10 Human nature - we want to see crazy things

• 01:20:05 End