People & Organizational Leadership
I set clear direction, develop people’s judgment, and give teams the authority and support to deliver. My approach combines high expectations with empathy: clear priorities, candid feedback, and opportunities that help managers and specialists grow.
Leadership in practice
Led and developed 14 direct and indirect reports, coaching managers and setting performance standards that improved role clarity by 1.6 points and feedback effectiveness by 1.1 points.
Hired and managed six specialists, analysts, and senior analysts, helping them grow as researchers, storytellers, and partners to the business. Successfully advocated for four promotions in five years.
Lead and coach Global Business Insights, setting strategy, portfolio priorities, and standards. I develop independent judgment by giving team members clear decision rights, meaningful responsibility, and a framework for matching client needs with the right level of support.
Giving people the authority to solve the underlying problem
The situation
Research requests often arrived with a proposed deliverable already attached. Accepting that label at face value could turn a straightforward client question into unnecessary bespoke work.
How I led
I delegated request allocation to a team member, established expectations for scope and equitable workload, and kept a clear escalation path. When a client requested a brand health study, he clarified that the actual need was a post-campaign social-listening analysis, matched it to an existing offering, and assigned an owner.
Why it matters
That is the kind of ownership I build toward: people who can interpret the need, make a proportionate decision, and move the work forward without routing every choice through their manager.
What my teams say
Ryan Huff
As my manager for over 6 years, DJ helped me navigate all facets of working as a research professional, ranging from crafting research narratives to presenting to C-suite level clients. Most importantly, he helped shape me into a team leader and coached me on all the dynamics of managing people. This was inclusive of understanding how to communicate to and motivate different personality types, delegate based on strengths and growth opportunities, and balance the needs of the business with the goals of direct reports.
Melissa Frohman
DJ nurtured my career transition onto our Advanced Analytics team by seeking out and assigning me projects to develop the necessary skills to succeed. DJ maintained an open and transparent, yet reverent leadership style with me - I felt comfortable enough to talk to him about anything, but also respected his decisions and guidance as well. While I learned many things from DJ, his excellent ability to see bigger picture and his storytelling is unmatched and he significantly improved my skill set in those areas through coaching.
Visit Melissa’s LinkedIn.
Janet Kim
DJ has helped me grow exponentially both professionally and personally. By recognizing and amplifying our strengths, he fostered a unique environment for growth and facilitated a journey of continuous improvement. Additionally, I was able to excel in engaging with diverse stakeholders and unlock new levels of collaboration and success across partners under his mentorship.
Visit Janet’s LinkedIn.
Paula Amaechi
DJ is a beacon of kindness, positivity, reliability, and approachability. His adeptness at navigating difficult conversations, as well as his commitment to offering both career and personal guidance made him not only an incredible manager but an invaluable mentor to everyone on our team!
Visit Paula’s LinkedIn.
Rose Pospisil
DJ's leadership skills are exceptional - his tact and empathy created a supportive work environment, fostering collective team success. His clear communication and teaching expertise have significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth. DJ's knack for identifying and assigning projects that expand my skillset has been instrumental in shaping my career. I’m extremely grateful for the privilege of working alongside such an inspiring manager.
Marco Martinez
DJ is the rare people manager who is both the peer that meets people where they are, and the coach that empowers them to reach the next level. He helped me identify and nourish a passion for thought leadership and research narratives at Twitter, and he fortified my resilience when I missed expectations which made me a better professional and person.
Carlos Barrero
I owe my start to DJ; a chance encounter at an alumni panel in college turned into an internship which helped me start my journey in martech + SaaS, and what an incredible start it was with DJ's leadership. DJ is an excellent storyteller, a patient coach, and a remarkable leader. He's a no-brainer for any team out there looking to take on tough problem spaces.
Visit Carlos’ LinkedIn.
Maeve Peterson
DJ is an inconsummate educator and storyteller, a wizard at weaving tales out of dense datasets. It is a joy to watch him captivate audiences with his unqiue blend of humor and wit.
As my manager, DJ instilled self-confidence and encouraged curiosity that made me the researcher I am today. He crafted weekly 1-1s spark joy and propel my career development. I genuinely looked forward to our meetings - never has a half hour flown so fast. Similarly, he orchestrated team events that maximized bonding, collaboration, and teamwork. As he does with data, he coaches with creativity, compassion, and long-term vision. I am profoundly grateful to have had DJ as a manager, and envy those who have the opportunity to learn from him in future.
Practical tools for developing people
Clear routines make room for better conversations. These examples show how I connect day-to-day work with feedback, development, and shared priorities.