Temus is a relatively new company with a remit to disrupt traditional thinking and revolutionise business practices. It is at the leading edge of the defence transformation agenda. While still early days, the future looks bright. Professionally, there is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the growth of the Company and share in its success. More importantly, it aligns with my values and standards, providing me the opportunity to perform work of meaning and purpose that delivers tangible benefits for the people of Singapore. Personally, it also provides me considerable career development and personal growth, as well as the chance to experience the delights of Singapore and further afield. Is there risk and uncertainty – of course – but that’s also part of what makes it so exciting.
David Barrington
Director, Digital X Process Transformation
Please introduce yourself and your role at Temus. Which Centre of Excellence (COE) do you belong to? How did you find your way into this role?
Hello. I am David Barrington. I am a Director in the Digital x Process Transformation COE, with a focus on Defence and Homeland Security. My role at Temus is to use my experience in defence and government transformation to enhance its commercial success, operational efficiency, and social impact. Central to this is developing our relationship with the Ministry of Defence, Defence Science & Technology Agency and Singaporean Armed Forces to support them in delivering their digital transformation ambitions.
How I found my way into this role is a long story. I have been involved in Defence and Government transformation for many years, both as a uniformed officer and as a consultant. This includes working in defence ministries in the UK, Middle East, Africa and Australia and in roles such as CFO, CHRO and COO. As a result, I have been heavily involved in some significant, and often unique, transformation programs across the domains of finance, people and technology, and built up a strong global network of contacts. It was one of these contacts based in SE Asia who was able to bring Temus and I together. The rest, I am delighted to say, is history and I owe all parties a huge debt of gratitude for their confidence and support in making it a reality.
Can you walk through an average day for you?
In Temus the average doesn’t exist. If I had wanted an average day at work, then there were other paths I could have taken. Yes, there are certain commonalities in terms of activities e.g. commuting, meetings, lunch etc – that’s not what it’s all about. I want my days to be extraordinary. Of course, that can be easier said than done. However, there are so many new experiences and challenges with Temus for me that I’m finding its not too hard to achieve. I do this by engaging with as many of my colleagues as possible to understand how I can help them and how I can add value. I also try to learn as much as I can whenever I can – asking lots of questions on anything and everything. Finally, I get like to get actively involved in any opportunity where I can be helpful – especially when it takes me outside my comfort zone. As a result, a day can be quite challenging and taxing – but never average.
What are some memorable projects that have given you the opportunity to grow?
I haven’t been at Temus that long and most of the projects I am working on are still at a relatively early stage. However, I do have one memorable experience from some years ago that still resonates with me to this day. I was working in a MINDEF writing the implementation plan for the delivery of a new pension scheme. I gave it 100% and believed I had covered every eventuality and every stakeholder’s needs. It was approved and I moved on to the next task. Shortly after I was promoted and left the MINDEF to take up a new role in an operational division. The first task that arrived in my inbox for me to handle – the pension scheme implementation plan I had written. Having to deliver my own plan was quite an unexpected and unusual experience and the lessons I learned have stayed with me ever since.
Could you describe how it is like working with your team and larger COE?
Temus operates a modern and flexible working environment that gives us the maximum opportunity to always deliver our best work e.g. remotely or in office. It encourages innovation and being different and provides a supportive environment, where everyone is respected and valued equally. That’s a great starting point.
Temus is a naturally agile organisation with teams generally comprising skills from across all COEs. It’s this structure, which drives the collaboration that adds the value and delivers the outcomes. So, I’m delighted to find myself working with many different individuals on all sorts of initiatives. This wider exposure not only makes my work more interesting, but it also allows me to learn more, understand better what my colleagues are doing and identify how I can support them. Does that sometimes mean that I am very busy and that I have new challenges to overcome – yes. However, I think that’s much preferable than working in a narrow remit without an understanding of how you contribute to the overall success of the organisation.
In one word or phrase, can you describe how it is like working at Temus? Could you explain why?
One word – Exciting.
Temus is a relatively new company with a remit to disrupt traditional thinking and revolutionise business practices. It is at the leading edge of the defence transformation agenda. While still early days, the future looks bright. Professionally, there is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the growth of the Company and share in its success. More importantly, it aligns with my values and standards, providing me the opportunity to perform work of meaning and purpose that delivers tangible benefits for the people of Singapore. Personally, it also provides me considerable career development and personal growth, as well as the chance to experience the delights of Singapore and further afield. Is there risk and uncertainty – of course – but that’s also part of what makes it so exciting.
How do you strike a work-life balance while working here? What are some ways that help you find joy while working at Temus?
Before I arrived in Singapore, I was aware that the working culture was viewed as being among the more demanding of people. However, I haven’t really faced any work-life balance issues while working at Temus – so far. The flexibility Temus provides to employees to manage their commitments is a great help. Personally, I like to keep clear separation between work and play e.g. I prefer not to work from home – but I have that option if needed. I try to take a holistic view of work and life. I accept that there will be times when you must meet a deadline or deliver an urgent output. Equally, there will be times when things may be more relaxed. So as long as the swings and roundabouts even out – then I am happy. Whether this may change as Temus grows we will see.
As to joy at work, that’s an interesting word to use. Clearly, I don’t want to be unhappy at work, but joy? Words like achievement, fulfilment, come more easily to mind.
How would I achieve joy – basically by doing a great job and being a fantastic team member and human to my colleagues. Hopefully that should be enough!!
