Testimonials
In their words
Experiences from people I've coached, supported and worked alongside, and from organisations where I've spoken or delivered programmes.
Leaders and senior professionals
Experiences from leaders and senior professionals navigating pressure, change and difficult decisions.
I reached out to Dave after deciding that I wanted support going through a set of parallel upheavals at home and at work.
I felt very comfortable talking to Dave; that I wasn’t being judged and that the initial conversation came from a place of “are we right for each other”, rather than a sales pitch.
My experience of working with Dave would be difficult to describe as we would talk about x and come to a conclusion y, or I had this experience and it made me feel this way. What I do remember is that Dave’s approach was established around three simple Principles (Mind, Thought and Consciousness) and by walking and talking, Dave would gently guide me back to a place of inner calm, almost like a course correct which manifested as a feeling, a wonderful feeling which I took away from each of our sessions.
My memory of where I was before and after working with Dave is immense and I will always be grateful to him for his guidance. The after effects of my work with Dave have been profound. Life isn’t always smooth sailing, but having an understanding of how my mind and body actually work and the grounding in the Principles from our sessions, has made every subsequent experience manageable and positively influences how I show up in the world.
I would highly recommend Dave’s services for you, or your organisation and if curious contact him and talk. There is no sales pitch but if you do hire him, you will never regret it.
I first sounded Dave out for some in-depth conversations on the back of a thought leadership piece Dave wrote and socialised within our organisation, as we both share a common interest in the human experience and mental wellbeing.
When circumstances changed in my life and I had a number of different priorities and challenges to face down simultaneously, I sounded out Dave again for more in-depth conversations.
From our discussions, the first thing which struck me is that Dave listens; he is non-judgemental and brings a natural curiosity to the conversation. Dave also draws from his own experience and a lot of what he said resonated with me and helped me figure out the things I had been wrestling with.
It is rare to see someone as passionate about their field as Dave is, he has found his calling and I think everyone would take value from talking to Dave.
Dave first introduced me to his coaching work a few years ago when I was struggling with my own mental health. Earlier this year I reached a crisis point and reached out to Dave again for his assistance.
I found he has a special ability to bring calmness and order to my thoughts. His application of the Three Principles is incredibly simple yet highly effective. I always felt I could say things as I saw them; Dave’s patient and non judgmental style always made me comfortable to open up.
As a result I feel like I know myself far better and I am better equipped to deal with what life brings to me. The concepts I have learnt are so very simple that I have started sharing them with my own personal network.
I am hugely appreciative of Dave’s support – a very big thank you!
I met Dave when introduced by a mutual friend as I was looking for advice as to a mentoring role for veterans I was considering.
His approach and advice were both open, encouraging and helped dismantle the fear I had somehow built up around the role and my ability to help and contribute.
The ability to speak simply, honestly and with integrity and authenticity are rare and Dave has these in spades. He has been a great help to me for which I thank him for.
I was working on a high profile project where I was responsible for delivering complex solutions within tight deadlines. The challenges of responsibility and pressure to deliver often got the better of me. I got talking to Dave during the moments of extreme pressure to offload generally.
Dave offered a calm ear with unbiased, non-judgemental advice or related experiences to lend some perspective to the issues I faced. This enabled me to refocus my efforts to the tasks, bringing each item to a successful conclusion.
Since then, I’ve spoken to Dave about areas of my personal life, where again the approach he’s exposed me to, has resulted in a better understanding of the decisions I take.
I worked with Dave to advance my understanding of the Three Principles ideas and to get a bit of a ‘reality check’ after a challenging prior 6 months. Dave is a very grounded guy and speaks frankly about his experiences and isn’t afraid to ask questions.
I would absolutely recommend Dave to anyone who has any interest in the Three Principles or just wants a refreshing and open discussion about life and everything.
I was grateful to have a few coaching sessions with Dave over the summer. Dave has a great way of making you think and see things in a more simplistic way. This helped me reframe and think about how I could face into challenges differently. Also how to feel less awkward about accepting praise.
Dave is a great guy and the ability he has to keep things simple and help you understand that you already have the tools you need is what really sets him apart. I’d absolutely recommend Dave if you’re looking for a coach!
Dave has a way of simplifying complex situations. He is very patient and will listen carefully until he helps you unpack your story and return to your default state of calmness. He helps you realise how powerful our minds are in creating stories that may not be true and how we buy into these stories and remain stuck. I have learnt so much from attending Dave’s sessions! Thank you for helping me realize that wisdom, confidence, calm, resilience are all innate and I can access them when I don’t take my thoughts seriously!
Organisations, talks and workshops
Feedback from talks, workshops and programmes delivered for organisations and professional communities.
Every time I hear Dave speak I learn something new. His authentic, personal and natural narrative is so powerful and simply helps you to be in the moment and cut through the fog of unhelpful thoughts that can hold you back without you even realising it. Dave’s sessions generated so much valuable feedback within Virgin Money, we immediately shared his sessions with the wider Virgin Group. I would listen to Dave everyday if I could.
Dave shared his own experiences of facing really difficult times but also how he worked through issues in a logical way. If you’ve done everything you can, then what is there to worry about? If you’re ever the sort of person who lies awake thinking about things that you can’t influence at 3am, then I recommend listening to Dave’s talks.
Dave’s Choose to Challenge talk was extremely inspirational and eye opening. I’ve taken a lot away from Dave’s talk in terms of knowing how to speak to someone with mental health problems and how to switch my mindset for the better when presented with challenges.
Having met Dave a few years back, he has delivered several virtual sessions for our organisation. Each session has been well received as Dave is engaging, inspiring, interesting and interactive, which in turn made it easier for the attendees to stay focused and learn. Dave captivates his audience with his vast knowledge, authenticity, and empathy, we hope to continue working with Dave to deliver future sessions.
I really enjoyed Dave’s Zoom session; his work is interesting, valuable and inspiring. By opening up and talking about his own personal challenges, he motivates people not only to be open about their own challenges, but also to actively listen and support others to do the same. Dave is extremely authentic, actively engaging and empowers his audience by speaking honestly about his own journey.
Veterans and the forces community
Stories from veterans and members of the armed forces community who reached out for support.
It has been a year since I was hit by a fundamental change in my personal life.
Despite the resilience and toughness gained through a successful military career the impact was devastating; my foundation seemingly gone, I was overwhelmed, and I was struggling to cope. For the first time I reached out for help and while many stepped up to the plate, for which I will always be grateful, Dave Hill stands out far above those other amazing people. He helped me find calm, clarity of thought and accept the reality of my situation. Empathetic, wise, impartial, and kind; Dave brought me to a soft landing, a place where I could embrace and explore my feelings and to understand we feel them for a reason that may not be apparent at first glance. I have found simplicity within perceived complexity, rediscovered the importance of embracing change, and the ability to focus on the truly important in life. It really is about simplicity of mind and the knowledge that we can only control those things we can control. It has been a liberating and empowering journey.
Where am I now? Frankly in a place I could not have believed possible and I have learned more than I can possibly say. The lessons I have learned and the perspective I have gained have positively impacted every aspect of my personal and professional life. I do not say this lightly nor from a perspective of self-denial; but I am a better, more capable, balanced, and happier person for it. He has successfully taught me invaluable skills for life where others have failed.
If you are reading this, I cannot recommend Dave highly enough. Seek him out whether you must overcome adversity in your personal life, are striving to optimise your professional capability or are seeking to generate a better life balance; the pragmatism, understanding and expertise he offers is extraordinary. Simply put… go for it. I promise you will not regret it.
During a period of personal upheaval I reached out to Dave as a fellow Rifleman when I did not know where else to turn. He provided me with an unbiased view of the turmoil I was experiencing and helped me to rationalise the thoughts and feelings that I was struggling to make sense of. I am ever grateful for the time and guidance Dave gave to me during a difficult time in my life.
He continues to be a mentor and guide as well as a trusted friend, not only to me, but to many other Riflemen in need of support and advice.
I have known Dave Hill for quite some time now, having been a Rifleman under his command between. During this period he was a massive help when I was going through some personal issues, which I felt I could not have dealt with by myself.
I was injured while serving in Afghanistan. After my medical repatriation back to the UK, Dave was one of the first in the chain of command to visit me in hospital, which was great as I have a lot of respect for him. He not only came to see me, but to also see my partner and offer her the same level of support that he offered me.
Due to the nature of my injury and my mental health, I was later medically discharged from the Army. Dave continued to provide me with advice, support and a friendly face for me to talk to about how things were going with my recovery and advice with how to come to terms with not being a soldier any more.
Even though I’m no longer under his command, or a serving soldier, Dave still provides me with support and advice which makes me feel that I’ve not been forgotten. I believe I have found a friend and mentor for life.
Not only is he easy to talk to and approachable, he is very compassionate and understanding. While we have a soldier to soldier relationship, I can see that what he does would have a real impact in any organisation.
Dave contacted me out of the blue. He had heard, through a mutual contact, that I was struggling. I had left the army years before, got divorced, then lost both part-time jobs due to Covid. I was finding life lonely and difficult.
Dave and I met up a number of times for a walk and coffee. I found Dave very easy to communicate with, he really listened and he has great empathy.
I was trying to make a life changing decision and was seriously procrastinating. Dave gave me very useful, practical advice as to how to approach the problem.
His help and encouragement enabled me to make the right decision.
Now I have moved from Edinburgh, am living in a delightful village setting and am meeting new people all the time. Importantly I’m living very close to my grandchildren and get to see so much more of them.
I am extremely grateful for Dave’s help and for him reaching out when I needed help.
Dave responded to my initial enquiry within a few hours. Since then he has always made time for me and I have made more progress with my PTSD than I thought possible when I was lost. I didn’t understand what was wrong with me but Dave’s help has given me a new chance in life and I see things more positively. I will be always grateful to him.
In 2012 I was picked up by the Police and then passed over to my local mental health service where I was sectioned and diagnosed with PTSD. I spent some time on a psychiatric unit before being discharged where I was assisted by other support services. I had very little contact with anyone I had served with at that time, so I decided to get in contact with my old platoon commander, Dave.
Over the last 6 years I’ve realised how useful having these conversations with Dave have been. It’s the fact that they feel completely safe, without any judgment and that I feel no need to explain myself. I’ve found myself at some really low points at times, so knowing I can just pick up the phone without any explanation really puts my mind at rest.
I’ve known Dave now for many years. He was my platoon commander during my time serving in the Royal Green Jackets. After I left we kept in touch and have been friends ever since.
Since leaving the Army I have suffered from depression and anxiety which has had a huge impact on my professional and personal life.
Dave has been without doubt the major difference in me getting to grips with this awful battle. A constant source of encouragement and always willing to listen; Dave opened my eyes to the 3 Principles and how simple it can be to understand your thoughts and how you don’t have to listen to them.
By applying what he has learned and providing the vital source of human contact, I can hand on heart say that Dave has saved my life.
Individual clients: wider community
Experiences from individual clients in the UK and around the world.
Dave and I were both at the One Thought Institute at the same time, so I knew him when, in the midst of an incredibly difficult divorce, a friend recommended that I reach out to him for coaching.
Dave has a rare approach to coaching. He is empathetic, kind, and optimistic without ever minimizing the stress of what I was going through. He never encouraged me to hunker down into victimhood or see myself as powerless because of my circumstances.
Instead, he gently, and sometimes firmly, kept pointing me back toward my own innate capacity for mental wellbeing, even in the middle of an extraordinarily stressful situation. He reminded me that difficult circumstances did not have to determine my internal state and that clarity, resilience, and perspective were still available to me, even when life felt incredibly uncertain.
Perhaps just as importantly, Dave continually reminded me to be kind to myself. I have a tendency to hold myself to Herculean standards, particularly when it comes to taking care of the people I love and managing difficult circumstances without letting any balls drop. He helped me see that resilience did not equate to handling everything perfectly. It meant giving myself grace, allowing myself to be human, and trusting that I would find my grounding again.
Dave’s coaching helped me navigate one of the hardest chapters of my life without losing sight of myself within it. I am grateful for his empathy, his perspective, and his unwavering belief in our innate capacity to find wellbeing, even when life around us feels anything but easy.
I was fortunate enough to be put in touch with Dave through a good friend who had previously worked with him. Like many people I have a lot going on in my life along with helping others with theirs and for whatever reason I hit a wall, descending into what I can only describe as a black hole, I started biting back and lashing out on people for the smallest of infractions which has never been me. After meeting with Dave over a few sessions he helped me understand things better not by using any fancy parlour tricks but by just simple listening and straight talking, utilising a few tools to help me understand better and control my actions more. I now find myself in a far better place and cannot thank him enough, and I would not hesitate to recommend or use him again.
During a period of uncertainty in my life, I reached out to Dave after viewing his website. I was keen to speak to someone with a background in the three principles, which I had been exploring at the time.
My conversations with Dave were helpful as it helped me come away from the noise in my mind, and recognise that things did not need to be so complicated. Dave often pointed me in a direction where things appeared so much simpler. It helped me to feel more positive and have more trust in my own wisdom.
I just wanted to let you know that I’ve had a really good day and I want to thank you for that. Basically you challenged some ideas that I’ve had for some time which initially confused me, but it made me re-think, you gave me something for my curiosity to play with that was really cool.
I’ve had a wonderful day with my two little children, it was really lovely and my wife noticed as well, which was fantastic. So just thank you.
I always remember Dave explaining that we are not our thoughts and that basically the more we try to fight them the worse it can feel. They [thoughts] will just pass.
I used to work with Dave and in a period when a member of my family had a difficult time, he explained how I can be a better support. This was really useful and I believe it helped me to get through a very difficult period. I am very grateful for Dave’s words.
I didn’t realise how much I was complicating normal life processes! Listening to Dave unpack the most seemingly complex issues into their simplest meanings has given me a lot of peace.
Even when I’m not the one being coached, listening in unravels so many things for me and I go away feeling lighter and ready to face tasks and issues that seemed so complicated.
You can just feel the genuine care in the room.
Dave Hill is a brilliant coach! He is a naturally intelligent man, and in comparison to other coaches, he can keep up with, and express himself with a higher tempo, if needed, without losing his connection to his own inner wisdom. This is something I really treasure. He is really good at making relevant metaphors, and is witty, in his observations of people and knows well how to help bring them back into their natural peace of mind. I have a lot of gratitude for the clarity Dave has bestowed on me, in my search for a more peaceful, tranquil and calmer experience of life. Many thanks for your service.
Colleagues and peers
Recommendations from people who have worked alongside me.
Dave is a rare combination of humility, integrity and competence. He has a wealth of experience in leading people, and in how operations run effectively, which he is understated about, but comes out through great examples and stories which explain in a relatable way what works. He combines this with strong values about people and a natural rapport which allows him to connect to people from different backgrounds. He has an orientation to serve, and this comes through in his work and his way of operating.
David is quite simply a rare find! Integrity and commitment are two of many attributes he confidently owns. He always goes above and beyond what is expected in any given task and his genuine passion for people is evident. His selfless assistance be it personal or professional allows people to grow in their own personal development.
An absolute pleasure to work with and would welcome any opportunity to work with him again in the future.