FEATURE INTERVIEW: JOE DAVIS
Joe Davis and David Downs.
Stories of hope, optimism and humanity in the face of adversity North Shore identities co-author book documenting inspiring stories during Covid-19 period By Aidan Bennett It’s no secret that this Covid-19 period has been tough. For people personally and business-wise. This unprecedented period for New Zealand (and the World) caused fear, hardship, and loss. Two local North Shore identities – Joe Davis and David Downs – have written a book, titled Silver Linings, that is a collection of stories from across New Zealand, showing how Kiwis responded when the going got tough through this period. Channel Mag’s Aidan Bennett sat down with Joe Davis to talk about Silver Linings. Joe Davis is a person with unbelievable energy. I have known him for some years and his enthusiasm has always been infectious. His family moved to the Shore at age 11 and he went to Kristin School. He has always been involved in the community. For over 20 years he has been heavily involved in Coastguard North Shore, having been a
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Issue 121 - July 2021 www.channelmag.co.nz
leader in that organisation and in the process clocking up more hours as a volunteer Coastguard skipper there than anyone else. He has also had key roles nationally with Coastguard. In his professional life Joe has gathered extensive experience across both commercial and non-profit leadership, innovation, strategy and transformation. He is the co-founder of Nanogirl Labs with Dr Michelle Dickinson (Nanogirl). Michelle and Joe are also husband and wife. Joe was the driver behind the Silver Linings book. Nanogirl Labs lost a full 18-month work calendar over a few days before the Covid-19 level four lockdown. Joe and Michelle could have closed their doors and headed home. Instead, they made a choice to change direction and four days later launched a brand-new, entirely online learning program for families. They tripled their staff as the lockdown loomed, took on
