David Son

David is an executive and leadership coach with over two decades of individual and organizational leadership experience. He has provided executive coaching to C-suite executives, government and military leaders, entrepreneurs and startup founders around the globe. He empowers leaders to succeed in Authentic Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Executive Presence, Human Performance, Leadership/Career Transition, Cross-Cultural Proficiency, and Strategic Vision, across the spectrum of industries.

David’s growth as a leader began as a Marine Corps officer, serving in challenging leadership roles around the world. Achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he guided and mentored hundreds of personnel, advised executives on aviation and unmanned systems and, in collaboration with industry and academic leaders, facilitated the development of DARPA’s cutting-edge technologies in aerospace, maritime and artificial intelligence.

After 21 years of honorable service, David became an entrepreneur and pursued two startup ventures in the United States and Central America; and he started his own coaching and consulting business, all of which continue to thrive today. Yet, David has grown more from his hardships. As a first-generation immigrant from Seoul, he navigated through the challenges of racism and bias. He rebuilt his career after he almost crashed and died in combat. And he learned to make difficult decisions that impact the lives of those under his charge.

Outside of coaching, David is an avid practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and enjoys a variety of athletic and outdoor activities, food, traveling, and working on his own personal development. He has worked or studied in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Brazil, China, India, Iraq, Lithuania, Mexico, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, The Netherlands, Turkey, and UAE. David is committed to supporting transitioning military veterans and underrepresented professionals who aspire to succeed as executives.

David obtained his MBA from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and a bachelor's degree in sociology from Franklin & Marshall College. He is also a Certified Executive Coach from UC Berkeley and the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute.