Meet the Coach

DAVID SMAILES
Director of Learning & Development
Executive Coach

David Smailes is an accomplished executive coach and strategic leader with 15+ years of experience in sales enablement, leadership development, and organizational growth. Based in Utah, he has partnered with executives across industries to build high-performing teams, align people strategies with business goals, and deliver measurable results.

At CxO Coaching, David leverages this blend of executive experience and strategic insight to help leaders unlock potential, strengthen executive presence, and drive meaningful organizational change. In addition to his work with CxO Coaching, David was Head of Sales & Talent at Kodiak, leading initiatives that aligned sales, marketing, training, and operations to drive growth for a $120M revenue business.

David’s strong academic foundation complements his professional expertise. He holds a Doctorate in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University, a Master’s in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Harvard University, a Master’s in Organizational Communication from Southern Utah University, and a Bachelor’s in HR Management and Human Development from Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business. He is also a keynote speaker on topics like: How to Leverage AI to Drive Sales and People Development, Leadership Coaching, and Change Management.

David is a recognized thought leader and sought-after keynote speaker. His insights on leadership, AI, and sales have been featured in major publications, including Forbes, Success Magazine, and Training Magazine, which reach a combined monthly readership of over one million.


FUNCTIONAL EXPTERTISE

  • Data & Analytics

  • Executive Leadership

  • Human Resources & Talent Acquisition

  • Sales & Business Development

  • Customer Service & Support

  • Operations

COACHING AREAS

  • Communications

  • Executive Coaching

  • Leadership Development

  • Transition Coaching

COACHING APPROACH

David’s coaching helps leaders uncover blind spots, shift limiting beliefs, and tap into underused strengths. As a strategic thought partner, he asks challenging questions, surfaces what’s overlooked, and creates the conditions for sharper thinking and better decisions, leaving clients with greater clarity and confidence.

"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
— Albert Einstein

CLIENT FEEDBACK

“David is a gifted coach, teacher, and thought leader. As the beneficiary of one of the leadership training programs he built, I can honestly say that it is one of the best I have gone through”

— Allison Shields, Sr. Director of Customer Experience, Global Payments