A Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt executive, David McClymont has earned a solid reputation for guiding small-to-medium size organizations in creating cultures of high levels of productivity and profitability. As CEO since 2014, he has led Palm Beach Symphony on a transformational journey to become a major cultural institution.

 

Fun fact: I am a former competitive surfer and still travel the world to surf.

What is your favorite South Florida dining destination? 1000 North in Jupiter which never fails to deliver great food, attentive service and unmatched views of the sunset on the Loxahatchee River.

What do you like to do on weekends? Spend time with my children and enjoy such pastimes as surfing, golf, tennis, running and other outdoor activities.

How do you unwind from a long day at work? Meditation, exercise and enjoying my family.

What is your favorite quote? “You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want” — Zig Ziglar

From whom, or what, do you draw inspiration? God, family, John Maxwell, Palm Beach Symphony mission and staff, community, Dale Carnegie, Stephen Covey.

What has been the biggest accomplishment of your career? I hope there are more to come. Helping guide Palm Beach Symphony through the pandemic when the concert halls are closed will be one.

What has been the most challenging moment in your career and how did you overcome it? I am committed to positive relationship building among patrons, board members, staff, volunteers and community partners. When I arrived at Palm Beach Symphony, the 40-year old non-profit had a $700,000 annual budget and was creating deficits of $175,000 per year. It now has a $2.7 million budget with a $1.2 million endowment and achieves a growing community impact that has reached 50,000 students in the past five years.

What advice would you give an up and coming professional? Slow is fast and fast is slow. Give far more than you expect to get and you will get far more than you expected. There is not substitute for hard work. Be honest. Measure twice and cut once with attention to detail. Think outside the box without changing the box.