About
Dr. David Brendel
Executive Coaching in New York City, Boston, and Worldwide
- Harvard-trained MD/PhD Psychiatrist
- Certified Executive Coach
- Master Certified Coach Trainer
- Experienced Hospital Executive
- Harvard Business Review Author
I work with clients in New York City, Boston, and worldwide. Many clients prefer to meet in person, and I am available to travel as needed. I am also available by telephone and video conferencing for executive coaching and philosophical counseling. Reach me at (617) 932-1548 or David@DrDavidBrendel.com. For Dr. Brendel’s full biography and professional background, visit DrDavidBrendel.com.
Think Talk Create
Building Workplaces Fit For Humans
A compelling counter-narrative for restoring humanity to the bottom-line, numbers-obsessed culture of the modern, 21st century workplace.
Leadership Development in Complex Times
All successful people eventually hit walls in their careers and personal lives. The skills and traits that once brought them success no longer serve them well under new circumstances. Regardless of whether they are being promoted or have suffered a major professional setback, they need to adapt quickly and pivot into an entirely new role. That new role might involve staying with the same employer, or it might require a major transition to an entirely different line of work.
Across industries and professions, leaders face significant transitions. When moving into more senior roles, they cannot rely on the habits and skills that served them before. They must transform their mindset, executive presence, and behavior patterns in order to succeed.
Technical expertise alone is no longer sufficient. Leaders must also collaborate with C-suite executives, develop new opportunities, and inspire their teams with a clear vision of success. The skills that leaders must enhance include strategic thinking, time management, priority setting, and interpersonal communication. They must also deepen the social and emotional intelligence that executive leadership demands — including careful attention to body language, tone of voice, and how they come across under pressure.
Managing stress effectively is also essential — leaders who appear frustrated, reactive, or dismissive quickly lose the confidence of their teams. The principles of effective leadership apply across industries and can be adapted to any organization.
In my work at Leading Minds, I’ve helped executives navigate leadership challenges across a wide range of industries: biotech, pharma, healthcare, engineering, software, law, financial services, private equity, manufacturing, food services, family businesses, higher education, and nonprofits.
Contact me to discuss the possibility of launching a coaching engagement with Leading Minds Executive Coaching in New York City and Boston.
Our Coaching Frameworks
Four evidence-based frameworks address every dimension of executive leadership and wellbeing.
The PITTA Model
A five-phase iterative coaching cycle — Pause, Inquire, Think, Take-Action, and Assess — that builds reflective leadership and deliberate decision-making.
The HQ Model
A three-dimensional framework measuring Cognitive, Behavioral, and Interpersonal leadership capacity, grounded in psychiatry and philosophy.
The 4-M Wellness Model
An integrated approach to leader wellbeing across four dimensions: Medical, Mindfulness, Mindset, and Meaning.
Coaching Client Highlights
“David, I hope you are doing well… I was recently asked, “Who is the one person who has done the most to shape you into who you are today? How was the person significant to you?” You are the person that I wrote about. You helped me understand how to use my individual gifts to connect with others to build valuable networks and high-performing teams. It is because of what you taught me that I have been able to achieve not only my own level of professional success but also help others create their own paths to success. I will always be grateful for that. You have been a tremendous blessing to me personally and professionally. Thank you for that!”
What Others Say
Our Team
Leading Minds Associates
Emmie Stamell leads our six-pillar mindfulness training programs, helping clients build lasting skills in concentration, resilience, equanimity, and compassion. Stefan Kalt is a certified executive coach who helps clients think strategically, set clear priorities, and enhance their productivity, with a specialized focus on coaching educators and researchers. Ryan Stelzer is a management consultant and public speaker with experience across higher education, government, and financial services. He is the co-author, with Dr. Brendel, of Think Talk Create: Building Workplaces Fit for Humans.
