David Martin & Company

Work Smarter. Dream Bigger.

Feeling strong?
Click here to test
your Confidence strength

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Our Services
  • Our Clients
    • Our Clients Say
  • Contact Us

This virtuoso gave a better answer than my question warranted. So worth it!

November 14, 2018 by David Martin Leave a Comment

I had the chance to have a brief conversation with celebrated, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Ron Chernow, recently.

While we spoke, he made a comment that rang a bell in my head that will no doubt be valuable for you, too, if you intend to make a meaningful impact in your world.

He’s a true virtuoso.
Chernow is best known for writing the book, Hamilton but every book he writes is an award winner. Chernow’s biography, Hamilton, inspired Lin Manuel-Miranda to write the earth-shaking musical of the same title.…[Continue Reading]

Filed Under: Confidence, Goals, High Performance, Mastery, New Thinking, Success

If a client tells you they’re going crazy, should you call 911?

October 3, 2018 by David Martin Leave a Comment

Photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor on Unsplash

Mel asked me to meet him for a drink at an out-of-the-way dive bar. He wanted to talk away from the office where people wouldn’t overhear us.

After a quick hello, he jumped right into why he wanted to talk.

“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure. What’s up?”
“Do you think I’m losing it? I’m beginning to think I must be crazy.”…[Continue Reading]

Filed Under: Confidence, Influence, New Thinking, Resilience, Success

An essential skill to freak out a bartender or lead a revolution.

September 14, 2018 by David Martin Leave a Comment

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

On Sunday morning, I had a seemingly ordinary brunch in New York City. I didn’t think I was doing anything strange until I realized I was freaking out the bartender.

I was just trying to chill.
I’d just left a pretty intense training session. My teacher suggested I keep my mobile phone turned off to help integrate the learning. I did.

At the restaurant, I sat down at the bar in one of 20 or so empty barstools. The bartender chatted me up and took my order.

Then he and the restaurant manager started hustling behind the bar to fill a large drink order for a table of impatient guests.

I just watched.
With no phone to hold, I propped my elbows on the bar and looked around . . . at the displays of liquor on the shelves . . . at the industrial design features of the room . . . at the two people rushing to make the drinks.…[Continue Reading]

Filed Under: Confidence, High Performance, Impact Player, New Thinking

He imitated his way to the top. And so can you.

July 17, 2018 by debbieb Leave a Comment

By Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA (Willson Contreras, Jake Arrieta) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Willson Contreras, the 26-year-old catcher for the Chicago Cubs will play in his first All-Star game tonight. That’s one of the biggest honors in his profession. When he found out he’d made the team, he cried.

You probably would have too if you’d have worked that hard — especially if one of your idols had tried to hold you in place, telling you to “respect the ranks” as you started gaining ground.

Regardless, you can steal his path to all-star status starting today. And perhaps your success will threaten some of your idols, as well.

Playing in the All-Star game was a predictable outcome.
Contreras used a method that almost every superstar or uber performer in any field, including business, has used since the beginning of humanity. …[Continue Reading]

Filed Under: Competition, Confidence, Courage, Goals, High Performance, Impact Player, Influence, Mastery, New Thinking, Success

What I learned from an illiterate kid – Lesson 2

May 22, 2018 by David Martin Leave a Comment

José couldn’t read, write, or do math when he was 12. Last weekend, he graduated from Xavier University ready to change the world.

And he will. After all, he’s developed a secret power.

Few people will overcome odds like José did. But it is very possible.

Will you apply José’s secret powers to make your own miracles?
It helps to have an inspiring reason to develop those powers.

What would wild, meaningful success look like for you?  In those brief moments of quiet when your attention isn’t flooded with noise, activity, and distraction, what bigger dream stirs within you?…[Continue Reading]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

I had a front row seat to a miracle

May 10, 2018 by David Martin Leave a Comment

What do you have in common with a junior high flunkee?
At 12, Jose was failing in school. He couldn’t read, write, or do math. Not just sort of. Not at all.

He was living in a dangerous neighborhood trying to be the man of the house. His father had abandoned the family (mom, Jose, and two younger sisters) when Jose was 8, and they struggled in extreme poverty.

People predicted his failure.
Jose’s 8th-grade math teacher told him he’d never graduate high school. A doctor suggested that Jose’s difficult birth might have caused “brain damage.” His Mom should just accept Jose wasn’t going to get better.

Then, Jose embarked an 11-year, self-induced miracle.
Jose decided he didn’t like the stories others were telling about his future, and he chose a new one.

This Saturday, he takes the next step in his miraculous journey. He will receive his undergraduate diploma from Xavier University. Then he’ll move to DC to lobby Congress for Immigration Reform.

You’re more like Jose than you might think.
Don’t be deceived by the external circumstances. The principles Jose applies to live his miracle are relevant to anyone who hopes there is still something better within them.…[Continue Reading]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

When my cab became a classroom in leadership

March 13, 2018 by David Martin Leave a Comment

Teachers appear when you need them. Rarely do they take on the form you were expecting.

My cab driver to BWI airport turned out to be a Yoda with dreadlocks. His name is Naod.

I was strangely sad we didn’t hit more traffic because the ride and the conversation ended too quickly.

…[Continue Reading]

Filed Under: Confidence, Courage, Goals, New Thinking, Success

The one overlooked habit that could fuel your 2018

January 4, 2018 by David Martin Leave a Comment

We live in a world that’s always looking for the next hot idea. So when an idea lasts 71 years, there must be something to it. Could it guide your 2018?

This idea is hidden in an old movie.
Yes, the movie has a happy ending, but that’s not why it remains popular.

People often overlook the timeless idea it carries. You can apply the idea in 2018 to be the most relevant person in the room — while feeling happy and whole.

…[Continue Reading]

Filed Under: Courage, Goals, New Thinking, Transition, Underdog

One important question to ask yourself at New Year’s

December 13, 2017 by David Martin Leave a Comment

Something small but important happened to me this weekend. It could help you change the way you think about 2018 and beyond for yourself.

On Friday, I drove back to my hometown in Illinois to spend some time with family. My parents’ old house is for sale, so I stopped by the house to check it out.

I was locked out.
I usually enter through the garage door but the door opener had a dead battery. No luck. And all of the doors were locked.…[Continue Reading]

Filed Under: Confidence, Goals, Impact Player, Influence, New Thinking

Seeing his world changed mine

September 21, 2017 by David Martin Leave a Comment

In November 2013, I spent 10 days in Nepal trekking in the Himalayan Mountains. There were no paved roads above 10,000 feet, which meant no motorized vehicles.

It was just silence and the unfamiliar.
Beneath the quiet sky, we ascended, descended, and ascended more, for hours each day. Around every turn was wind, sun, and endless ranges of jagged peaks shooting toward the heavens.…[Continue Reading]

Filed Under: Confidence, Courage, Goals, High Performance, Influence, Mastery, New Thinking, Success

Next Page »

Connect with Me

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Sign Up for Newsletter

Our Clients Say

 I still hear about my work with David Martin, some five years ago. People at my company will say things like, ‘She made huge strides when she worked with David’ or ‘You should have seen how much positive change she accomplished during that time.’ All good things! 

Beth Himes
Vice President, Local & Regional Business Service Operations, Aetna

 David has become one of my most trusted business advisors. I initially looked to him for guidance in stepping-up my individual performance and leadership but our relationship quickly evolved to where I seek David’s problem-solving skills for the key strategic issues and challenges facing my business. David’s clear thinking helps me sort through the ambiguities that seem to be ever present in today’s tough business climate. 

Erik G. Birkerts
CEO, Clean Energy Trust

 I am amazed at what I’ve accomplished with David’s help. He has given me the skills and tools to keep me moving forward. More than once, I’ve marveled at his insight and ability to clearly express very complex concepts. I thought coaching was going to be hard, but it was the best thing that happened to me. 

Farhad Aghdami
Partner, Williams Mullen

 David Martin is brilliant. His style feels so intuitive, like being coached by a hybrid of Phil Jackson and your closest friend. His ability to hone in quickly on what may be blocking success is swift — but what separates him are his creative and easy-to-implement tools. Plus it’s fun to be his client. 

Gracia Walker
Director, Business Development, Yum Yum NYC, LLC

 David sets very high standards of performance for himself and his clients. He has a very engaging style, listens acutely and devises action steps that are built around current business needs. It’s the results that matter. During the time David spent with me and my team, my region earned the honor of ‘Most Improved’ in our first year, a top third ranking in our second year, and a National Performance Award as the fifth region in the nation in our final year! 

Jeff Holland
Regional Vice President, GlaxoSmithKline

 David has provided me with sound, mature and measured advice and perspective. He’s extremely skilled at strategic thinking and identifying effective tactical action plans. I highly recommend David Martin. 

John A. Schauss
CFO, Media General, Inc.

 David played a critical role in developing a strategy for initiating a series of new partnerships, and then helped us launch them by devising tactical plans. He identifies gaps and then works with you to close them, so you can focus on areas that are key to driving success. 

Kurt Thearling
Head of Decision Sciences, Vertex Business Services

 My time with David was head and shoulders above any coaching experience that I’ve ever had. He developed a deep understanding of my style and situation and provided concrete practices for me to work on that improved my game substantially. 

Rob Finnegan
Managing Partner, 2nd Order Solutions
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2019 · DavidMartinCo.com