Coach David

What can I do for you?

Through insightful, ethical coaching guidance, I help leaders reach their potential within organizational cultures. My structured methodology combines behavioral assessments with stakeholder feedback, challenging with respect while building trust. Together we create paths to peak performance that benefit both leader and team.

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1 location(s) 9 certification(s) Affiliated with GORT since 2025

Coach David

1 location(s) 9 certification(s) Affiliated with GORT since 2025

You can contact me with questions about

Communication Style

My coaching methodology establishes clear communication channels through ground rules and mutual responsibilities. As a former CEO, I bring relevant best practices and credible guidance, challenging with respect while fostering open dialogue throughout our partnership.

Self-awareness

Beginning with behavioral assessments and 360° stakeholder interviews, we develop core insights into your leadership style. This combination provides a foundation for self-recognition and understanding how key internal customers perceive you.

emotional intelligence

The coaching process emphasizes your active participation and accountability for professional growth. Our scheduled sessions focus on developing emotional intelligence through practical application of insights gained from assessments.

Strategic management

My coaching relationship aims to improve both your individual leadership practice and team effectiveness. We prioritize top developmental opportunities through structured sessions, complemented by recommended texts and reference materials tailored to your specific needs.

Guiding you forward

This comprehensive approach creates sustainable leadership development, moving from assessment through targeted coaching to practical implementation, ultimately placing you on a solid path of continuous professional growth.

THIS IS HOW I WORK

As your coach, I commit to a collaborative relationship focused on your identified goals. I adhere to the International Coach Federation ethics and standards, ensuring confidentiality throughout our engagement.

Coaching Focus

Our primary emphasis will be your leadership practice, though we can address various business-related issues as you decide. Goals may evolve as life happens—the more I understand your needs, the better I can assist you. This is a high-trust endeavor. I have to earn your trust along the way so we can work in full transparency.

My Commitments

I will maintain an open, honest relationship while respecting confidentiality. I'll support you in identifying goals and developing strategies to achieve your aspirations. I'll encourage action in key areas and help resolve barriers to progress.

Approach

I listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and provide candid feedback. As a resource, I share best practices, ideas, and tools while acknowledging and honoring your unique process. Together, we'll create a partnership that advances your leadership effectiveness.

Career coach
Executive coach

My certifications

Bachelor of Science: Human Resources and Organizational Behavior, University of San Francisco
Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coaching Federation
Master of Science: Human Resources & Organization Development, University of San Francisco
Columbia Coaching Certification Program (3CP), Columbia University, New York
Myers-Brigg Type Indicator Step II Advanced Behavioral Assessment Certification
Leadership Circle Program Individual Behavioral Assessment Certification
Leadership Circle Program Organization Cultural Assessment Certification
Neethling Brain Instruments (NBI®) Certification
Recognized as one of the top 15 Coaches in Austin, 2023 (Influence Media Digest)

In addition to the personal one-on-one coaching conversation, I practice:

Team Coaching
Career transition coaching for senior leaders
Mentorship coaching as a pro-bono service to emerging leaders

Other work experience

Committed to the importance of education – 30 year board member and advisor to Communities in Schools (Agency Mission: bringing a community of support inside our schools to remove barriers that get in the way of student learning).

Serve as co-chair of Columbia University’s International Coaching Conference, with a theme of “High Impact Coaching in an Era of Hybrid Intelligence”.

Member of the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship Leadership Team.

In my early career, I led human resource operations of prestigious companies such as Applied Materials, Exterprise, ClearCommerce, NEC Electronics, HelioVolt. In addition to my ongoing leadership coaching practice (20+ years), more recently I served as Founding Principal and CEO of Austin HR – a fractional HR services firm which grew to helping over 500 client companies. That firm was successfully sold to Asure Software – a publicly traded company – in 2018.

Authored a number of white papers and co-authored “The Culture Book: When Culture Clicks. A Practical Guide to Building Incredible Company Cultures”.

Consulted into a variety of industries — including public sector, nonprofit, semiconductors, internet, software, hardware, and clean technology –- with an emphasis on: Strategic Planning / New Company HR Infrastructure Development / Total Compensation Philosophy and Supporting Structure / Executive (and/or Leadership) Coaching / HR Compliance / HR Audits / HRIS implementation / Performance Management Program Design / Mergers & Acquisitions / Planning & Facilitating Business Objective-Setting / Leadership Development / Organization Development / Culture Assessment Surveys / Change Management

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What others say about me

"David's insightful coaching transformed my leadership approach. Through structured assessments and candid feedback, he helped me recognize blind spots while building on strengths. His CEO experience added credibility that resonated with my team. An invaluable investment in my executive journey." - client of David.

“David’s advocacy for me in my early days as a Chief People Officer provided me the confidence I needed to grow in the role. He’s pushed me to be more than I saw in myself. I love his wry and dry sense of humor. There’s a twinkle in his eye that lightens my day – balanced with me gaining real value from our sessions.” - client of David.

“My 35 years of expertise caused me to be a bit hesitant in taking on Hughen as my coach but he won me over. His patient approach, commitment to my success, flexibility to the moment (and there were definitely moments along the way) – all of this gave me surprising perspectives about how I’m perceived and how I’m wired. Thank you!” - client of David.

"Working with David elevated my emotional intelligence and strategic thinking. His behavioral assessments uncovered patterns I couldn't see myself. I appreciated his ethical approach and practical resources. My team now functions cohesively, directly impacting our bottom line." - client of David.

"David's coaching bridged the gap between my technical expertise and leadership potential. He saw my nerdy style and gave me plenty of room to bring out my inner geek! His respectful challenging pushed me beyond comfort zones while honoring my strengths.” - client of David.

"David helped me balance mission-driven leadership with organizational
effectiveness. His insightful questions and active listening created a safe space for authentic growth. The
personalized development path we created has transformed both my leadership approach and our organization." - client of David.