Francois Davel

François Davel focuses his thinking and writing on the intersection of Christianity, leadership and being a well-rounded person. For him, life is about people and helping them to find work-life balance, with a living, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He firmly believes character building is vital to maintaining this balance.

François’ formal qualifications confirm this interest with his Bachelor of Theology and MBA degrees. He has nearly thirty years of work experience. He worked in the following economic sectors: medical, mining and industry, financial services, ICT and business consulting, as well as government. He observed how people think and operate in different sectors. He also saw the positive impact people with character have on their organisations.

François likes to make people think. He asks questions, often tough ones, to think with people, not for them. He also reminds people of the biggest room in the world – the room for improvement. His in-the-moment humour makes interactions easy. He is a good listener, who loves to engage in robust discussions. François is a natural systems thinker, with a keen focus on the relationships between objects, the cause-and-effect of events, and the details in the big picture. These qualities make him an excellent mentor and character builder.

François was born without a right hand. This disability has taught him to consider how people might think and react, due to the physical differences. He applies this skill in many areas of his life. He also became a swimmer for the physically disabled. For a number of years, he was the South African champion and record holder in six items. He also won three international gold medals as part of the national team. His swimming career and long hours of practice played an important role in building his character.

François is deeply committed to his relationship with God. He has read the Bible cover-to-cover more than eighteen times. He also has a well-developed devotional habit and thrives on his living relationship with the Holy Trinity. This relationship and his spiritual disciplines are crucial in his character application.

François is currently living in the capital of South Africa, Pretoria. He lived in various other cities and towns where he experienced the richness of the Rainbow Nation. He also enjoyed the world famous South African biodiversity. François’ favourite place is the botanical gardens in Betty’s Bay, near Cape Town, where he finds tranquillity amidst the mountains, streams and Fynbos habitat.

Character Applied – from concept to practice is his first published book. François will appreciate any feedback, especially an honest review. Contact him on Twitter, Good Reads, LinkedIn, or at Character Applied.