Who is Dave Mitchell
Dave graduated magna cum laude from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in mass communications and business administration. Later, he obtained a masters degree in global human resources development from the University of Illinois. He founded the Leadership Difference, Inc. in 1995 and serves as President and primary service provider. He is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.
Dave began his professional career in broadcasting (starting in radio when he was 17) and upon graduation worked as a television reporter for a CBS network affiliate. He eventually became a producer for CBS and then decided to transfer his skills to a career in organizational development. Spending 11 years in corporate human resources and organizational development, Dave’s next career stop was at Marshall Field’s and Company as their Corporate Manager of Training and Development and later worked at the Buena Vista Hospitality Group in Orlando as Vice President of Human Resources and Quality. His experience with these organizations and frequent requests to speak at professional associations provided a springboard, in 1995, for launching the Leadership Difference.
Dave’s style is often best described by a term he coined – enter-train-ment. Dave takes great pride in using proven principles in applied performance and cognitive psychology and delivering a high impact training experience that is also incredibly entertaining. The over 40 courses and keynotes created and delivered by Dave are designed to bring laughter, joy and insight, hence the company’s motto, “laugh and learn!” Dave’s clients include AT&T, Allstate Insurance, Chase Manhattan Banks, Citi Group, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, General Dynamics, Electrolux Appliances, SubZero/Wolf Appliances, Trek Bikes, National Association of Realtors, Hilton Worldwide and the CIA.
Participants consistently rate Dave’s presentations very highly, with comments such as: “absolutely amazing”, “life-changing” and “best training we’ve ever experienced”. The keynotes, team-building events and training programs that Dave provides focus on leadership, selling skills, customer service and enhancement of individual and team performance. Some of the specific programs that are sought after by top companies include:
- Live and Learn or Die Stupid!
- Heart and Art of Service
- Consultative Selling: Expanding Your Market Share
- Certified Leader Program – A Comprehensive Leadership Development Series
- Becoming Resilient!
- The Power of Understanding People
In 2006, Dave released his first book “Live and Learn or Die Stupid” about his life experiences and the pursuit of happiness. In the first month of it’s release, it shot to the top of his publisher’s best seller’s list. Dave is also a Certified Advanced Wine Sommelier as recognized by the International Wine Guild. As a result, Dave can deliver wine-themed team building events like “What is Your Wine Personality” and “Are You America’s Next Top Winemaker.”
Dave has been on the board of advisors of two Florida colleges, served as a board member for several professional organizations, is recognized for his volunteerism and fundraising, has written numerous articles for professional magazines and newsletters and retired (survived) after three successful years as baseball coach at the Tee Ball level. Dave lives in the mountains of Colorado with his wife Lori, their two kids, Brooklyn and Slade, and a collection of pets including horses, Mozart, Unico, Wally and Zander; four dogs: twin yellow labs, Martini and Rossi, Bob and Boone and a barn cat named Theo.
To learn more about our entire team, click on the bios to the left!
