Shawn Callahan, a regular participant on this blog, sent me a fabulous link to a discussion of Powerpoint's abysmal contribution to obfuscation, especially as it affected NASA's decision-making ability. The ensuing discussion is serious and heavy, but worth reading. Like me, Tufte is on a campaign to stamp out Powerpoint.
For those of you who don't know his work, Tufte is the world's expert on the visual display of quantitative information. His books are works of art. Look for them!
Educated in Toowoomba, Richard Wood commenced his career establishing his own practice in March 1996. With an entrepreneurial spirit and vision as Managing Partner, he has developed and guided Vistage Corporate Advisory to where it is today.
Unlike traditional accountants, Richard (pictured above) does not position himself as external to his clients' businesses. Where possible, he becomes a part of the client -- knowing as much about their operations and corporate and marketing challenges as possible.
This provides a sound foundation from which to develop financial and accountancy strategies which are tailored to meet their individual requirements. Importantly, it also allows Richard to identify business opportunities for his clients on a progressive basis, and combat any commercial threats before they take effect.
Richard has extensive financing and joint venture experience. As a majority shareholder and director of a number of private companies, he is keenly aware of the need to monitor unit-based profitability and to implement sophisticated financial management systems.
A deep thinker, passionate about the potential that lies within individuals and their businesses, Richard has been instrumental in creating opportunities that have inspired success for his clients, colleagues and peers.
A proven entrepreneur now focused on working with other entrepreneurs, Richard's commercial experience and business nous has led him to develop a distinctive suite of financial management solutions and products; including Optimist. He is driven to generate positive growth and wealth for his clients by focusing on activity based financial information, shareholder value and the true story behind the finance information that is generated. He has been influential in achieving significant results for his clients and their businesses, using strategic vision, big picture analysis, consistent monitoring and mentoring systems.
Richard believes that when business owners start to fear growth it is due to uncertainty. Unlocking these uncertainties and providing a clear platform for change recreates hope and the confidence to grow. Clear vision helps clear thinking. By relating activity to financial outcomes, he has the ability to provide a whole new way of thinking about strategy to drive financial performance.
Richard is a connected and valued strategic advisor to his clients and is driven to ensure he can empower them with peace of mind, confidence to grow and banker confidence.
Qualifications & Memberships
> Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
> Bachelor of Laws (Banking & Finance)
> Member, Institute of Chartered Accountants
> Member, Institute of Management
> Member, Institute of Corporate Managers, Secretaries and Administrators
> Member, Australian Institute of Certified Practising Accountants
> Member, Institute of Company Directors
3 comments:
Before completely throwing the baby out with the bathwater, Richard, you might want to take a look at Presentation Zen, which is an excellent site on giving good presentations.
In particular, the recent post on "Is it finally time to ditch powerpoint?" may be of interest.
I agree with you that powerpoint is often a distraction and a crutch, but having seen it done well, I think it can also be (in the right hands) a powerful tool.
Thanks for the interesting link.
In addition to Tuft's works, I find that lots of consultants also reference Gene Zelazny's book, "Say It With Charts".
Powerpoint is a prog for school children and secretaries, IMHO.
But sometimes it is really useful.
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