Dave Wess

About Dave Wess

Hi, I’m Dave — a leadership coach, speaker, and Certified Shapes Facilitator who’s passionate about helping people communicate better, lead with confidence, and show up as the best version of themselves.Over the years, I’ve worked with churches, nonprofits, service industry teams, and community organizations — and the one thing I’ve learned is this:People thrive when they understand themselves and understand each other.That’s why my work focuses on:• simple, practical leadership tools• improving communication and connection• understanding personality dynamics• helping teams build trust• strengthening soft skills that make real-life impactRecently, I became a Certified Shapes Facilitator, and I’m using this method in my talks and trainings — and also in a book I’m currently writing. Shapes give people a fun, visual way to understand who they are and how they interact with the world. It’s been a game-changer for the groups I work with.Whether I’m speaking to a room of volunteers, training a team of new supervisors, or walking alongside someone who wants to grow in leadership, my goal is always the same: keep things simple, relatable, and transformative.If you\'re looking for a speaker, workshop facilitator, or someone to help your team communicate better and work together with more clarity and purpose — I’d love to connect.Let’s grow together.

Experience

1. Director of Operations

   Shineology Skills Lab

   Oct 2023 — Present · OH, US

   I partner with leadership to help launch and scale a workforce development organization focused on practical, people-centered training.My role blends operations, strategy, and leadership support—overseeing budgets, building partnerships, supporting facilitators, and helping design programs that develop communication, leadership, and workplace readiness skills.This work reinforces my belief that strong organizations are built through clarity, consistency, and intentional leadership.

Education

• Kingswell

  Certificate, Missional Leadership

  2015 — 2016

• Xavier University

  M.Ed., Executive Human Resources and Development

  1998 — 2000

• Xavier University

  B.A., Organizational Leadership

  1995 — 1997

Skills

• Organizational Leadership
• Budgets
• Networking
• Business Development
• Inspiration
• Consulting
• Process Improvement
• Executive Coaching
• Technical Leadership
• Outsourcing
• Training
• New Business Development
• Vendor Management
• Human Resources
• Coaching
• Management Consulting
• Integration
• Strategic Thinking
• Strategy
• Business
• Strategic Planning
• Program Management
• Change Management
• Negotiation
• Start-Ups
• Employee Benefits
• Performance Management
• Business Process Improvement
• Organizational Development
• Insurance
• Leadership
• Team Building
• Management
• Marketing
• Project Planning
• Leadership Development
• Business Process
• Time Management
• Budgeting
• Executive Management