Make every shift count for your business
You have the vision. You're investing in new processes, operational improvements, and AI to drive your business forward. But to make it all work, you need your people — the retail associates, healthcare workers, manufacturing employees, and deskless professionals who do the heavy lifting — performing at their best every day. I help organizations build frontline readiness — the culture, practices, and systems that turn operational strategy into top-line financial results.
Frontline Enablement + Performance
I design enablement systems that foster operational readiness at scale — from smart technology implementations and targeted job training to onboarding programs and motivational methods that prepare your people to perform at their best every shift.
Keynotes + masterclasses
I transform the way organizations think about the connection between people and performance — combining storytelling, field-tested practices, and a high-energy style that challenges, educates, and entertains.
ecosystem Activation
I shift your organization's perspective on the role of learning and development — transforming your ecosystem from a collection of programs and courses to an always-on operating system of continuous enablement and performance support.
Go-To-Market Partnership
I apply GTM expertise to help technology and services companies cut through a crowded marketplace — sharpening your positioning, aligning your roadmap, and building a strategy that differentiates your solutions and connects with your target buyers.
With over two decades of practical experience inside complex operational environments like Disney, Kaplan, and AMC — as well as partnerships with hundreds of organizations from Fortune 50 enterprises to high-growth startups — I apply field-tested practices that are proven to strengthen consistency, reduce errors, and deliver measurable gains in safety, customer experience, employee retention, and sales performance.
25+ YEARS
leadership experience in L&D, Ops, HR + Tech
4+ MILLION
employees enabled to do their best work every shift
5 CONTINENTS
reached with keynotes, masterclasses + webinars
300+ CLIENTS
supported across a variety of global industries
Stay in the Know
Deskless is the only newsletter for people committed to enabling the frontline workforce. Each issue delivers fresh thinking, field-tested ideas, and honest conversation about what it really takes to support the people doing the essential work every shift.
Bring the frontline conversation to your inbox!
The FRontline Enablement Playbook
Discover the first practical guide for equipping your deskless teams to execute with clarity, confidence, and impact.
The Frontline Enablement Playbook features insights from 50+ L&D pros, HR leaders, executives, technologists, managers, and employees. We explore the challenges and opportunities facing the 80% of the global workforce we rely on to keep the world running.
The Modern Learning Ecosystem
Dive into my practical, personal, humorous take on the role L&D must play in building disruption-ready organizations.
The Modern Learning Ecosystem is more than an L&D book. It's my story - how I learned to help organizations navigate nonstop workplace change during my 20+ years in operations and talent development with companies like Disney, Kaplan, and AMC.
JD's approach is casual, conversational, deceptively hard hitting, and dare I say fun.KARL KAPP
JD shows how AI becomes a true force multiplier while keeping the human experience at the center.JENNIFER BAKER
JD can make you think about things in an entirely new way - and will have you laughing all through the journey.BRIAN COTIE
JD exemplifies brilliance, kindness, and humility, making him an invaluable asset to our community.LOREN SANDERS
JD gets it right, delivering practical tools companies need to build productive frontline teams.EILEEN MACDONALD COOKE
JD's strategic insight and vision are complemented by his willingness to dive into the details.MEAGHAN KAY
JD brings a unique blend of talent and curiosity that fuel his quest to foster continuous innovation.NICOLE MYERS
Spoiler Alert! You will become addicted to JD’s stories and beg for more of his practical advice.ELAINE BIECH
I'm always on the road, on stage, or online — sharing practical ideas, inspiring stories, and the latest thinking on people, technology, and business practices. Check out my Event Schedule and join me at an upcoming conference, webinar, or workshop.
Training Industry Conference
ND ATD Webinar
LDA Meet the Author
A little About Me
I started my career on the frontline — leading teams through the daily intensity of theme park, movie theater, and contact center operations. That's where I learned the simple truth that separates exceptional organizations from those that struggle: people don't fail. Systems do.
Over the past 25 years, I've become a leading voice in frontline enablement and organizational performance — working at the intersection of people, technology, and business practices. I've held senior roles in operations, talent development, marketing, and strategy with global organizations including Disney, AMC, and Kaplan. I've helped to shape technology, services, and systems that enable more than 4 million frontline workers around the world in industries like grocery, food service, manufacturing, logistics, sales, retail, and hospitality.
I'm a sought-after advisor, keynote speaker, and author of two popular books on performance in the modern workplace. I empower organizations stop surviving the pace of change — and start thriving in it.
Ready to get started?
Whether you're looking to transform your frontline strategy, book an engaging speaker for your next event, or just talk through a challenge you're facing, I'd love to hear from you! Fill out the form below, and I'll get back to you personally.