About
David Shar

My mission is simple yet powerful: to make work, work better for everyone.

I’ve worked with organizations of all sizes, from various industries, helping them improve their work culture and leadership abilities. Combining passion with psychology and cross-industry best practices I have been able to help countless organizations reignite passion in their workforce, significantly reduce burnout, and illuminate their potential.

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David

My Origin Story

Finding Meaning in Scooping Ice Cream

As a young and naive entrepreneur, I had the opportunity to take over a small ice cream parlor franchise in Baltimore, Maryland.

Prior to taking the keys to the place, I spent a ton of time learning everything I could about the ice cream business… everything from milk commodity pricing, to what differentiates a premium ice cream from a super-premium ice cream (hint: its the butterfat).

While I could tell you more than you ever wanted to know about fancy Italian freezers, I was less prepared to manage a crew of young adults and teenagers, mostly from underprivileged homes in the inner city.

One day, a young crew member came in to work looking distraught. When I called her aside to ask her if she was ok, she explained, between tears, that her boyfriend had been shot multiple times and left for dead.

I immediately told her that I would personally cover her shift and even pay her for the day; she should be with family or friends right now, not at work. But she refused to leave… “I need to be here. I can only be here. This is my happy place.”

Those words hit me like a ton of bricks. I realized for the first time, the impact that I was having on these young employees, and the impact they were having on me.

I realized that somehow, we had co-created a work culture where work was not a necessary evil… an unfortunate means to a paycheck, but rather a place where a diverse group of individuals could come together, combine their unique skills and personalities, and have a positive impact on the world… while still making money!

I wondered why these inner-city teenagers and young adults were able to find meaning in scooping ice cream while so many of my friends with objectively meaningful jobs (teachers, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and HR professionals) dreaded going to work on Monday morning.

I decided then that I needed answers.

I wanted to help as many organizations as possible build meaningful, passionate, burnout-proof workplaces.

This realization launched me toward furthering my education, earning my Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology, and continuing on for my PhD in Business Psychology, while working with leaders and teams across the globe and across industries.

A Passion for Learning and Teaching

Earning my Master’s in Industrial / Organizational Psychology, today I am a PhD researching the interaction between meaningful work, burnout, and the rapidly changing nature of employee passion for work.

In addition to my research, I’m also a proud lecturer at the University of Maryland’s rigorous Industrial/Organizational Psychology Master’s Program. I’m passionate about creating an engaging learning environment where the students are active participants.

Together, Let’s Make An Impact

While I am no longer young, I am still naïve enough to believe that work doesn’t have to suck. I’m here to show you how to reconnect with your purpose, reignite your passion, and make a lasting impact. Together, let’s build a future where work truly works for everyone.

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Keynote Speaking

See how David sparks real change in organizations through his dynamic, customized keynotes.

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Training Experiences

Discover how David’s training creates bottom-line improvements within your unique work environment.