It can be tough – and lonely – at the top.

David McDonald can vouch for that.

With more than 30 years’ experience of leading businesses and projects, with revenues ranging from £1m to £60m, he has known the value of being able to share problems and issues with peers on a confidential basis.

Latterly Managing Director of defence communications company Chemring Technology Solutions, David is now a Group Chair with Vistage UK, part of the world’s largest executive coaching organisation for small and medium sized businesses.

The 57-year-old father of two is building a Dorset group from scratch, specifically covering an area including Bournemouth, Poole, Blandford and Dorchester.

It is suitable for business owners, Managing Directors or Chief Executives who want to tackle their issues and improve both their business results and their own leadership skills.

Typical target businesses have annual sales in the £3m to £50m range and have been established for at least two years.

Membership is by both mutual selection and invitation only.

David, who is also a respite foster carer with his wife, Carla, said the Dorset group already had three members.

He added: “Vistage works because in every group, and in every meeting, no topic is off-limits.

“When our members have access to new perspectives – whether from fellow business peers, me as Vistage Chair or expert speakers – they expand their view beyond their company walls in a way that traditional executive leadership training just can’t offer.

“With Vistage you recharge your thinking, learn from fellow CEOs, count on trusted and confidential advice and seize opportunities for immediate and long-lasting results.”

As Group Chair, David will help members navigate their biggest challenges acting as part coach, mentor, guide, confidant and inspiration.

He’ll facilitate the confidential peer advisory group meeting each month with 12 to 16 executives from non-competing industries.

But between group meetings, David will connect one to one with each member for a deeper dive into their unique challenges

It’s a role he’s relishing.

“I’ve always enjoyed coaching and mentoring and this plays to my strengths,” said David, who co-founded Christchurch Rugby Club in 1985 and is now President of the recently resurrected club.

“I’ve experienced Vistage first-hand as a member and know the benefits of being part of a group.

“The world class speakers and personal coaching are excellent.

“However, it’s the access to a team of highly experienced, and like-minded, senior business leaders that have made a difference to my life, both professionally and personally.

“I’d highly recommend it.”

• David is organising an ‘Experience Vistage’ event at AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday March 3. For more details about this, or Vistage generally, please contact David at David.mcdonald@vistagechair.co.uk or phone 07872 407548.