Leadership for thoughtful tech executives who don’t need to shout to be heard.
Welcome to davemarkley.com.
I’m David Markley: a former technical executive, retired military officer, and long-time mentor to senior technology leaders.
I work with people who lead in complex environments and care deeply about how they lead, not just what they achieve. Leaders who value clarity over chaos, presence over performance, and impact over attention.
If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
The Core Belief
Some of the most effective leaders I’ve known were also the quietest.
They listened before they spoke.
They earned trust through consistency.
They influenced through presence, not volume.
In a world that often rewards speed, certainty, and noise, this kind of leadership can feel countercultural. I believe it’s also the kind that lasts.
My work; writing, mentoring, and coaching; is grounded in this belief.
Leading Quietly
Leading Quietly
Reflections for thoughtful leaders in a noisy world.
Leading Quietly is where I explore modern leadership through the lens of calm authority, empathy, and intent.
Drawing from decades in technology, executive leadership, and military service, I write for leaders who want to:
- Influence without ego
- Build trust without theatrics
- Lead teams through uncertainty with steadiness
- Grow in responsibility without losing themselves
These essays aren’t about hacks or hot takes. They’re reflections for people who already carry responsibility—and want to carry it well.
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Coaching & Mentorship
Coaching for senior leaders navigating complexity
I work 1:1 with experienced technology leaders—VPs, directors, founders, and senior individual contributors—who are operating at (or approaching) inflection points.
Common themes in my coaching work include:
- Stepping into broader leadership scope
- Navigating identity shifts as responsibility grows
- Leading strong teams through ambiguity or change
- Developing executive presence without becoming performative
My approach is practical, reflective, and deeply human. We focus less on fixing you—and more on helping you lead with clarity, confidence, and integrity.
Experience, Lightly Held
Over the course of my career, I’ve:
- Led and scaled large technical organizations
- Shipped dozens of meaningful products
- Mentored hundreds of leaders across industries
Those experiences matter—but only insofar as they inform the work I do now: helping thoughtful leaders make sense of complexity and lead with intention.
Explore Further
If you’d like to learn more:
- My Journey — background, inflection points, and how my view of leadership evolved
- Testimonials — reflections from leaders I’ve worked with
- Writing — essays from Leading Quietly and personal reflections
- LinkedIn — professional updates and conversation
Closing Note
I believe leadership is less about visibility and more about responsibility.
Less about having the loudest voice—and more about creating space for others to do their best work.
If you’re exploring what it means to lead well, I’m glad you found your way here.