
There's a reason people say "it's lonely at the top".
It's been a leadership challenge for a long time.
Heavy lies the head that wears the crown
Shakespeare, Henry IV
How often are you....
Stuck between options?
Feeling like it's getting too stressful?
Wondering if anybody else really gets it?
Thinking, "I can't actually say that...to them...."
It's not just you.
In fact, several studies have focused on loneliness in leadership since long before the pandemic happened.
Feeling alone as a leader isn't unique.
It's also not great for you.
Research suggests that feeling alone and stressed actually changes your brain...

"Loneliness appears to disrupt neural activity related to social behavior and cognitive control.
Lonely individuals report less interpersonal trust, act in a less trusting manner, and show decreased fMRI activity in brain regions important for emotional processes...(1)
In short?
Being alone at the top of your business has the same effect on your brain as social loneliness.
How will you achieve your big growth goals if your brain is being "disrupted"?
There's *great* news....
you can reverse the disruption.
You can escape from the effects of feeling alone
so you can thrive!
You're like a cofounder that doesn't take half the equity!
I am ready to walk alongside as you break free of the limitations solo-leadership stress puts on you
Not ready for a call yet?
Scroll down to see what others say about working with me.
Find out if executive coaching and consulting
is right for you.
(1) Finley, A. J. ; Schaefer, S. M. (2023). Affective Neuroscience of Loneliness: Potential Mechanisms underlying the Association between Perceived Social Isolation, Health, and Well-Being PMCID: PMC9910279
NIH National Library of Medicine, open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

What I most respect about David's approach is its thoughtfulness and insightfulness.... an empathetic listener committed to helping others step into their potential.
Highly recommended.
Scott Perry
3 simple questions
See if you're the kind of leader who will gain the benefits of Executive Coaching and Consulting
Are you curious and looking for new ways to think and work?
Are you ready to invest time and effort in becoming a better leader?
Is your business at one of these stages:
CREATE STAGE
< $1M ARR
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What is it and who is it for?
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How do I talk about it?
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Where are the customers?
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Should I pivot?
BUILD STAGE
$1M - $3M ARR
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How do I hire well?
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What should I hand off?
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How do I keep track?
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Which systems should I add?
GROW STAGE
$3M - $10M ARR
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How do I grow a leadership team?
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When do I need more process?
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Should I take on investment?
If you answered yes to all 3 questions
- and -
you're looking for a trustworthy partner
to help build and implement your new plan...
...we should talk!
Want to know more about people I've helped?
Scroll down to hear from Mike in his own words.
Listen to Mike share how coaching with Dave led to Keepsake Tales' most important business partnership and unexpected growth opportunities.
My clients include:
...solo entrepreneurs who are just getting started
...early stage businesses with subcontractors or a few employees
...established companies with owners and senior executive leadership teams
I'm a coach, but not the usual kind.
Listen to this interview clip to hear about my unique blend of coaching and consulting:
coachsultant™
(noun)
/kōCH-suhl-tnt/
-
one who blends coaching and consulting.
-
A partner who helps business owners move from thinking to action.
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An experienced collaborator who both inspires and helps implement solutions.
I help you discover new solutions and take action so you can move from where you are now to where you want to be.

DAVE HAS AN UNCANNY ABILITY TO MOVE FROM TACTICAL SUPPORT TO EXECUTIVE-LEVEL BUSINESS INSIGHTS THAT HELP LEADERS MAKE INFORMED STRATEGIC DECISIONS.
HIS EXTENSIVE REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE, MATCHED WITH HIS WISDOM IN LEADING AND DEVELOPING OTHERS IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND.
Walt Briley
How Can I help?
I help you find new paths forward.
I do that through deep and thoughtful collaboration around your specific goals.
I blend coaching and consulting in every service I offer.
I offer weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly Executive Coaching calls and meetings.
When we meet, we'll talk about the most important things facing your business.
I ask traditional coaching questions and make consulting recommendations.
You commit to specific actions.
In between meetings, you do the work and I provide on-going support.
I will help you plan the systems and processes that organize your thoughts and keep track of progress.

I offer a limited number of in-depth consulting engagements.
These include coaching but are more focused on sharing the daily implementation work.
I work with members of your existing team and serve as a fractional CXO. I also offer this service to entrepreneurs and early stage companies who don't have a team yet but need someone with expertise to put systems and processes in place to support your growth.


The Communication Framework™ Series
The 5 Secrets to Being Heard
Part 1: Trust, Empathy, and Status Roles