Chief Strategist

Hi. I'm David.

I'm a digital marketing strategist and author who's spent the last 20+ years helping professionals navigate change—both in their careers and in their businesses. I'm based in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, though I've lived and worked across the US, Japan, and Mexico, which has shaped how I see problems and solutions. I'm the founder and Chief Marketing Officer of W3 Group Marketing, a full-service digital agency I started in 2006.

People describe me as someone who thinks strategically but stays grounded in reality. I don't do theory for theory's sake. I'm interested in what actually works, what moves the needle, and how to help people see the big picture while staying focused on the next concrete step. I've climbed mountains across the world (Mount Fuji included), I'm a SCUBA diver, I learned to surf in Bali, and I've worked across enough industries and countries to know that fundamentals matter more than trends. I speak English and Spanish, and I've been online since 1994—I built my first website in 1998.

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Why David Teaches at Pivot With AI

I've watched something happen over the last few years that troubles me. Professionals with decades of real success—people who've navigated recessions, built teams, managed complex projects, closed deals—suddenly feel like they're starting from zero because of AI. The noise is deafening. The hype is relentless. And smart, accomplished people are doubting whether their experience still matters.

It does. It absolutely does. But the signal-to-noise ratio is terrible, and nobody's telling them the truth: you don't need to become an AI expert. You need to understand which tools actually save you time, how to integrate them into what you already do well, and how to think strategically about where AI fits into your career and your business. That's it.

I wrote a book called Get A Job! when I was navigating my own career transition. It became a bestseller because people didn't need complex theory about job searching—they needed clarity on what actually works. The same thing is true now with AI. Seasoned professionals need a guide who's been through multiple transitions, who understands what real work looks like, and who won't oversell them something they don't need.

That's why I'm here. Because clarity over hype isn't just good marketing—it's the only honest way to help people who've already built something real.

Professional at work with laptop, focused and clear-headed

Clarity over hype—the only honest way to help people who've already built something real.

The Philosophy: Strategy Without the BS

I come from a background in process improvement and Six Sigma certification. That might sound dry, but what it taught me is this: most problems aren't solved by doing more—they're solved by understanding the system and making precise changes. The same principle applies to AI and professional development.

When I work with people, I start by understanding their actual situation. What are they trying to accomplish? What's their real constraint? What do they already do well? Then we figure out where a tool or a technique actually fits, not where it looks good in a presentation. I've worked with Fortune 1000 companies and helped a seven-person company save $100,000 a year by thinking about what mattered most.

That's the lens I bring to Pivot With AI. We're not here to make you an AI expert or to convince you that you need to learn Python or understand transformer architectures. We're here to help you become fluent—able to use the right tools confidently, to make strategic decisions about where AI actually saves you time, and to protect your authority and relevance by doing it on your terms, at your pace, with your experience as the foundation.

I believe that your 20+ years of success is an asset, not a liability. And the way you move through the world—thoughtfully, strategically, with judgment built on experience—is exactly what this moment needs.

Professional mapping strategy on a whiteboard

Strategy that connects the big picture to the next concrete step.

What You'll Learn From David

From someone who's navigated multiple career transitions — I've moved through roles in corporate consulting, sales, marketing, project management, and entrepreneurship. I've worked in Tokyo for nearly six years, across multiple countries and industries. You're learning from someone who knows what it feels like to pivot and how to think strategically about what comes next.
From a strategist who thinks in systems — I've helped organizations ranging from solopreneurs to Fortune 1000 enterprises solve problems by understanding how pieces connect. You'll learn to see where AI actually fits into your workflow, not just where it looks impressive.
From someone who's built and sold ideas through writing — I've published six books, including a bestseller that changed how people approach job searching. You'll understand how to position your expertise and communicate it in a way that resonates with your audience.
From a marketer who's quoted in The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and Bloomberg — I've been called on to explain marketing trends and digital strategy to major outlets. You'll learn how seasoned professionals build authority and credibility in a changing landscape.
From someone who's actually run a business — I founded W3 Group Marketing in 2006 and have grown it into an award-winning agency serving clients across multiple industries. You'll learn what real business challenges look like and how to think strategically about solving them.
By week 6, you'll know how to integrate AI tools that save you 10–20 hours a month — Not as an "AI expert," but as someone who's thought strategically about where these tools fit into your actual work. You'll have built real workflows. You'll have peer support. And you'll have a founder who's been through enough transitions to know what actually matters.

Core Expertise

Strategy & Business Positioning: I've spent two decades helping businesses and professionals think through positioning, market positioning, and strategic direction. I understand how to take complex situations and translate them into clear, actionable strategies that respect both the big picture and the details that actually matter.
Digital Marketing & SEO: I founded W3 Group Marketing in 2006 as the SEO and digital landscape was emerging. I've spent 20+ years building expertise in search engine optimization, pay-per-click advertising, social media strategy, content marketing, and video marketing. I've seen these disciplines evolve and know which trends stick and which are noise.
Career Transitions & Professional Development: I've navigated four major career transitions myself and interviewed at 50+ companies throughout my career. I've also written extensively on career development and job searching. I understand the mindset, strategy, and practical steps involved in moving forward professionally at any stage.
Process Improvement & Systems Thinking: I'm Six Sigma certified and have worked on initiatives ranging from saving $100,000 annually for a small company to contributing to billion-dollar cost-saving efforts at GE. I know how to identify where systems can be optimized and how to implement changes that actually stick.
Teaching & Communication: I'm a multi-bestselling author who's been published in six books and quoted in major outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Inc., CNN, and Bloomberg BusinessWeek. I've spoken at conferences, radio and TV programs, and business events across multiple countries. I know how to take complex ideas and make them clear and actionable.
International Business & Cross-Cultural Work: I've lived and worked in Japan for nearly six years, conducted business internationally, and now operate from Mexico. I've learned that fundamentals matter more than geography, and that the best solutions often come from understanding how different perspectives and cultures approach problems.

Confident professional in a boardroom meeting

Two decades building W3 Group Marketing—and helping clients navigate every digital shift.

The Career (In Case You Want the Details)

Early Corporate Career: Roles in Sales, Marketing, and Consulting

My career started in the corporate world, where I held roles in sales, marketing, project management, consulting, and benchmarking. This gave me a foundation in how large organizations work, how teams are structured, and how to think about process and efficiency.

I'm Six Sigma certified and worked on initiatives ranging from small operational improvements to large-scale cost-saving projects. I even contributed to efforts at GE that reportedly totaled around a billion dollars in annual savings.

Early on, I spent nearly six years living and working in Tokyo, Japan. This wasn't just a job—it was an immersion in a different way of doing business, thinking about problems, and approaching professional relationships. I learned that the fundamentals of good strategy and clear communication translate across borders, but that every market has its own logic.

Transition Into Digital Marketing: Select Luxury Cars, CareerOyster, Focus IT Strategies

As the internet began to reshape business, I moved into specialized roles that positioned me at the intersection of traditional business acumen and emerging digital opportunity. I served as an Internet Marketing Consultant at Select Luxury Cars, Chief Marketing Officer at CareerOyster, and Director of Business Development at Focus IT Strategies. These roles taught me how digital channels work, how to think about customer acquisition, and how to bridge the gap between traditional business strategy and new marketing channels.

Founding W3 Group Marketing (July 2006)

Around 2003–2004, I left the corporate world and started my own business. I began attending internet marketing seminars and launched my first online business—an Amazon store selling used books, CDs, and DVDs. This early experimentation with e-commerce and digital channels taught me the fundamentals of what would become my core expertise.

In July 2006, I founded W3 Group Marketing. The agency started with a clear mission: to help small and midsized businesses grow their customer base and their revenues through digital marketing. Rather than using a "cookie-cutter approach," I built the agency around understanding each client's business and customers first, then recommending strategies that actually fit their situation.

W3 Group Marketing has grown into a full-service digital marketing agency offering SEO, video marketing, pay-per-click advertising, social media marketing, email marketing, local search, content marketing, and website design. Over 20 years, we've worked with clients across multiple industries and helped them navigate the evolving digital landscape—from the early days of SEO through the rise of social media, video, and now AI-driven tools.

Authorship & Thought Leadership (2006–Present)

In 2006, I published Get A Job!: Your Guide to Making Successful Career Moves. I'd written it starting in 2003, and when it was published, it struck a nerve. People didn't need complex theory about job searching—they needed clarity on what actually works. The book became a bestseller and led to significant media coverage, with quotes appearing in CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, and The New York Post.

That early success led to more writing. I've since published five additional books: Conversations with Experts: Do What You Love, Get Paid What You're Worth (2012)—a co-authored collection on business growth strategies; How Not to Get Ripped Off by an SEO Firm (2014)—a consumer guide to identifying unethical SEO practices; Everyday Heroes (2016)—a co-authored bestselling anthology of inspirational stories; 7 Ways to Make Your Phone Ring and Get More Clients in 30 Days or Less (2017)—a marketing strategy guide for business owners; and Video Marketing for Business (2019)—a guide to video marketing strategy and measurement.

In 2016 and 2017, I was voted Best Local Author in Creative Loafing's Best of Atlanta awards, recognition from readers in the Atlanta area where I was based at that time.

Media & Speaking (2006–Present)

My work has been covered extensively in major outlets. I've been quoted as an expert on marketing and career development in The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Inc. Magazine, Business Insider, Shopify Blog, Business News Daily, and many others. I've appeared on radio programs including Atlanta Business Radio X, Georgia Business Radio, and School for Startups Radio.

I've spoken at conferences and events including the World Trade Center Atlanta Digital Marketing Workshop series, the Atlanta Interactive Marketing Association (AiMA), IPN Bootcamp, and InterNations Online Global Business Group (which drew attendees from 86 countries during a 2021 panel I participated in). In January 2022, I appeared on the All In show on BizTV for a ten-minute interview segment.

Recognition & Awards (2019–Present)

W3 Group Marketing has received numerous industry recognitions from B2B rating and directory platforms, including DesignRush #1 Top Atlanta Digital Agency (January 2021), Expertise Best Social Media Marketing Companies in Atlanta (2020–2022), Corporate Vision MarTech Awards "Most Client-Focused Digital Marketing Agency – North America" (January 2022), and Innovation in Business MarTech Awards "Best Full-Service Digital Marketing Agency – North America" (December 2022), among others.

Current Work & Positioning (2024–Present)

Today, I'm based in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, though I've also lived in Progreso, Yucatán. I continue to lead W3 Group Marketing while also engaging in thought leadership on the intersection of AI and digital strategy. In May 2025, I was quoted as a subject matter expert in a Computerworld article on Google's expansion of AdSense into third-party AI chatbot conversations, offering perspective on the broader trend of ad injection into conversational AI platforms and the potential for hyper-targeted messaging based on conversational data.

I've been quoted as saying: "In an ideal world, we'd only see the ads we want to see when we'd want to see them: when we're at the right stage of a buying decision for something we want to buy. This could be a step closer to that." That quote reflects my approach to strategy—practical, optimistic about technology's potential when used thoughtfully, and focused on real outcomes for real people.

Selected Recognition & Awards

Best Local Author (2016, 2017) — Voted by readers in Creative Loafing's Best of Atlanta awards, recognizing local profile and publishing success.
TechBehemoths Awards winner for Content Marketing, PPC, and WordPress (2025) and SEO and Social Media Marketing services (2024).
DesignRush #1 Top Atlanta Digital Agency (January 2021) — Ranked first on their definitive list of Atlanta digital agencies.
Expertise Best Social Media Marketing (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026) — Named among best social media marketing companies in Atlanta for seven consecutive years.
Corporate Vision MarTech Awards (January 2022) — "Most Client-Focused Digital Marketing Agency – North America".
Corporate Vision Media Innovator Awards (November 2022) — "Best Full-Service Global Digital Marketing Agency – Mexico".
Innovation in Business MarTech Awards (December 2022) — "Best Full-Service Digital Marketing Agency – North America" and October 2024 — "Most Innovative Website Optimization Company – Mexico".
Prestige Awards (June 2022) — "Online Marketing Specialist of the Year – South East USA (Georgia)".
Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards (July 2022) — "Digital Marketing Agency of the Year".
Atlanta Award Program (2019) — Best of Atlanta Local Business Award.
Bestselling Author — Six published books, including Get A Job! which led to coverage in CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, and The New York Post.
DesignRush Top SEO Agencies (February 2023) — Named among top SEO agencies in recognition of specialized expertise.

Experienced executive professional in a modern workspace

Experience matters—judgment built over 20+ years is an asset, not a liability.

Personal (Because You Should Know Who You're Learning From)

I'm someone who explores the world by doing. I've climbed Mount Fuji and dozens of other mountains. I'm a SCUBA diver and kayaker. I learned to surf in Bali. I shot archery in the crater of a Japanese volcano and rode an elephant through the jungle in Thailand. I served as a radio DJ in Atlanta. I describe myself as "a champion fish taco chef"—a title I take seriously.

I've been online since 1994 and built my first website in 1998. I'm fascinated by how technology intersects with human behavior and strategy, which is probably why I've spent 20+ years in digital marketing and now in teaching professionals how to think strategically about AI.

I speak English and Spanish fluently. I've lived in Atlanta, Georgia, spent nearly six years in Tokyo, Japan, and have lived in both Progreso and Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Each place taught me something different about business, culture, and how to approach problems from multiple angles.

I believe in helping others. I was the first President of the first English-language Rotary Club in the state of Yucatan, Mexico. I championed a project that put 34 computers in 3 middle schools in Progreso, Yucatan, where previously students had one working computer in one school that they could share. We achieved a Platinum Rotary Citation in our inaugural year. I was also a key part of a local group that coordinated with private charity and government assistance to help feed local families during COVID.

What I believe, after all of this: experience matters. The judgment you've built through 20+ years of real work is an asset. Strategy beats tactics every single time. And clarity—about what you're trying to accomplish, why it matters, and what the next concrete step is—matters more than cleverness.

That's who I am when you're learning from me at Pivot With AI. Someone who's moved through enough transitions, worked in enough industries, and lived in enough places to know what really matters and what's just noise.

Why Senior Managers Work With David

20+ years of proven marketing and business strategy experience — Not theory. Real work across corporate, entrepreneurial, and consulting environments.
Six Sigma certified in process improvement — Brings systems thinking and efficiency mindset to everything, from workflow optimization to teaching design.
Founded and scaled a full-service digital agency from scratch — Built W3 Group Marketing in July 2006 into an award-winning firm serving clients across multiple industries over 20 years.
Bestselling author on career development and professional growth — Published six books, including Get A Job! which drove national media coverage and continues to influence how professionals approach career transitions.
Quoted as an expert in The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Bloomberg, Inc. Magazine, and Business Insider — Recognized by major media outlets as a credible voice on marketing trends and digital strategy.
Navigated four major career transitions personally — Understands what it feels like to pivot and how to think strategically about what comes next. This isn't academic for him.
Interviewed at 50+ companies throughout career — Hands-on experience with how organizations actually work, what they value, and how to position yourself effectively.
Nearly six years of international business experience in Tokyo, Japan — Brings cross-cultural perspective and understands that fundamentals matter more than geography or trends.
Speaks English and Spanish fluently — Can work effectively in multiple languages and cultural contexts.
Recognized by industry awards and accolades — Recipient of multiple recognitions including "Best Local Author," "Most Client-Focused Digital Marketing Agency – North America," and "Online Marketing Specialist of the Year."
Strategic thinker who stays practical — Known for connecting big-picture vision to concrete, actionable steps. No fluff. No theory without application.
Proven teacher and communicator — Has led workshops, speaking engagements, and media appearances across multiple countries. Knows how to make complex ideas clear and accessible to accomplished professionals.
Currently engaged in thought leadership on AI and digital strategy — actively commenting on emerging trends in conversational AI advertising and hyper-targeted messaging, bringing current perspective to evolving landscape.

Ready to see where AI fits in your work?

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