CLIENT RESULTS
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK WITH DAVID

I had the privilege of having David Heaps as my Vistage Chair. He brought a unique style of effective focus and intensity to cultivate a transformative experience in each meeting. As Principal at Leadering, David brings a rare blend of wisdom, empathy, and strategic insight that empowers leaders to rise above internal obstacles and lead with clarity and confidence. His coaching is not just professional, it is deeply personal; tailored to the distinct challenges and aspirations of each individual.

David’s commitment to his own development and growth is evident in every interaction; it provides a place of experience and understanding that fosters productive insight and knowledge. Whether guiding through tough decisions, offering resources, or sharing thought-provoking insights he meets people where they are and helps them move forward with intention and wholeness. His sessions are grounded in trust, accountability, and a genuine desire to see others thrive.

What sets David apart is his ability to hold space for both strategy and soul. He creates an environment where leaders can reflect, recalibrate, and recommit to their values, their mission, their vision – to themselves. His presence is steady, his feedback is honest, and his encouragement is powerful.

On a personal note, David has been a trusted accountability partner in my own journey—supporting goal setting, even across areas outside of the workspace, like marriage, family, and faith. David has a depth of investment in people that is remarkable. His influence extends beyond business; it touches lives.

If you are looking for a coach who leads with depth, listens with compassion, and challenges you to grow into your best self, David Heaps is that coach. Your leadership will be stronger, your vision clearer, and your impact stronger.

I have worked with David for over 6 years. In that time I have evolved and grown at a pace, both personally and professionally, I never thought possible. Not only have I been able to grow and organize my company under his mentorship but I’ve also managed to face many personal demons, make healthier life and relational choices as well as face much of my own traumatic past.

David is not only a competent advisor and mentor he is also a deeply attuned coach and empathetic man who will tell you the truth you need to hear in order to grow and become better at mastering your inner world. And on top of that, I consider him a dear friend! He is one of the few men in this world that I truly and deeply respect. Not just for his gifts as a coach and mentor but also for his personal integrity, deep care for others and his unwavering commitment to truth.

I don’t write recommendations for anyone but I gladly and wholeheartedly write this recommendation for David because I believe deeply and completely that anyone interested in personal growth and who want to become a better version of themselves can benefit from his mentorship.

I recommend David at the highest levels possible for a man like me!

It is my privilege to offer my highest recommendation for David as a professional and life coach. His ability to create a space that is both deeply calming and profoundly transformative is extraordinary. What strikes me most (beyond his wisdom and skill) is his remarkable presence. David listens with full attention, meeting every emotion and experience without distraction. In moments when I’ve felt chaotic, angry, or overwhelmed, his unwavering focus and steady energy have been a grounding force, helping me find clarity with both care and precision.

David possesses a rare gift for guiding others to uncover the hidden thoughts, patterns, and beliefs that shape their lives; both those that serve them and those that hold them back. He doesn’t react to emotion; he creates space for it, then asks the exact right questions to cut through confusion and reveal truth. Time and again, I’ve arrived in sessions feeling scattered and left with a clear mind, renewed focus, and a practical path forward.

What makes David truly exceptional is how fully he embodies the growth he facilitates. I’ve witnessed him face challenges with rare courage, leaning into discomfort with curiosity rather than resistance. He doesn’t turn away from darkness (in himself or others) but engages it with clarity, compassion, and unshakable integrity. This authenticity makes him more than a coach; he is a guide who walks the path alongside those he supports.

David’s dedication to his work is unmatched. He meets people exactly where they are, helps them rediscover their own strength, and empowers them to trust their own wisdom. Whether navigating a crisis or seeking deeper self-awareness, working with David is an investment in lasting, meaningful change; one rooted in self-trust and purposeful action.

Without hesitation, I recommend him to anyone ready to engage in the transformative work of understanding themselves and moving forward with greater intention, confidence, and clarity.

I am honored to provide my highest recommendation for David, my executive coach, whose exceptional guidance has been instrumental in achieving our organization’s record-breaking sales growth and successfully navigating two significant business transitions.

David embodies the rare combination of integrity, trustworthiness, and unparalleled skill in active listening. His profound ability to genuinely understand not only my professional aspirations but also my personal and family context has enabled a deep trust and openness, making every coaching session deeply impactful. David intuitively grasped the nuances of my challenges, expertly guiding me toward clarity and empowering me to take decisive action aligned with my core values and goals.

What sets David apart is his ability to help individuals uncover their own path to success by doing the hard work within themselves. With grace and confidence, he creates a space where even the most untenable personal issues can be explored, confronted, and transformed into sources of strength. This courageous inner work has led to growth that I would have previously considered unachievable.

Through his strategic insights and thoughtful mentoring, David has helped translate complex strategic growth objectives into clear, actionable steps, directly resulting in unprecedented business achievements. His guidance during transitional periods was especially invaluable, providing stability, confidence, and a forward-thinking approach during times that otherwise could have been turbulent.

Beyond his professional expertise, David’s personal investment in my growth and well-being consistently shone through. He adeptly balanced empathy with accountability, motivating me to achieve beyond what I initially envisioned possible.

I wholeheartedly endorse David to any executive committed to substantial professional growth and personal development. He is not merely an executive coach, but a trusted partner whose influence and impact extend far beyond professional metrics, enriching both business performance and personal fulfillment.

Working with David Heaps for the past 6 years has been one of the most valuable decisions I’ve made as a business owner. His coaching goes far beyond strategy and business growth—David takes a truly holistic approach that also prioritizes personal well-being, mindset, and sustainable success.
David has an incredible ability to help you clarify your vision, eliminate distractions, and focus on what truly drives results. But what really sets him apart is how deeply he cares—not just about your business thriving, but about you thriving as a person.
His guidance has helped me grow my company with more clarity and confidence, all while maintaining a healthier work-life balance and a more grounded mindset. If you’re looking for a coach who will challenge you, support you, and help you lead both a better business and a better life, I can’t recommend David highly enough.

As my executive coach for the past 2 years, David has guided and helped me navigate a shift in my thinking that has had and continues to have, a profound impact in every area of my life.

The principles that David teaches are a way of “being” and apply to everything we do as human beings. Relationships of all kinds, none more important than the one you have with yourself.

David operates from a place of high personal integrity that translates into patience, understanding and empathy for his clients. Regardless of background, belief or perspective, I have found that his approach is one of non-judgmental curiosity, laced with a true desire to help.

David’s innate ability to listen with intention and create a safe, supportive space has – over time, helped me develop distance between myself and my environment. Empowering me to navigate difficult situations, both personally and professionally, with greater calm and clarity.

Leader or not, if I had one wish for each person on the planet, it would be that everyone have a coach like David. Because through our work together, it has changed my life in ways I never thought possible.

In today’s world of infinite specialization the individual is overwhelmed by a tidal wave (or rather tidal waves) of targeted advice by experts who have little regard for how their advice integrates with the advice of others. How to eat better. Exercise better. Improve your mental health. Be a better husband. Father. Friend. Oh, by the way, do all this while dedicating yourself to a demanding career with many depending on you all hours of the day–and some of the night.

It’s all connected. David understands this and is a genius at leading clients to discover what’s important to them, what obstacles stand in the way of their goals and how to navigate them. I began working with David July 2024. He’s helped me tap strengths and aptitudes I didn’t know I had and address fears I hadn’t been ready to acknowledge.

Given his general approach, it’s hard to classify David’s method, but it’s fair to say he leads clients in personal discovery. Two clients with similar challenges might find substantially different solutions, but each will find the one that belongs to him or her.

I look forward to continuing to work with David and recommend him to anyone seeking deep and meaningful solutions to the dynamic challenges most of us face in work and life.

David doesn’t offer conventional coaching—he offers an invitation to lead from a deeper place.

Working with him isn’t about following a formula. It’s about recalibrating how you approach leadership and reconnecting with what truly drives you. David creates a space where clarity emerges, not by telling you what to do, but by helping you see what’s already there beneath the surface.

His ability to read people is extraordinary. He sees beyond what’s said and helps you identify where you’re limiting yourself. With David, there’s no room for hiding—he invites you to confront your challenges head-on, offering insight and clarity that lead to breakthroughs.

David doesn’t just help you navigate tough decisions; he helps you lead from a place of deep alignment and authenticity. His approach is grounded, always present, and never judgmental. When you work with him, you don’t just handle challenges; you evolve through them.

If you’re ready to lead from a place of true integrity, David is the coach who will help you get there. He’s not for everyone, but for those ready to dig deeper and step into their full potential, he’s the one to work with.

As a first-time startup founder into the deep waters of leadership for the first time, I quickly realized that technical expertise alone wouldn’t carry me. Working with David over the past year has been transformational.

What stood out immediately was David’s approach: he didn’t rush into tactics or quick fixes. Instead, he focused first on helping me understand myself. Observing my instincts, blind spots, and strengths, and become comfortable navigating the discomfort that leadership inevitably brings. Whether it was difficult conversations with employees, high-stakes investor meetings, or internal moments of doubt, David coached me through these challenges as they arose, equipping me with the tools and mindset to handle them authentically and effectively.

Thanks to our work together, I’m already 10x more capable in situations that once felt overwhelming, and I’m only just getting started. David brings a rare combination of strategic insight, deep empathy, and humanity to his coaching. He listens actively, pushes thoughtfully, and has an uncanny ability to help you grow into the version of yourself that leadership demands.

I would confidently recommend David to any leader if they are willing to do the work on themselves and serious about growing not just in skill, but in character.

I’ve been working with David for more than 2 years both individually and as part of an executive peer group. My work with David has changed how I experience the world and elevated my leadership style. My emotions and reactivity have been replaced by a calm confidence that has greatly improved my personal and business relationships. David uses his extraordinary listening skills to assess where you are in your personal journey and keep you pointed in a direction that leads to continuous personal and leadership growth. I strongly recommend David to any leader who wants to improve their life and leadership and is willing to put in the work to make it happen.

I have had the privilege of working with David Heaps as my executive coach, and I cannot recommend him highly enough to anyone seeking true transformation. Drawing from his deep well of experience, David guides with a rare blend of directness, compassion, and grounding that aligns the heart, mind, and mission in ways that I’ve never seen before. In every session, in the most unexpected of ways, David manages to turn the lights on in rooms I wasn’t aware existed in me. I’m changed, for the better, after every session, without exception. I often wonder: What else can he do that he hasn’t already done to help me? And then he does it again. Thank you, David, for helping me do this important work.

It is with sincere enthusiasm that I write this letter of recommendation for David Heaps, who has served as both my business mentor and executive coach. I first came to know David in 2018 through his role as a Vistage Chair, and more recently, I’ve had the privilege of working with him one-on-one through his leadership consultancy, Leadering.

As the General Manager of a light civil construction company, I have faced the unique challenges that come with overseeing high-stakes operations and leading dynamic teams. David has played a pivotal role in helping me evolve from a high-anxiety, constantly stressed executive into a more grounded and strategic leader. Our collaboration has produced not only measurable professional growth but also profound behavioral and mindset shifts that have reshaped the way I lead and live.

David’s approach is rooted in genuine curiosity and deep listening—traits that set him apart in the coaching world. He doesn’t offer pre-packaged advice or surface-level fixes. Instead, his innate ability to ask incisive, thoughtful questions has helped me unpack complex issues and arrive at my own best solutions. David’s wisdom, drawn from a rich reservoir of both life and business experience, often presents itself not as instruction, but as subtle reframing—always offered respectfully and with care.

One of the most significant milestones we’ve reached together is my redefinition of work-life balance. Before working with David, I felt compelled to micromanage everything, driven by a belief that my direct involvement was the only path to success. Through our sessions, David helped me “let go”—a deceptively simple phrase that, for me, signaled a deep internal shift. I now delegate with trust, operate as a true overseer, and focus my energy where it’s most needed. The result has been lower stress, greater team ownership, and a more sustainable leadership style.

What stands out most about David is what I call the “X Factor”: his rare talent for asking the right questions at the right time—and knowing when not to push. He is honest, sometimes uncomfortably so, but always in service of growth. He does not sugarcoat the truth, and in that honesty lies tremendous respect and care. David doesn’t impose solutions; he helps you discover the answers that resonate with your own leadership values and challenges.

I would confidently recommend David Heaps and his work through Leadering to any leader seeking real transformation. If you’re looking for someone who will listen deeply, challenge respectfully, and help you craft solutions from your own authentic voice, David is that partner. His mentorship is not a quick fix—it is a durable, meaningful investment in your long-term success.

David was my executive coach for over four years, but he was much more than just a coach. His insights created pathways for me to grow personally and as the leader of my firm. Because of my work with David, opportunities presented themselves where previously they had been obstacles that were difficult to see past.

For me, David stands out from other business consultants with whom I had previously worked for two distinct reasons – his ability to not only listen but to really hear what you are saying and to see into the voids between what you say, and his unwavering expectation of accountability. These two attributes allow for deep, and sometimes uncomfortable, discussions that inevitably uncover source issues. And his expectation of accountability makes and enables you to address those issues.
Trust is key to any successful collaboration and David’s empathy and respect throughout our conversations allowed this to build quickly and organically.

Without hesitation I would recommend working with David to better yourself and your leadership abilities.David was my executive coach for over four years, but he was much more than just a coach. His insights created pathways for me to grow personally and as the leader of my firm. Because of my work with David, opportunities presented themselves where previously they had been obstacles that were difficult to see past. For me, David stands out from other business consultants with whom I had previously worked for two distinct reasons – his ability to not only listen but to really hear what you are saying and to see into the voids between what you say, and his unwavering expectation of accountability. These two attributes allow for deep, and sometimes uncomfortable, discussions that inevitably uncover source issues. And his expectation of accountability makes and enables you to address those issues. Trust is key to any successful collaboration and David’s empathy and respect throughout our conversations allowed this to build quickly and organically. Without hesitation I would recommend working with David to better yourself and your leadership abilities.

David has a rare ability to ask the right questions, fostering thoughtful reflection and fresh perspective—ultimately empowering executives to lead with authenticity and purpose. His guidance helps leaders to engage in meaningful conversations with confidence and empathy, transforming them into opportunities for impactful growth and development.

Through our collaboration, I’ve grown in my ability to support others, shape outcomes through strategic direction, and approach my work with deeper focus and intention. David’s coaching is an invaluable resource for any leader seeking to grow both professionally and personally.