Hello, I’m David.
If you look at my career on paper, it might seem like I navigate a lot of different worlds. Some days, I’m stepping into highly structured environments to align cross-functional stakeholders. Other days, I’m coming on board as a contractor to untangle a messy enterprise vendor process, or partnering with clients through my consulting practice, Aerden Works, to build operational frameworks from scratch. I even run my own independent creative and artisanal business.
But to me, all of these projects are driven by the exact same question: How do we take a complex, messy system and make it work beautifully for the actual humans using it?
I’ve learned that whether you’re operating inside strict public sector guardrails or building an independent brand, complex systems don't have to feel clinical. Good operations shouldn't feel rigid or cold—they should simply give people the clear structure, transparency, and support they need to do their best work and thrive.
For a more personal view, check out my art page.
My Approach
Empower
Strategy only works if everyone knows where they’re going and feels supported getting there. Whether I’m navigating a highly structured hierarchy or helping a consulting client focus their goals, I bring stakeholders together by listening first. I focus on breaking down silos, establishing clear ownership, and building the trust needed to drive projects forward.
Transform
I thrive when stepping into the messy middle of an operation. My background is enhanced by looking at a massive, complex infrastructure like a global enterprise vendor network or a fragmented resource model, and finding the clean line through the noise. I redesign frameworks to eliminate bottlenecks and optimize workflows, ensuring the backend of your organization runs seamlessly.
Grow
True operational excellence isn't a quick fix; it’s a repeatable habit. I design sustainable governance structures and clear documentation that outlast my time on a project. From implementing strict compliance guardrails to scaling independent business operations, my goal is to leave every organization with a durable blueprint for long-term stability and growth.
Case Studies
Below are sample projects that I designed and managed. Click in for a deeper dive into each of the projects.
Internal Training Tool
Development of a centralized, self-service training site to streamline onboarding and increase forecast accuracy. Reduced support tickets by 74% and improved user confidence across finance and operations teams.
Setting Best Practices
The development and documentation of a modular signage framework to be used worldwide that improves traveler wayfinding, strengthens brand recognition, and reduces confusion by over 80%.
Sustainable workforce
In response to high turnover and rising costs, a blueprint for workforce transformation emerged. Through vendor partnerships, standardized training, and shared services, a scalable framework that saves millions annually and built operational resilience was created.
What People are Saying
"David’s leadership stood out in building a new vendor workforce model by bringing contingent workforce partners to the table early, ensuring compliance and resilience against co-employment risks. He created space for my expertise to shape the program and included me as a true partner in the RFP process. Being invited to interview vendors as an equal was not only atypical but also instrumental in building a stronger, more sustainable solution."
Summer Floyd, CWBP, XFN Partner
Get in Touch!
Curious how I can bring value to your team? Download my resume and let’s connect
