David Brown-Dawson
5.0
(12)
Studied at iPEC
Works at Palm
Successful clients at
Not currently taking new clients
About David
I know what it feels like to be in a career transition: uncertain about what’s next but deeply driven to grow. I’ve navigated big pivots myself...from military officer to real estate investor to founder and leadership coach. Each chapter sharpened my clarity, strengthened my confidence, and taught me how to turn performance into purpose. Today, I help ambitious professionals do the same: get clear, get confident, and get moving. Whether you’re job searching, aiming for a promotion, or trying to make your work feel meaningful again, I coach people through it every day. I’m a certified coach, Air Force veteran, and UC Berkeley MBA. I’ve taught career strategy and leadership at the graduate level and built a platform (Palm - https://www.ownyourgrowth.ai/) that helps professionals track wins, gather feedback, and grow with intention. If you’re ready to stop drifting and start owning your growth, I’d be honored to support you.
Why do I coach?
I coach because I know what it feels like to be capable but stuck. Early in my career, I hit moments where I had the drive but lacked the clarity, language, or support to move forward with confidence. What made the difference wasn't more hustle. It was perspective, accountability, and someone who could see the potential I hadn't yet named for myself. That’s what coaching gave me. And that’s what I now give to others. Coaching matters to me because growth shouldn’t feel like guesswork. I believe everyone deserves a space to pause, reflect, and rise. A space with someone in their corner who isn’t there to give them the answers, but to ask the right questions.
Work Experience
Founder & CEO
Palm
November 2024 - Present
I'm currently building Palm, a career growth platform that helps professionals own their progress. Palm allows users to track wins, capture real-time feedback, and generate AI-powered insights based on their performance data. Whether you're navigating your first promotion or pivoting careers, Palm gives you clarity, confidence, and a clear path forward. Think of it as your personal growth companion...one that turns everyday work into long-term momentum.
Board Member
YBUILD
February 2023 - December 2024
Leadership, Nonprofit Organizations and +1 skill
Founder
LeadCommGym
October 2022 - Present
I founded LeadCommGym as a space where leaders come to train—just like the gym, but for your mindset, communication, and leadership muscles. Through coaching, workshops, and real-world practice, we help high-achievers and people leaders build emotional intelligence, lead with clarity, and thrive through challenges. Whether you're stepping into a new leadership role or looking to level up your presence and impact, LeadCommGym equips you to lead yourself and others with confidence.
Investment Analyst
Grosvenor Americas
July 2021 - November 2023
Collaborative Problem Solving
Intern
Grosvenor Americas
June 2020 - February 2021
- Analyzed Bay Area markets for investment opportunities; engaged with tenants via asset management team - Assessed Bay Area cities’ project pipelines; created Development Team Strategy Memo; progressed underwriting capability
Air Advisor
United States Air Force
August 2017 - August 2019
As an Air Advisor, I led missions across Africa—including Tunisia, Chad, Cameroon, and Uganda—partnering with host-nation militaries to deliver engineering, logistics, and security training. I worked closely with U.S. embassies and senior foreign military leaders to build trust and co-develop multi-year training programs that enhanced regional stability and partner capacity. These experiences sharpened my ability to lead through complexity, navigate cross-cultural dynamics, and communicate with clarity under pressure.
Civil Engineer Officer
United States Air Force
September 2014 - August 2017
As a Civil Engineer Officer, I directed a $710M redevelopment initiative supporting over 2,500 military families in Okinawa. I managed cross-functional teams, oversaw project scoping and execution, and ensured alignment with both strategic goals and on-the-ground needs. This role shaped my leadership philosophy: mission-focused, people-centered, and execution-driven.
Education
iPEC
Coaching Certification, Energy Leadership
2023 - 2024
Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
Master of Business Administration - MBA
2019 - 2021
Texas Tech University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Civil Engineering
2009 - 2013
Activities and societies: Tau Beta Pi, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, National Society of Black Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers
12 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
David has helped clients get into these companies: