In this episode, I’m joined by David Harding, a senior executive and board leader with deep experience across infrastructure, construction, energy, transport and public policy, to unpack strategy and leadership lessons from the Sydney Metro Martin Place integrated station development. We go back to the Macquarie Group unsolicited proposal and why the work that wins major projects rarely starts with clever bid writing. It starts with outcomes, and making sure every stakeholder can see themselves in the story.

David explains why a strategy without a north star is aimless, and why complex pursuits usually need multiple north stars that can be quantified and described in language different audiences actually believe. We talk about how to frame direct, indirect and amplified benefit, and why unsolicited proposals work when they unlock outcomes government can’t easily connect through silos, budgets, or existing strategies. The goal is bigger than compliance. It’s creating human outcomes that improve a city, not just a project that looks good on paper.

We also discuss the Powerhouse Museum Parramatta and what it looks like to stay outcome-led through an international competition, from early concept work in a small office to a cultural asset that can represent Western Sydney to the world. Along the way, David makes the case that tendering is storytelling, not paperwork, because bids are often won on trust, capability, capacity, and the client’s confidence that the team can deliver safely and well.

Finally, we get into leadership and delivery, including what David took from nearly nine years in the Royal Navy: clear aims, empowerment, training, and putting the right people in the right roles with the right tools and ethics. We also cover modern construction methods, productivity, and why change needs to be introduced carefully so small business and industry capability comes with it. If you work in tendering, strategic pursuits, infrastructure bids, or major project leadership, this one will give you a sharper way to think about outcomes, strategy, and the story that makes a proposal land.

CHAPTER MARKERS

00:00 Introduction

03:37 Outcomes First Strategy

06:29 Global First Metro Hub

08:29 Amplified Benefits Framework

11:00 Powerhouse Museum Parramatta Bid

15:41 Storytelling Wins Tenders

17:28 Royal Navy Leadership

21:28 Translation Across Sectors

23:17 Modern Construction Methods

27:18 What Excites Him Next

Connect with David

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-harding-a8b90320/

Website:

Connect with Deb at Tender Plus

Web: https://www.tenderplusconsulting.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tender-plus/