Wisdom from the Top: What We Learned from Dave McKay, CEO of Danann Air

At our most recent hangout, we had the privilege of hosting Dave McKay, CEO of Danann Air—a powerhouse Irish company generating over $100 million in revenue. Dave brought a grounded presence and a wealth of hard-earned wisdom from decades in business and life. Here's a distilled version of the insights he shared with us:

1. Play to Your Strengths

Dave made it clear: Know what you're good at and stick to it. In a world full of distractions and shiny opportunities, focus wins. Master your domain and double down on where you're strongest.

2. Grit is Everything

Success isn’t about luck—it’s about persistence. Grit carries you through the tough days, tough quarters, and tough deals. Dave emphasized that the path to meaningful growth is never linear, and only those who push through make it.

3. Margin Matters

As you grow, one of the biggest levers for success is increasing your margin per deal. Revenue is great, but if it doesn't scale with profitability, you’ll run into problems. Get disciplined about extracting more value from each transaction.

4. Sell Face-to-Face

There’s no better way to close a deal than sitting across the table from someone, looking them in the eye. In an age of automation and Zoom calls, human connection still wins.

5. Sacrifice for Others

Dave touched on something deeper than business: sacrifice. Supporting others—even when it doesn’t benefit you in the short-term—has a way of circling back in life and business. Don't overlook it.

6. Relationships Shape You

Every interaction you have is part of a bigger picture. The people you meet, the connections you build—they shape who you become. Nurture relationships. They matter more than you realize.

7. Wisdom is a Compound Asset

You win today because of the wisdom and experience you've gained over time. The best decisions come from accumulated knowledge—not just instinct. Invest in learning from every failure and success.

8. Seek Out the Elders

Dave stressed the importance of learning from older, wiser people—especially those with no vested interest. Mentors, retired operators, industry veterans—they often hold the keys to the very problems you're trying to solve.

9. Try More in Your 20s

Your 20s are for exploration. Dave encouraged young people to try more, fail fast, and gather wisdom. The more you try, the more you grow—and that growth sets the foundation for your future.

10. Question the Narrative

In a world of media overload, don’t take things at face value. Think critically. Ask questions. Develop your own worldview rather than absorbing someone else’s wholesale.

11. A Book to Read

Dave recommended “The Secret Life of the Unborn Child”—a book that explores the profound connection between mother and baby before birth. An unusual pick for a business talk, but a reminder that life informs how we lead.

12. Don’t Gamble

Simple but strong: Don’t gamble. It’s not a strategy. It’s a distraction—and a dangerous one.

13. Your Background is Power

Coming from a rough area, or a tough start? Dave believes that’s an advantage. It teaches fearlessness. It toughens you up. In business, that grit is a weapon.

14. Business is a Sport

Business is competition. If you’ve played sports, you already have a competitive edge. That drive, discipline, and desire to win? Leverage it. It translates directly to the entrepreneurial battlefield.

Final Thoughts

Dave McKay didn’t just share business advice—he dropped life wisdom. Practical, hard-won, and no-nonsense. Whether you're just starting out or scaling fast, his insights remind us to stay grounded, stay human, and stay hungry.