
Dr. David W. Bertrand is a leadership coach, executive education facilitator, speaker, and author with more than two decades of experience helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential. With a background that blends business, human performance, and education, his work focuses on developing self-aware leaders, cohesive teams, and high-performing organizations.
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He was recently awarded first place at the Institute of Coaching’s annual conference, held in affiliation with Harvard Medical School and widely regarded as one of the field’s most prestigious gatherings. His approach to leadership development is grounded in both academic research and real-world application. David holds a doctoral degree in leadership and higher education from Southern Methodist University, as well as two degrees from Baylor University in business (BBA) and human performance (MSEd).
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David has led programs for Fortune 500 companies and worked alongside world champion athletes and coaches, national champions, Olympic champions, and even Navy SEALS. His style is often described as inspiring, thoughtful, and unscripted while combining warmth, curiosity, and accountability. He brings both high performance, discipline, and relational depth into every engagement.
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David lives in Dallas with his wife, Nikki, and their three children. As one of 13 siblings and an Ironman triathlete, he’s no stranger to grit and perseverance. He finds renewal in the outdoors, especially on a bike or hiking in the mountains, and brings that same focus, resilience, and grounded presence to every client engagement.

David's work is shaped by a deep understanding of human behavior, sharpened through years of experience in both elite and everyday environments. He’s not just a coach with credentials; he is a seasoned facilitator who knows how to read a room, adjust in real time, and create space for growth. His clients value his composed and adaptable style, often describing him as the rare mix of calm presence and honest accountability. He brings a coach’s mindset, a teacher’s clarity, and a strategist’s eye to every conversation. Whether advising a senior executive or guiding a high-stakes team, David meets people where they are and helps them get where they need to go.