Professional Biography
David is a passionate education entrepreneur, ex-CEO, and ex-banker, who has led product and growth teams across K–12, higher ed, and workforce development. From scaling an award-winning school model in South Africa (Streetlight Schools) to advising edtech organizations on AI-driven approaches, David’s work consistently centers on increasing access and empowering others.
As founder and CEO of Learning By Design, he helps teams navigate innovation, change management, and new product development: accelerating clarity and co-creating strategic direction. He has completed work for clients like JFF Labs, Diffusion Venture Studio, Stand Together Ventures Lab, and companies like Reforge, CNA Sims, and African Leadership Group.
He also guides emerging founders to embrace product experimentation whether by teaching Capstone in this program or designing/facilitating workshops and coaching with orgs like Transcend Network.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Georgia and was awarded a fellowship for a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
He also plays piano for fun. “The natural state of an artist is to have complete, unwavering faith in the ability for you to make this thing real that no one sees or can experience yet but you.” – Jon Batiste
