From My LinkedIn post:

After several great years as an Operations Director at Cengage Group, I was recently part of a layoff.

It’s never fun, but honestly… it’s okay.

I’ve been through enough change to know that endings often point you toward what really matters.

For me, that’s leading teams through change without losing the human side, bringing calm, clarity, and hard-earned perspective to complex moments and needs.

My wonderful peers shared notes of support upon hearing the announcement. A few that stuck with me:

“GREAT FIND ALERT!

David is a treasure to work with and a great friend as well. Someone out there is going to be SO happy when they get you!”

“…I hate to see your knowledge, talent, and temperament departing.”

"...You are one of the best David, always there with calm, wise, additions to any conversation or meeting."

Those words, 'temperament', and 'calm' meant the most. It reminded me that while experience can always be rebuilt, emotional intelligence and team connection are what truly shape an organization’s culture.

I’m taking a beat to reset and explore what’s next — fractional leadership, advisory work, or maybe building something here on the Carolina coast.

If you know of teams that could use a steady hand and a pragmatic approach to technology and complex programs, I’d love to connect.

Change happens. What you do with it matters more.