David H. Dancer
David is an accomplished CEO and six-time CMO with decades of experience driving results for global top-tier brands and emerging startups spanning multiple industries. He is the Founder and CEO of D2 Marketing Strategies, providing business and marketing consulting services to companies seeking to differentiate their brand and drive sustainable growth. Since coming out early in his career, he has been committed to the fight for LGBTQ+ workplace equality. David led the Visa LGBTQ+ Employee Resources Group and has partnered with C-Suite leaders and employees at several global organizations to establish culture-changing and impactful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices.
David is using his experience and passion to form Clout for Good. The bi-weekly podcast showcases personal and powerful conversations with prominent LGBTQ+ identified executives who are out in the workplace. These conversations are meant to create a supportive community and to inspire LGBTQ+ people, their employers, and allies to build equity and inclusion in the workplace.
David served on the Board of Directors of the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) for 10 years and has been involved with numerous LGBTQ+ sports teams. He is an avid tennis player, skier, and global traveler, and he currently resides in New York, NY, with his partner, John.
40% of LGBTQ employees are not out at work, and 26% of these individuals wish they could be out
Deep Dive
with David
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I accidentally came out at work while at my first job. I wore a pride t-shirt while out on a run during a business trip with a colleague. He said “hey, are you gay” and I quickly responded, “yes” and the rest is history.
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I have tried my best over the years to show up as my authentic self but I have been in many situations where I decided not share too many details about myself for fear that I “wouldn’t fit in” or may be excluded. I feel like I am always “reading the room.”
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I am most proud of the 1:1 conversations I have had over the years with other executives, colleagues and employees where we have been able to have honest and open conversations. This almost always creates respect and drives change.
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Nurture relationships that honor your work and your values. Seek ways to continually learn. Be curious and take risks. Careers unfold in unplanned ways.
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Harvey Milk, George Michael and Rosie O’Donnell