Communications Advisor to
Professional Services Firms

DSF advises leadership teams at mid-sized professional services and advisory firms on internal and executive communications during periods of change, organizational transition, and growth. The work is grounded in executive trust, sound judgment, and experienced communications counsel.

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Leadership teams are operating in increasingly complex, fast-moving environments

  • Firms are balancing client delivery, internal alignment, and growth—often without dedicated internal and executive communications infrastructure

  • Leaders are expected to communicate clearly and regularly while managing billable responsibilities and business development

  • As firms grow, what once worked informally no longer scales

  • Employees need a clearer understanding of priorities, direction, mission, and values to stay motivated, engaged, and committed

  • Responsibility for internal communications is fragmented across functions, leading to inconsistency and messaging that is not tailored to different audiences

Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience inside a wide range of professional services firms—from large enterprises to focused boutiques—DSF helps leadership teams strengthen internal communication, align messaging, and reinforce trust across the organization.

“A trusted partner to senior leaders”

“Dave brings clarity and discipline to leadership communications in complex environments. He has a strong sense of what matters, how to say it, and how to ensure it lands with the right audiences.”

— George Najarian Chief People Officer, Professional Services and Advisory Organizations

“Dave brings exceptional care, insight, and editorial rigor to executive and internal communications. He is a thoughtful partner with a sharp eye for detail and consistently raises the quality and clarity of leadership messaging.”

— Concetta Green
Chief of Staff, Harvard Business Publishing

“Dave is a highly dependable and collaborative leader who brings clarity, discipline, and sound judgment to executive and internal communications. He is a trusted partner to senior leaders and consistently helps organizations strengthen their narrative, engagement, and impact.”

— Chief Executive Officer, Global Professional Services Firm

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Situations where I’m most helpful

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Advise on the most effective channels and formats—ensuring communications land as intended with the right audiences

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Work directly with senior leaders to strengthen their communication—bringing focus, credibility, and sound judgment to high-stakes messaging

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Clarify leadership priorities and messaging—translating implicit or fragmented thinking into clear, structured communication

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Align leadership communication across executives—ensuring consistency and reinforcing strategy, priorities, and values

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Shape how major initiatives are communicated—so they are clearly explained, anticipate key questions, and reach the people who need to hear them

Discuss your situation

How I support leadership teams

Provide communications counsel during leadership transition or organizational change

Support the rollout of major initiatives or changes so employees understand why they matter and what is expected of them

Conduct independent assessment of internal communications, with practical recommendations

Ensure executive communications are clear, credible, and jargon-free

Help leadership communicate a clear direction and priorities in a complex, fast-moving organization

Assess communications readiness before periods of heightened visibility, change, or reputational risk

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How I work with clients

  • Targeted advisory engagements: providing focused guidance on specific communications challenges, from leadership messaging to major strategic initiatives

  • Embedded or interim leadership roles: working alongside internal teams as a hands-on partner during periods of change, transition, or increased demand

  • Flexible support tailored to the situation: adapting to the organization’s needs, whether advising senior leaders directly or supporting communications teams

Let's connect

Case Studies

Representative examples of how I have helped leadership teams navigate change, strengthen communication, and build organizational alignment.

Harvard Business Publishing

Helping a New CEO Build Trust and Alignment

Read case study

Marsh

Leading Communications for a Global Change Initiative

Read case study

Altran Americas

Strengthening Culture and Cohesion Across Organizations

Read case study

Let’s talk

If you’re thinking through a communications challenge or would like to explore how I can help, feel free to reach out.

I’m always happy to have a conversation.

Get in touch