Stop Telling and Start Listening

David Cooke has always been a learner and a problem solver. His gregarious personality, communication skills, and ability to connect with others had many predicting a sales career. Bristling at being labeled a salesperson, he acknowledges his passion for "helping others find what they are looking for" can be construed as a component of a selling mindset. He prefers to be seen as a relationship development professional. While navigating the chaos of his youngest child's heroin addiction, Dave discovered a unique approach to interacting with his son in this very dark, painful period of their lives. David discovered that meeting his son where he was, accepting him for who he was, and loving him unconditionally in that moment, completely redefined their relationship. Practicing loving acceptance required David to create a safe space for his son to share his story so David could better understand what his son was going through in the chaos of his addiction. The more David experienced a transformation in his relationship with his son, the more passionate he became about this commitment. Most important was a behavior he defined as Selfless Listening - creating a safe place for his son to share his journey without judgement, criticism or shame. Today Dave works with business leaders and parents, teaching them how to selflessly listen to build trust, enhance relationships and solve complex problems. It is also the foundational principle this show is built on.