What people say

David designed and facilitated the Advancing Career Skills Programme for members of our African Ancestry Leadership Council. He spoke individually with participants first, so the programme felt relevant and tailored to the group. He facilitated it with warmth, energy and credibility, and challenged participants to take responsibility for their visibility and progression. Afterwards we saw people put themselves forward for stretch assignments and promotions, speak up more in senior meetings, and seek out mentors and sponsors.

David recognised potential in me long before I had the experience or track record to demonstrate it. As the first person in my family to attend university and pursue a corporate career, I left with ambition but lacked the experience, connections and guidance to know how to move forward. Through the Aleto Foundation he introduced me to mentors and opportunities that set my career in motion, which led to experience with Microsoft, Simmons & Simmons and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, and then a graduate role at HSBC. He has been a father figure in my professional life, offering the honest advice and example I could not draw on at home. Today I am a senior manager at a boutique investment brokerage, and I do not believe I would be here without him.

I began working with David because I wanted to strengthen my executive presence and effectiveness as a senior leader. He quickly understood the complexities, stresses and strains of my role, and from day one I trusted him implicitly. By supporting and challenging me he gave me direct, practical guidance that I now use daily. More than anything, he taught me clarity of purpose when operating at C-level.

David has been so much more than a mentor to me. His guidance, encouragement and unwavering belief have played a defining role in my achievements, particularly in building my career in financial services. He has consistently opened doors, challenged me to aim higher and championed my potential, often seeing strengths in me that I could not yet recognise in myself.

David’s mentorship has transformed the trajectory of my life. He turned me from rock into diamond. Beyond the opportunities he helped me pursue, he taught me the importance of believing in others, investing in their potential, and offering support when it matters most.

DVC has made a remarkable difference in my son’s life. Using NLP techniques, discipline and a strong focus on mindset and personal responsibility, he helped him turn academic failure into ambition and achievement. Today my son is at university, a transformation I genuinely believe DVC played a significant part in.

Your presentation was my favourite of them all. You have such stage presence and charisma, I did not want your slot to end. Thank you for taking the time to engage so thoughtfully with the team.

My highlight has to be David Villa-Clarke BEM, MBA. His presentation was just fantastic, delivered with passion and authenticity, and really made me think about the future of Mint FS.

David Villa-Clarke was stand out for me. Amazing energy, and well worth booking if you have an event coming up.

He shared his journey and highlighted that your background does not define your future. The attendees found him very inspiring and relatable. He currently mentors five young students he met at our fair who needed help with CV and interview preparation.

Enthusiastic, engaging, well-prepared and incredibly motivational. The students had nothing but good things to say about David’s talk. We would love to have David back for future events.