Recommendations

A REFERENCE FROM NATHAN CAMPBELL, MY PASTOR AT THE CREEK ROAD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

“I have known Steven Pidgeon for 6 months, and in that time have found him to be thoughtful, inquisitive, open to change and to have good listening skills.

My relationship with Steven began as a friendship formed over political and spiritual discussion, and has evolved so that he is now a member of our church community, and I am his pastor. Steven has demonstrated a dedication to the people of this community and a commitment to contributing for the good of others in his presence, and the insight he offers in communication.

Steven has a somewhat unconventional back story, having spent time living in a faith community in New South Wales; I believe his commitment to leave that life and begin again demonstrates courage, commitment and integrity. I know Steven to be an adept learner and thinker, to be considerate of others, and to seek truth and understanding through thorough investigation and the application of attention. I have observed his interactions online for some time and note that his capacity to facilitate conversation around a variety of issues, building engagement, suggests that he has leadership qualitites and a degree of familiarity and comfort operating in an online environment.

I believe Steven has set out on a journey not for the faint-hearted, and that transitioning into life outside his community might prove challenging, but I have little doubt that he would be a hard worker and positive contributor in a team context.”

Nathan Campbell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanmcampbell/)

 

ANDREW ILLINGWORTH, WRITER AT AL-MASDAR NEWS (AMN), ENDURING FRIEND OF STEVEN PIDGEON

I have known Steven for about four years and most of my interactions with him revolve around the sharing of ideas and knowledge on political, economic and cultural topic points.

To begin with Steven can be said to have a kind of universal curiosity on all matters relating to politics, economics and various types of anthropology – namely culture, religion and ethnicity. To say that Steven is a quick learner when it comes to absorbing information on such topics still represents an understatement.

However, this is not to say that Steven is limited to theory-based understandings for I also know him to be a practical individual, with decent technical knowledge – again, what he does not know, he will learn soon enough if required – and the ability to do quickly adapt to general labour tasks; irrespective of how sophisticated or mundane.

To go with this, I have – over the course of knowing him – observed Steven to have an exceptionally retentive memory (one which, if it is allowed to be said in good humour, challenges the elephant).

Lastly, to go with intelligence is the incredible conscientious that Steven possesses; he never fails to consider the feelings of others and always attempts to strike middle ground even in the case of, as I have witnessed, three-party disagreements. Steven always works towards the goal of keeping people united and, at the very least, tolerant in each other’s presence.

I cannot say that I know Steven’s past in detail, however I nonetheless judge him in the context that I have and continue to know him. To this end I conclude that he is, simply put, both a smart and fair person.

Andrew Illingworth (ozanalysis101@gmail.com)

 

KARL GRICE, FRIEND AND FORMER CUSTOMER FROM THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

I have known Steven for a number of years, as a regular guest in his home and customer at his cafe. Steven has the courage to take risks and pursue goals with determination. He has also demonstrated the ability to recognise a path that isn’t working and try a new approach. He approaches life holistically, a true inter-disciplinarian who brings his diverse insights to bear on the problem at hand. This is combined with his humble willingness to work hard and serve people.

We share an interest in books and it is can be both challenging and inspiring to read the quotes Steven shares from his current reading list. In many ways, Steven’s life so far has been one of adventure. His natural curiosity will continue to open up new doors and paths, and I look forward to watching his next adventure unfold.