Discipline
Drive
Do-or-Die Mentality
YOUR LIFE DESERVES TO COME ALIVE
I don’t do fluff. I bring 24 years of military-honed leadership, a lifetime of real adversity, and the battle-tested mindset your audience needs right now. From high-performing corporate teams to struggling students and purpose-driven nonprofits, I show people how to lead with discipline, overcome with resilience, and build a life or mission that doesn’t fold under pressure.
This isn’t just a keynote - it's a turning point.
about sensei dave
“Street-Tested. Combat-Proven. Life-Changing.”
Thrown into foster care. Locked up at 11. Homeless as a teen. But that wasn’t the end of my story, it was the beginning. I fought my way through the chaos, served 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, and retired to beautiful Greece in my 40s. Today, I speak to audiences worldwide, turning pain into purpose and showing people how to rise, lead, and win no matter where they start.
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Sensei Dave brings high-impact energy rooted in real-life transformation and professional excellence. From surviving homelessness and the foster care system to leading teams during his 24-year career in the U.S. Air Force, he knows what it takes to overcome, adapt, and thrive. With a background in psychology, human behavior, and neurobiology, Sensei Dave combines lived experience with deep academic insight, offering practical strategies that drive mindset shifts, personal breakthroughs, and lasting growth.
As a published author (Why Me – My Fight For Life and From Gangs to Greece), sought-after speaker, and at-risk youth advocate, Sensei Dave’s work has been featured in media outlets like The Imprint and platforms including Amazon, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Whether coaching one-on-one, leading group programs, or speaking on stage, his message of resilience, personal power, and unapologetic leadership reaches across generations and borders.
He’s not just changing lives, he’s challenging people to step fully into their potential.
Click to hear me speak
SENSEI DAVE HAS BEEN MOTIVATING ACTION IN PEOPLE FOR 20+ YEARS.
Author of "Why Me" My Fight For Life
Author of "From Gangs to Greece"
VP, Board of Directors 1M+ nonprofit
24-year U.S. Air Force Vet
Certified Les Brown "Power Voice" Public Speaker
Certified Youth Speaker University (YSU) Speaker
Creator of the UPNA Mentoring and Parenting Quarterly Summit
Toastmasters 2022 Greece's Champion of Public Speaking
(Follow my 2022 Toastmasters Journey...click here)
Speaking to/for non-profits that work with our youth.
CASA, BBBS, Juvenal Detention Centers, and Foster Parents
Inspiring more donations $
Inspiring Caring Adults/Volunteers
Training Teachers and Caring Adults that work with at-risk youth
Motivating and training through Lived Experience as a Foster and at-risk Youth, coupled with education, and PASSION!
1st place winner of the District Toastmasters International Public Speaking Championship.
14 countries & 200+ competitors.
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what others are saying
"I was blown away...I got to experience his charisma and how commanding Dave is on stage. But, after reading his book...OMG, you'll want to get up off of your butt and get to work! Talk about motivating!
Abbi, Life Coach For Teens
Other Programs
VIDEOS AND "HAPPENINGS"
