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David Downs
Genetically Modified Optimist & CEO, NZ Story David has had a successful career in the private and public sector and is now CEO of The New Zealand Story, an ambitious government-funded organisation marketing New Zealand to the world. He also acts as a consultant and is a director on several boards, including as Chair of The Icehouse. David is an ex-comedian, TV and radio actor, semi-finalist for New Zealander of the Year, cancer survivor and a published author of the books No.8 Re-wired, No.8 Recharged, A Mild Touch of the Cancer, and Silver Linings. David founded SOS Business, a hugely successful not-for-profit initiative to help cafes and other small businesses during covid-19.
Reflections of a Genetically Modified OptimistDavid has had a successful career in the private and public sector and is now CEO of The New Zealand Story, an ambitious government-funded organisation marketing New Zealand to the world.
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He also acts as a consultant and is a director on several boards, including as Chair of The Icehouse. David is an ex-comedian, TV and radio actor, semi-finalist for New Zealander of the Year, cancer survivor and a published author of several books. David founded SOS Business, a hugely successful not-for-profit initiative to help cafes and other small businesses during covid-19.
In January 2017, author and comedian David Downs thought he had a mild dose of the flu. Two weeks and a whirlwind of tests later, and David was told he had advanced blood cancer and was straight into Chemotherapy. Undeterred, David did what all optimists would do – put on his good undies, headed to hospital and started writing to tell the world about his experiences.
