“David helped me to refine a vision for the next stage of strategic growth for our organization.

Drawing on his immense leadership, artistic and administrative experience, he brings an exceptional level of precision, depth, and generosity to his coaching, offering insightful feedback and a structured and inspiring environment in which to both generate and refine ideas, while challenging you to stay firmly rooted in what truly matters.”

Alex Birnie
Executive Director, The Actor’s Center, New York
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Observation

Exploration

Revelation

“David has been a major source of inspiration for me since late 2020. His work integrates drama, acting, self exploration, communication, and even leadership seamlessly.

I first joined one of his classes expecting to learn more about theatre as an art form for my own appreciation; to my pleasant surprise, David took the class through an eye and heart opening adventure of self-exploration and the discovery of unknown potentials. We connected with each other on profound levels as we studied the archetypes, and we uncovered arenas of self-awareness that we did not even know existed.

He has, in coaching terminology, a giant container: he can hold the behaviors and emotions of anyone. He was able to help our class, myself included, to first realize self-limiting thoughts, and then to break through the walls within ourselves and the walls between us and the people around us. To say he is empathetic is an understatement, he is one of the most compassionate individuals I have met.

I would highly recommend him to anyone who is ready and willing to embark on a transformational journey.”

Joan Shao
APAC Director, leading global medtech company / Executive Coach

“The first time I met David, his expertise and enthusiasm for comedy was so inspiring that I went back to Beijing directly after studying with him to launch Improv First, the first comedy company in China to focus on improv, stand-up, and sitcom.

After ten years of successful growth, I started to doubt the mission of our organization and could not see my own vision clearly anymore. David's work on “The Character Of Your Organization” helped me to rediscover the true calling for my organization, and opened new directions for my whole team. After making the path clear, we saw an immediate boost of creativity, as well as a 150% increase on revenues during our last quarter.

The unique coaching method David has created integrates the arts with business perfectly. As a great coach and mentor, his incredible work has made a significant difference, not only for our business, but also in the personal growth of many of my colleagues and associates. I wholeheartedly recommend David to every executive, and every organization, in need of change.”

Li Xin
Founder and Executive Director, Improv First

“As a manager from a science and engineering background, I realize that “Gen Z" employees have different work ethics and appreciate different leadership styles in place of traditional methods. To succeed in my role, I have to develop new leadership skills.

A brilliant coach and teacher, David spots my real problems and helps me see the real me. And when I know myself better, I understand other people better. Family and colleagues have attested that I am becoming a decision maker with more empathy and humanity, as well as a storyteller who can bring an interesting and fun atmosphere to any environment.

I feel so grateful to David, because he has helped me to reach my most important goal - becoming a good leader that people love to follow, while living fully as a person.”

Mike Wu
Senior Manager, Bondex

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As a consultant, David coaches multiple executive clients in arts and commercial organizations on both coasts and internationally.

David’s organizational experience includes 16 years on faculty at USC’s School of Dramatic Arts, holding at various times the positions of Associate Dean for Global Initiatives, Head of the MFA in Acting program, and Dean of the School. He has navigated organizational challenges to develop projects in the arts, medicine, and public policy.

David’s board affiliations have included the National Alliance for Acting Teachers, Directors Lab West, and the Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company. As the Founding and Artistic Director of The Clown School, he intimately understands the unique challenges of leading an organization. 

In 2016, David created The Character Of Your Organization, a unique hybrid of storytelling and analysis devoted to understanding organizations in a new way. The work has since been taught in the USA and in China.

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Coaching with David is AFFILIATED WITH The Clown School