David Sivyer
David Sivyer鈥檚 mission to transform urban food systems
David鈥檚 story began behind the counter of a busy caf茅 鈥 witnessing massive amounts of food being dumped daily.
This constant exposure to waste sparked an idea to tackle the global food waste issue with a local solution: turning food scraps into compost to grow fresh produce in urban areas.
Launched in 2013, Feedback Organic Recovery is a non-profit organisation dedicated to creating scalable, community-inclusive circular food systems.
Feedback Organic Recovery has already saved over聽two million聽litres of food waste from landfill by converting it to organic compost. Two thousand community volunteers have used that compost to sustainably grow over 40 tonnes of organic, fresh food.
If we fail to tackle food waste in our food system, the environmental consequences will be enormous. But by addressing it head-on, we have the power to create a profound and lasting impact on the planet.
Feeding connection
Australia is a huge continent with a population of 26.6 million and counting. Yet three quarters of us live in cities 鈥 where many feel isolated and disconnected 鈥 despite the crowds.
Ironically, those in remote communities often enjoy a far greater sense of togetherness 鈥 despite their geographical isolation. Just look at the sea and tree changers heading to tiny regional towns to find true community and connection with nature.
鈥淲atching someone harvest their first crop is a simple but powerful act. It reconnects people to nature and to each other".
So how do we build that sense of togetherness and understanding in teeming cities? David Sivyer says it starts with food. But not the food we eat. In his world, creating community begins with the food we normally waste.
In an age where urban dwellers are increasingly disconnected from where their food comes from, Feedback Organic Recovery provides a tangible link. The organisation turns urban food waste into nutrient-rich compost, which is then used to grow fresh produce in city gardens, right in the heart of densely populated areas
Leadership and the power of innovation
鈥淪eeing all the food waste made me think how we could use that waste on the farm as a soil conditioner鈥.
Running Feedback Organic Recovery demands strong, visionary leadership. For Sivyer, this means embracing collaboration and fostering a culture of experimentation within his team. Leading the team involves strategic planning, partnership development, and community engagement.
David specialises in creating and implementing innovative programs that connect urban communities with sustainable food systems.
"The soil is a great leveller鈥攇etting your hands dirty builds connection to our food system and each other."
This hands-on (or in) approach shapes聽the organisation鈥檚 ethos, where transparency and creativity are encouraged. Leadership in this context isn鈥檛 about having all the answers, but about creating an environment where ideas can flourish.
"We have a playground to test ideas. It鈥檚 crucial for innovation, especially in a field as dynamic as urban agriculture"
David says to lead effectively, you need to be flexible and open to change. It takes a whole community to pull something innovative together.
You鈥檙e not just leading people; you鈥檙e guiding a vision that they can believe in.
By turning vision into reality 鈥 literally creating living models of circular food systems in urban areas 鈥 David鈥檚 been able to get his team on board with the mission.
鈥淭here were about 25 different iterations before we got to where we are today, but it was all one heck of an experiment鈥.
From hospitality to sustainability
David鈥檚 fifth generation farming family background gave him the knowledge to see opportunity in caf茅 waste. This hands-on experience allowed him to see first-hand the potential for sustainable practices and the impact of innovative solutions.
He鈥檚 proven that turning urban food waste into nutrient-rich compost to grow fresh produce in city gardens connects people to their food sources. It also gives them a practical understanding of sustainability.
Yet as Feedback Organic Recovery grew, so did the challenges of scaling the business and replicating its model. David realised that to drive systemic change, he needed to operate more strategically 鈥 more like a corporate player.
Leveling-up with AGSM
This led him to start his Executive MBA at AGSM, where he鈥檚 deepening his understanding of stakeholder engagement and strategic thinking.
鈥淢y biggest leadership challenge before AGSM was navigating the complexities of scaling sustainable initiatives within urban communities鈥.
David says he experienced a fundamental shift in his leadership approach as his AGSM MBA program unlocked an ability to effectively communicate his mission 鈥 preparing him for new conversations and audiences.'
"Understanding what motivates potential partners and what restricts them from being involved 鈥 those insights have been invaluable.鈥
Opening a gateway to opportunity
David says the network, experience, and knowledge he鈥檚 gained are invaluable. His AGSM MBA has given him new skills connections and insights that have been crucial in scaling Feedback Organic Recovery.
Beyond the coursework, the program has opened doors David didn鈥檛 even know existed.
AGSM has revealed opportunities I had no idea were ahead of me.
He says the AGSM Alumni network has given him access to partnerships, mentorships, and collaborative projects that have dramatically boosted Feedback Organic Recovery鈥檚 impact.
鈥淚f you鈥檙e on the fence, I鈥檇 say AGSM offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth鈥.
As Feedback Organic Recovery continues to engage with more people, so does Sivyer鈥檚 vision for a more sustainable, connected world. "The future鈥檚 full of possibility," Sivyer says with a smile. "And we鈥檙e just getting started."
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