Welcoming David Shrum to TransformCXO
At TransformCXO, we believe that great leadership is forged in moments of clarity, resilience, and purpose. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome David Shrum to our team as an Executive Coach. David’s story is one of leading under pressure, guiding others through transformation, and helping leaders unlock the fullest expression of who they are.
A Leader Formed in High-Stakes Environments
David’s leadership journey began in emergency medical services, where he served as a Director of Operations, firefighter, paramedic, and registered nurse. In those roles, he led teams through some of the most demanding and unpredictable environments imaginable. Whether coordinating emergency responses or guiding teams through life-and-death decisions, David learned quickly that leadership requires more than technical skill — it requires calm clarity, decisive action, and an ability to bring out the best in people even in high-stakes moments.
These frontline experiences shaped not only David’s ability to perform under pressure but also his philosophy of leadership. He believes that clarity and resilience are not just emergency room essentials — they are boardroom essentials. Today, he brings this perspective to the executives he coaches, helping them lead with courage, focus, and alignment in times of both stability and change.
From Performance to Transformation
David’s professional path eventually led him into the world of executive coaching, where he discovered his calling to help leaders break through plateaus and step into transformational growth. As a certified Meta Performance® Executive Coach and founder of Ascend Leadership & Development, David equips leaders and organizations to move beyond surface-level performance into results that create lasting impact across teams, businesses, and communities.
His coaching blends compassion with accountability, encouraging leaders to confront limiting beliefs, expand their vision, and build cultures where people thrive. He has worked with leaders at pivotal moments — executives preparing for transitions, organizations navigating growth, and individuals seeking alignment between their leadership and their deeper sense of purpose.
Rooted in Values, Driven by Purpose
David’s leadership is shaped not only by his professional experiences but also by his faith and family. Since 2015, he has served as a worship leader at his church, bringing his gifts of encouragement, authenticity, and clarity into every space he leads. He lives in Ohio with his wife, Kathryn, and their three children, and he cherishes time outdoors, hiking in the mountains, sipping tea, and creating experiences that foster connection and growth.
This integration of values and leadership makes David a powerful fit for the TransformCXO team. He embodies the conviction that business success and personal flourishing go hand in hand — and that leaders who grow themselves can transform the environments around them.
Why David at TransformCXO
At TransformCXO, our mission is to help visionary business owners build best-in-class companies, unlock scalable growth, and prepare for high-value exits. That journey requires not just operational excellence, but also leaders who are equipped to navigate complexity, inspire their teams, and stay aligned with their greater purpose.
David’s unique background — forged in the urgency of emergency response and refined in the practice of transformational coaching — adds a powerful dimension to the support we provide our clients. His ability to bring clarity under pressure, align vision with action, and develop leaders beyond limits makes him a true asset to the organizations we serve.
A Welcome to the Team
We are honored to welcome David Shrum to the TransformCXO team. His story is one of resilience, growth, and service — and we know his impact will ripple across the leaders and businesses he supports.
Please join us in celebrating David as he steps into this new chapter with TransformCXO.
