By: One World Publishing
David Burns, CEO of Vitech, a leading pension administration platform utilized by the world’s largest financial institutions, possesses a unique leadership philosophy honed through a diverse range of experiences. His upbringing in a military family instilled in him the values of discipline, resilience, and adaptability. These early lessons, coupled with the entrepreneurial spirit cultivated through early business ventures, have shaped his approach to leadership.
Burns’ journey reflects a multifaceted approach to success. In an interview, Burns explores the values and lessons he has gleaned, including from his military upbringing and his career in business, revealing how these experiences have fostered a leadership style that prioritizes integrity, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. By sharing his insights, Burns offers potentially valuable guidance for aspiring leaders navigating the complexities of today’s dynamic business landscape.
Were there lessons learned in the military that you still lean on today as a CEO?
David Burns: My own military service and my nomadic upbringing in a military family were powerful teachers of resilience and adaptability. Growing up this way meant frequent relocations—transitioning through three elementary schools, two junior highs, and two high schools—which became an unintentional training ground for understanding team dynamics and personal flexibility. This constant movement taught me to quickly assess new environments, build connections, and develop the skills necessary to excel in diverse and challenging situations. My experiences instilled a deep appreciation for accountability, teamwork, and the ability to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances.
The ability to assimilate has proven invaluable, especially in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape where technological changes, like AI emergence, demand constant adaptation. Organizations that struggle to adapt may risk becoming less competitive over time. My challenging childhood transitions became a versatile professional advantage, applicable across industries.
When did you realize that you had an interest in pursuing a business career?
Burns: In elementary school, I discovered my business spirit early by coordinating neighborhood services like snow shoveling and lawn mowing with friends. These childhood ventures sparked a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship, teaching me valuable lessons about teamwork, initiative, and creating value for others. That early experience laid the groundwork for my future business endeavors.
What industry and roles did you start your business career in?
Burns: While pursuing my full-time studies, I simultaneously managed a small Third-Party Administrator (TPA) business, another demonstration of my early entrepreneurial drive. This experience naturally transitioned into my professional career in consulting, where I focused specifically on the healthcare and financial services sectors. My dual commitment to academic growth and business development laid a strong foundation for my professional trajectory.
What were some of the key principles that helped you advance onto a track towards executive leadership?
Burns: Integrity: Integrity and authenticity are fundamental leadership qualities. I believe that true leadership benefits greatly from integrity: doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, and consistently following through on your commitments. Without genuine integrity, building meaningful followership is difficult.
Adaptability: Growing up in a military family, frequent relocations taught me adaptability—moving through different schools and cultures became a crucial skill for understanding and succeeding in rapidly changing environments. This adaptability has often been an essential asset throughout my career, particularly in the face of technological advancements that require businesses to remain flexible and forward-thinking.
Purpose: Having a clear purpose transcends monetary rewards or job titles. For me, purpose is the driving force that inspires 1,400 Vitech employees to consistently deliver their premier, driving our work on platforms that touch millions of lives and manage billions in assets. A meaningful mission doesn’t just motivate—it can help channel collective effort into impactful outcomes.
Empathy: True leadership demands emotional intelligence over raw intellect; empathy allows you to understand multiple perspectives, put yourself in different stakeholders’ shoes, and make decisive, well-considered decisions with genuine conviction. By fostering a culture of understanding and collaboration, leaders can often navigate complex challenges more effectively.
How has being a CEO shaped your perspective on leadership and team building?
Burns: My time as CEO has taught me the importance of continuous innovation, effective communication, and managing challenges efficiently.
The critical importance of continuous innovation is being willing to challenge existing processes, adopt new methodologies, and remain adaptable. For example, at Vitech, we recognize that the rapid pace of technological advancements, like AI, necessitates a mindset of constant improvement and agility.
Joining Vitech in 2021 and becoming CEO in 2023, I confronted a critical organizational challenge: transforming a four-decade-old company deeply rooted in traditional practices. Effective communication became one of the most important tools, enabling me to articulate a vision that connected strategic change to individual purpose. By translating complex organizational needs into a compelling narrative, I could help each team member see their unique role in our transformation. True leadership, I learned, is about inspiring people to move forward together.
Managing challenges efficiently is at the core of leadership, especially in organizations facing complex challenges. Great leaders can strive to acknowledge difficulties while maintaining a solution-focused perspective. The key is to hear and understand the challenges but not get trapped in endless discussion about why something can’t be done. A leader’s true role is to move the conversation forward, focusing on how to solve problems rather than getting bogged down in what seems impossible.
What are the most difficult aspects of being a chief executive?
Burns: The most difficult aspects of being a chief executive often revolve around the people: identifying and nurturing individual talents to solve complex business challenges. Success requires not only recognizing the unique strengths of team members but also strategically aligning those strengths to address key opportunities and obstacles.
As CEO of Vitech, I’ve seen firsthand how fostering a shared vision can drive innovative solutions that create tangible value for stakeholders. Empowering people to take ownership and collaborate effectively is vital for building a cohesive team culture. Building a culture of trust and inclusivity is no small task, but it’s essential to achieve more collectively than we ever could individually.
What advice would you give to new CEOs?
Burns: Earn trust by communicating your strategic vision with clarity, transparency, and authenticity. Clear and open communication can help stakeholders align with your goals. Stay adaptable and decisive when facing complex challenges, making strategic choices that demonstrate your commitment and competence. Prioritize transparency to help stakeholders understand your goals and approach.
Published by Nicholas A.