About Me
I work with founders, CEOs, and senior leaders at moments when leadership needs to evolve. My role is to help people think clearly under pressure, navigate complexity with steadiness, and lead in a way that holds as the stakes rise.
I bring this work from lived experience — having carried real responsibility inside growing organizations and made decisions where the consequences mattered.
What Clients Experience Working With Me
Clients often describe my work in similar ways:
“He can distinguish between what I’m saying and what I’m not saying and reflect both back so I can make better decisions.”
“He knows what it takes to scale a brand and the people inside it.”
“He’s trustable right away and maintains that trust regardless of who’s paying his fee.”
“He hears me out fully and then pushes me to action in a way that feels both firm and supportive.”
“He helps me clear out the noise and focus on what actually matters.”
“He brings teams together quickly and gets everyone aligned around what needs to happen next.”
How My perspective Was Formed
I’ve been working since I was young, starting in hospitality before studying hotel management in Switzerland and building a career with Four Seasons. That early work gave me a front-row seat to leadership under pressure, and to how much systems, culture, and presence actually matter.
In 2006, I co-founded Tender Greens. Over fourteen years, I served in roles spanning finance, operations, and organizational leadership as we grew the company to 30 locations, $100M in revenue, and more than 1,200 team members. My focus was always on building the infrastructure and culture that allowed people to do their best work.
As the company scaled, my role increasingly became developing leaders and replacing myself with people stronger than me. By the time I stepped away, the greatest satisfaction came not from the numbers, but from hearing, “Go talk to Dave,” when someone was ready to step into their next level.
That instinct - helping people level up - is what ultimately pulled me into what I do now.
How I Work Today
Today, my work is a blend of coaching and advisory support for leaders navigating growth, transition, and responsibility. We focus on both the outer demands of leadership and the inner terrain that shapes how those demands are met.
The work is thoughtful, direct, and tailored to the moment. There are no formulas or performance theater — just clear thinking and practical movement forward.
Another Dimension of the Work
Over the years, my perspective has also been shaped by disciplines that sit outside conventional leadership frameworks. I’ve spent time studying and practicing in contemplative and indigenous traditions that work with presence, initiation, and meaning.
For some leaders, this dimension becomes relevant. When it does, we approach it with discretion, care, and a deep respect for the gravity of the work.
I live in Los Angeles with my wife of 25 years and our two children. I continue to study, teach, and learn alongside leaders and institutions committed to meaningful, integrated leadership.
How can I serve you?
“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.”
— Robert Byrne