The work.
The partnership depends on the moment you’re in and what leadership is asking of you now.
I work with founders, CEOs, and senior leaders at the inflection points where leadership must evolve. This is rarely because something is broken; it is because the stakes have changed. These are the points where clear thinking and a steady presence are required to navigate the increasing complexity of scale.
Below are the primary ways we begin.
one-on-one Advisory
When the stakes change the nature of the work.
As a business grows, your role shifts from doing the work to managing the judgment required to lead it. Decisions carry more consequence, visibility increases, and the "willpower" that got you here starts to hit diminishing returns. This partnership offers a confidential space to think clearly and decide what matters most—without having to carry the weight alone.
We focus on the gap between your current capacity and the increasing demands of the business. We look at your leadership presence and purpose alongside the practical realities of team dynamics and strategic friction. The goal isn’t "fixing" a problem; it’s strengthening your judgment and steadiness as the role expands.
I act as a trusted thinking partner, drawing on the reality of scaling to 1,200 employees and a $100M exit. Together, we surface what is creating drag, clarify your priorities, and translate insight into immediate action.
The Result: Leadership that feels clearer, more grounded, and more sustainable even as complexity increases.
Logistics: Twice-monthly sessions with additional support as needed. Monthly retainer structure adapted to your rhythm.
Team Alignment
When the organization outgrows the way the team works together.
At scale, leadership teams face a new kind of complexity. Decisions require tighter coordination, yet the "implicit" ways of working that once served you often start to create silos. Alignment work creates the conditions for a team to move as a single unit, replacing unspoken assumptions with clarity and trust.
I go into the organization to facilitate the honest conversations that rarely fit into regular meetings. We identify the underlying barriers—whether structural or interpersonal—that shape how the team performs under pressure. This is about establishing a culture where the truth is accessible and agreements actually hold once the meeting ends.
The Result: A leadership team that communicates directly, makes better decisions together, and operates with a shared sense of gravity.
Logistics: Custom engagements built around off-sites, intensive sessions, and ongoing advisory to ensure the work is integrated into the business.
Founder Transitions & Succession
When your relationship to the company is changing.
Founder transitions are the most consequential moments in a company’s life. Whether you are stepping up to a Board role or preparing for a total exit, these shifts are rarely just tactical. They change how you see yourself and how you relate to the organization you built.
This work supports you through both the strategic and psychological dimensions of transition. We focus on what the company needs to thrive beyond your day-to-day involvement while creating the space to separate your identity from the business. The goal is to move through the change with authorship and intention.
Drawing on the lived reality of my own exit, we attend to the personal recalibration that accompanies the act of redefining your role. We ensure your legacy remains intact while creating room for what’s next.
The Result: A transition that feels grounded and sustainable—honoring what you built while positioning the company to thrive without you.
Logistics: Ongoing advisory relationships. Cadence and scope are adapted to your specific timeline and complexity.
“I hired David when I was questioning whether to keep going in my career after more than twenty-five years in entertainment. What surprised me most was his blend of professionalism and genuine personal connection. Calm and grounded, but warm in a way that creates real clarity.
With David’s support, I stopped seeing my future as a binary choice and began to recognize the agency I had in shaping what came next. I’d recommend him to executives at career crossroads who want to feel grounded while moving forward with intention.”
“I’ve become a better listener, strengthened my most important relationships, and become more effective in my work. It’s hands-down the best thing I’ve done for myself and for the people around me.”
“David is a rare find. He brings a powerful combination of vision, leadership, and heart. He meets me where I am, while holding a clear, long-term view of my development.”
“David is honest, straightforward, and clear. He keeps his eye firmly on the target, while leaving room to play when it matters. In a world with so much pressure, that balance makes a real difference.”
If you’re at an inflection point and need a sounding board, let’s see if there is a fit.