Dr. DPF Consulting

Keynotes & Coaching: Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Career Transitions

University of Michigan Health System

Certified Executive Coach and Master Coach
Experienced teacher of Coaching, Leadership
Wellness, Resilience, EI, & Humor

Executive Coach

University of Michigan

Clinical, teaching, and research. Now retired from radiology.

Professor of Radiology

Retired at 55 -- to spread Joy! | Well-being, Burnout & EI Expert | Keynotes & Coaching | HBR, JAMA & Psych Today Contributor | Faculty Associate Ross Business School | Book coming in 2024!...

Hi -- I'm David -- great to meet You!

I blend the science of well-being with emotional intelligence to help you feel more energized  and have even more success.

My journey: I stopped practicing medicine to help PREVENT illness and burnout. I speak internationally, coach doctors & leaders, and publish on wellness, EI, & resiliency. I became a coach after working with a great one, so I know from personal experience how helpful it can be. While it's usually not a quick process, I expect you'll notice at least a bit more energy & ease soon after we start. 

I'm a Faculty Associate at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business & a former professor of Radiology at the University of Michigan. I have a bachelor's from Harvard and an M.D. from the University of Michigan. I'm also a graduate of the Second City Improv Conservatory & a Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher. 

For more about my coaching & keynotes, & for links to my published HBR, JAMA, & Psychology Today articles, see my website:  https://www.davidfessell.com. 

My 1st book was published in Sept. 2024, available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Ways-Create-Happiness-Every-Day/dp/B0DFVNLN79/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PNNLSL6LPCVK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SvSXxdjiBfYJEcb5mbgvwA.wBSNoHIztCSjSu36KUI175bFpdYEYj2SdnaaRnj77d0&dib_tag=se&keywords=david+fessell+book&qid=1730210124&sprefix=fessell%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-1

Wishing you peace, health, & happiness in abundance!

Saturday Surprise: Emotional Intelligence = Staying Calm Under Attack!…

I keep thinking about this chill dog getting his nose chewed on…and somehow looking like he’s meditating.

It’s a fun visual for one of the most underrated skills in leadership:

🌞 Self-regulation.

The ability to stay grounded when you’re getting chewed on --
or chewed out.

A few go-to tools that can help us keep our cool:
• Deep breaths -- yes, they actually work
• Stretch, move, & exercise -- because our bodies need soothing, too
• Remind yourself of your goal & purpose
• Recall a past disaster you survived: “If I got through that, I can handle this...”

Yes, AI may take over a bunch of tasks,
but staying calm when someone’s metaphorically (or literally) chewing on your face?

👉 That’s still a human job.

And there’s good news: Emotional intelligence isn’t fixed.
It’s a learnable skill with an incredible ROI for us all.

Better relationships.
More trust.
Wiser decisions.
A calmer, more grounded version of you -- at work & at home.

📌 Thanks for leading with emotional intelligence & bringing it to all of life.
It matters more than ever!

♻️ Repost to share self-regulation & emotional intelligence with your network!
      Video credit: @FUNFACTORY.REELS

David Fessell, MD

My writing, keynotes, and workshops blend mindfulness and emotional intelligence with the neuroscience of wellness. I believe in thriving, and helping others flourish. Simple things like taking in the good and savoring it make a difference. Awe, gratitude and humor are favorites--please do share some today.

As a graduate of the Second City Improv Conservatory, I know the transformative power of humor. After retiring as a Radiologist at the University of Michigan in August 2021, I'm focusing on spreading strategies for wellness. I'm honored to be a Faculty Associate at the Center for Positive Organizations at Michigan's Ross School of Business. 

Learning, creativity, & curiosity energize me. I'm happy to say I recently completed a 2-year program to become a certified mindfulness meditation teacher. Many thanks to Jack Kornfield & Tara Brach for leading this training.

For more resources and details about my coaching, webinars & articles, see:  https://www.davidfessell.com

Thank you and be well!

Emotional Intelligence, Leadership & Creativity -- Tips so you can thrive! International speaker. Coach & author. Kindness advocate. Published in HBR, JAMA, Psych Today. Faculty Associate Ross Business School.

Kindness Is Food We All Need!...

Like this duck feeding his fish friends...

No agenda.
No expectation.
Just…giving.

😋 Kindness feeds everyone involved.

It boosts emotional health.
Strengthens connections.
And builds the kind of trust we can’t automate.

And the best part?
It doesn’t require grand gestures.

We can share Kindness with:
• A genuine smile
• A heartfelt “thank you”
• A quick word of encouragement
• Noticing someone’s strength -- and naming it

☀️ That’s emotional intelligence in action.

And we can do it daily,
At work. With colleagues. At home.

We hear a lot about AI these days.
But here’s an important question:
Is it helping us be kinder?

Thanks for every moment you choose kindness.
👉 It matters more than you know.

📌 Repost to share kindness & inspiration!
      Video credit: @FLUFFIES.DUCK

A Genuine Smile = Emotional Intelligence in Action!...

This little guy gets it --
He realizes he’s in the spotlight…
…and offers up a smile!

A small move -- and big signal. 
You wanted him to smile, didn’t you?... 😊 

Because a smile lifts. It energizes. 
It shifts the entire vibe of a moment.

And it’s a gift any of us can offer --
to colleagues, clients, acquaintances, friends, family…all in our orbit.

👉 A smile says:
“I see you. You matter. Here’s some good vibes coming your way.”

And the ripple effect is real. A smile can change someone’s day.
It can spark new conversations,
It can lead to new ideas, connections, creativity, even innovation.

A smile builds trust.
It creates psychological safety.
It deepens relationships.

It’s emotional intelligence in action.

AI can compute, optimize, and automate.
But it can’t smile.

We can.

📌 So, here’s to sharing more warmth, more kindness, and smiles today!

Repost to share a smile! ♻️ 
Video credit: @HOUSEOFHIGHLIGHTS

Emotional Intelligence, Leadership & Creativity -- Strategies & tips for thriving! International speaker. Coach & author. Kindness advocate. Published in HBR, JAMA, Psych Today. Faculty Associate Ross Business School.

Kindness is Emotional Intelligence in Everyday Life!...

Long after the fact, this chimp didn’t forget...
When he spotted the man who showed him kindness, 
He remembered him with a hug!

That’s the thing about kindness:
It sticks in our hearts – we feel it long after the moment has passed.

And often EI & kindness ripple, traveling farther than we’ll ever know.

Cultivating Emotional Intelligence helps us in many ways:
 ➡️ We see a need others might miss
 ➡️ We know when and how to offer with empathy & compassion
 ➡️ We take action that helps heal & brings hope

The ROI of EI & kindness?
Trust. Connection. And Loyalty.

One small act today could be someone’s lasting for tomorrow & beyond.

Yes, AI is powerful and useful in many ways, 
But I believe we’ll always need human kindness & EI.

📌 What ripples of kindness might we start today?...

♻️ Consider reposting to share kindness & inspiration!
      Video credit: @PAPAYE.INTERNATIONAL

Emotional Intelligence, Leadership & Creativity -- Strategies for success & thriving! International speaker. Coach & author. Kindness advocate. Published in HBR, JAMA, Psych Today. Faculty Associate Ross Business School.

Leadership Without Words –
A True Story and A Message for Us All!...
 
Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen was holding her 4-month-old while speaking at a press conference.
 
Congressman Jim Clyburn stepped up, holding her baby, allowing her to speak with both hands & full presence.
No words needed.
 
 That’s Servant Leadership -- and Emotional Intelligence in Action:
 ➡️ Awareness that sees a need
 ➡️ Offering effective & timely support
 ➡️ No fanfare or words needed
 
It only took a moment, 
And clearly made a difference.
For all who were present, and all who see this.

And no AI involved -- or needed!
 
True leadership isn’t about status, power, or control.
It’s about presence, care and helping others rise.
 
 👉 What’s the best act of leadership you've seen recently?
 
 ♻️ Repost to your network to share leadership & EI in action!
 Video credit: @PEOPLECHOOSINGKINDNESS
 Audio credit: Louis Armstrong – What a Wonderful Life

Emotional Intelligence, Leadership & Creativity -- Strategies & tips so you can thrive! International speaker. Coach & author. Kindness advocate. Pubs in HBR, JAMA, Psych Today. Faculty Associate Ross Business School.

Cheering Others On = Emotional Intelligence in Action!...

Look at this kid chasing the bubble -- pure joy, pure encouragement --
And so wonderful to see others celebrating his success!

Here’s the thing: We can create that same energy at work.
When we cheer for our colleagues, teammates, leaders, & friends, we’re doing more than being “nice.”

We’re practicing emotional intelligence...
We’re saying: I see you. I value you. I’m celebrating you.

We all want to feel recognized for who we are at our best.
And a simple moment of acknowledgment can be a game-changer.
Celebrating good news more than doubles the joy.

Here are a few easy ways to make it happen:
1. Add “Kudos” as an agenda item in team meetings
2. Drop by someone’s desk and say, “Hey, I heard the news—great job!”
3. As leaders: celebrate wins early, often, and publicly

These small gestures build connection, belonging, and trust.
And they remind people they matter. 

👉 That’s emotional intelligence in action.
📌 What’s your favorite way to celebrate others?

♻️ Repost to share EI in action!
      Video credit: @GLACEFACE

Emotionally Intelligent Self-care Isn’t Selfish. It’s Essential – For Us All!..

Watch animals and you’ll see emotional intelligence in action:
They soothe themselves & shake off stress.
They rest without guilt.
They connect instinctively.

Us Humans? We often try to power through…until we can’t.

But here’s the truth:
Self-care is how we regulate, how we connect, and how we build the relationships that help sustain us.

And it doesn’t require a ton of time or 100 new habits.
 
It’s the small stuff done consistently:
• Slowing our breath and lengthening the exhale
• Taking short, healthy breaks -- especially outdoors
• Moving our body, even for a few minutes
• Reconnecting with meaning & purpose
• Sharing real laughter -- about kids, pets, and real-life stories

Animals do it naturally.
We can, too.

And Leaders take note:
Self-care becomes culture when we model it -- during work hours, in expectations, and in the way we show up.

Self-care isn’t indulgence.
It’s wisdom.

📌 Wishing you a week filled with all that keeps you energized, grounded & human!

♻️ Repost to share inspiration and self-care with your network!
      Video credit: @FAISALMAGNET

Creativity isn’t Magic — It’s Perspective!...

Sometimes it’s as simple as adding a new twist -- like this moment in Times Square where water transforms a street scene into a fresh & colorful surprise.

Other times it’s about shifting our viewpoint — going higher, lower, or sideways.

And often, it’s about combining familiar things in unfamiliar ways. (e.g. the smartphone, fusing phone + camera + computer.)

One of my favorite tools for unlocking fresh ideas is SCAMPER — a simple framework for breaking patterns and seeing possibilities we might miss.

👉 Here’s How It Works:
S: Substitute 
Swap one element for another.
 Example: Starbucks substituting standard counter service with barista-style personalization.

C: Combine 
Fuse two concepts into something new.
 Example: The iPhone merging phone + internet device + iPod into one revolutionary product.

A: Adapt 
Borrow an idea from a different industry.
 Example: Netflix adapting the subscription model from gyms and magazines to reinvent entertainment.

M: Magnify / Modify
Enhance, intensify, or transform an existing idea.
 Example: GoPro transforming the traditional camera into a rugged, mount-anywhere action device.

P: Put to a Different Use
Repurpose something for a new function.
 Example: Post-it Notes were born from a “failed” adhesive, reimagined into a global office essential.

E: Eliminate / Minify
Remove complexity to reveal something cleaner or more powerful.
 Example: Apple eliminating the physical smartphone keyboard, creating the full-screen experience that changed everything.

R: Rearrange / Reverse
Flip the logic or sequence to spark something new.
 Example: Airbnb reversing the hospitality model—people provide the beds & the platform provides the guests.
 
Creativity often comes with small shifts -- new angles, bold edits, surprising reversals.
Sure, AI is fun and powerful, but there's nothing like human creativity!

📌 What’s one way you could use SCAMPER this week to jump start your creativity?

Repost and share a creative spark with your network! ♻️ 
Video credit: @YUSHI.95

This is Leadership & Emotional Intelligence in Action! --
Big thanks for sharing and don't miss this wonderful story!!!...

Psychotherapist

Just came across this story.  When love and compassion ignite action, we are reminded of what it means to release indifference and embrace being human.

Reposted from Gianna Manca:

"He was 88, a veteran, and about to lose his home. He sat in his wheelchair and wept... then the judge stepped down from the bench.  Arthur, an 88-year-old Vietnam veteran, sat in his wheelchair in the back of the courtroom. His wife was gone, he had no children, and his small house was falling apart. He'd been cited for code violations he couldn't afford to fix—a broken porch, peeling paint, and a leaking roof.  The judge, a 65-year-old man known for his stern, "by-the-book" rulings, called his case.  Arthur listened, his hands trembling, as the city attorney listed the violations and the thousands in fines. When the attorney formally requested the court's permission to condemn the property if the fines weren't paid, the finality of it hit him. This was it. He was losing his home.
The judge began to speak. "Mr. Harris, the city is asking for... He stopped. He just looked at the frail old man, who had now buried his face in his hands, his shoulders shaking in a silent, heartbreaking sob.  The courtroom went quiet. The judge, his own face tightening with emotion, looked conflicted. "We will take a 15-minute recess," he announced abruptly, banging his gavel.
When he returned, the courtroom was buzzing. The judge looked not at the attorneys, but directly at Arthur.  "Mr. Harris," the judge said, his voice softer now. "I spent my recess on the phone. I have spoken with the director of the local VFW, who is a friend of mine, and with our county's Veterans' fund. All fines are hereby dismissed."  Arthur looked up, his face a mask of stunned disbelief.  "Furthermore," the judge continued, "a local contractor's union has already pledged to do all the repairs, pro bono, starting next week."  This second wave of kindness was too much. Arthur, who had been crying from despair, now broke down in tears of overwhelming relief. The judge then did something no one had ever seen. He stepped down from his high bench, walked directly to the wheelchair, and pulled the old soldier into a full, strong hug.  As Arthur wept into the judge's robe, he whispered, his voice trembling, "I... I didn't think anybody cared anymore."  The judge held him tighter and whispered back, his voice thick: "We do. I do. You served us."

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