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Dave is one of those unique coaches that doesn't just talk the talk - he is truly there for you every step of the way - even when things get tough.
10/10 would definitely work with Dave again.
Matthew Schmidt
Founder & CEO
PeopleLogic
Dave Bates is an excellent coach.
He helped me break through a plateau, clarify my goals, and build real momentum. His insight, presence, and ability to bring structure made a lasting impact. I’d gladly recommend him to anyone seeking thoughtful and effective coaching.
Joshua Cabral
Founder & CEO
Praxis Institute
From the very first meeting in a small coffee shop I could tell Dave was going to be someone we'd be going to often for help. He's articulate, empathetic, thoughtful, creative, and all of the other words you'd use to describe someone who knows how to help a founder through problems- which is what we were looking for in our program.
Josh Guter
Program Manager
North Carolina State University Entrepreneurship Clinic
He has an innate sense of seeing what's behind the words you're saying. Dave asks questions that get you to think deeper, see things in a different light, and bring some practical steps to mind. If you need a coach, hire Dave.
Holly Brown
Founder
Helping Hands
Dave’s ability to simultaneously walk in the shoes of his clients, their employees, and their customers is unmatched. When LOFT, our software support and maintenance business, needed a fractional CEO to take the lead as we launched Calm Capital, Dave was our “Plan A.”
David Horne
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Calm Capital
Privately, leaders often say things like:
"I don't have a safe place to unpack all my thoughts without the team wondering if they should get their resume together."
"My spouse and friends have no idea how to help."
"When I ask questions, I don't want my team thinking I don't know what I'm doing."
"I'll scare everybody if I'm transparent. They just don't have the same perspective I do. There's nobody else who understands."
This happens with new and experienced leaders alike.
Despite what you might hear or think, this is *completely* normal.
The most successful leaders control these stories and turn them into positive, result-driving actions.
If stories like these are rolling around in your head and you'd like to find a way past them, I can help.
ENGINEERING WISDOM
A Practical Guide To Building Leadership That Lasts
If you value operational rigor over motivational fluff,
this book belongs on your desk, not your shelf.
It's practical, grounded, and built to last.
Lucas Oliver
Thank you for asking me questions only I can answer, giving me a sense of autonomy over this journey, but...at the same time, being wise enough to know which questions will get me there.
Lisa Davis
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