Dave Kerpen's Recent LinkedIn Posts

For the past few years, I’ve been heads-down building, operating, and exiting companies — and serving my community locally. I’ve missed the stage. I’ve just refreshed my speaking page and I’m opening a limited number of paid speaking engagements for 2026, focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, delegation, and navigating growth without burning people out. I’ve been fortunate to keynote around the world, work with incredible organizations, and learn (often the hard way) what actually helps leaders scale — not just businesses, but people. If you’re planning a leadership offsite, conference, or executive event this year or next, you can find more here: 👉 http://davekerpen.com Grateful for the people and experiences that keep pulling me back to the work I love most. If this resonates with you, feel free to reach out, or DM it to someone who helps plan your events!

Here is my Campaign experience, Election analysis, and insights for future candidates and really anyone thinking about pursing a new venture! Would be grateful for your read and comments!

It is with great excitement (and a bit of sadness) that I share that I just sold Apprentice! Catapult Group Holdings, under the leadership of Sherry Orel & Bradley Hajart, will continue our mission of connecting college students with entrepreneurs and small business owners. I am proud that we have mentored and supported thousands of young people over the past six years, and look forward to seeing Apprentice continue to grow under new leadership. Most of all, I am grateful for all of the young leaders who Apprentice has nurtured, and who have brought us here: too many to name them all, but a few key leaders are Charlotte Kerpen, Lindsey Feinstein, Katerina Almeida, Anisa T., Sam Nesbitt, Chance Dillon, Harrison Strohl, Miles Nabritt and Rob Berk. I will stay on as an Advisor for Apprentice, and focus for now on my Board roles with The Whisper Group and Grateful Giving. Stay tuned though, another big venture is coming in 2026! https://lnkd.in/em5ukvzh

I’m so incredibly proud of Carrie Kerpen and of course her awesome team Maggie Lord Molly McCartan Caitlyn Wells and her incredible advisor network of hundreds of rockstar female founders!! The Whisper Group is just getting started!!!! https://lnkd.in/es_p9aqA

Early voting starts TODAY!!!!!!!! And I’m grateful for it all! Get out there and vote; wherever you are!

Pennsylvania Giving Leadership Council is proud to award this quarter’s grant to Angels' Place, Inc. Angel’s Place provides free, comprehensive early childhood education and essential support services to low-income, student parents in the Pittsburgh region. By offering high-quality childcare, nutritious meals, family support counseling, and academic guidance, Angel’s Place helps parents stay in school, graduate, and build stable futures—while ensuring their children receive the nurturing, developmentally rich care they deserve. Their dedicated staff and volunteers create a compassionate, inclusive environment where both parents and children can learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more about how they’re making a difference: https://lnkd.in/eXYNj_mJ We are deeply grateful to the members of the Pennsylvania Giving Leadership Council for their continued commitment to uplifting families, supporting educational advancement, and investing in organizations creating real, lasting change across the region: Dr. Angela Anderson, Erin Orchard, James Gagliano, Jim Ritchings, Kelly Stumpo, Madeline Bayliss (she/her/hers), Ryan C., Shannon Seay, Stanley Anton, Susmita Sukla, and Tom Croxford, MBA Interested in joining or learning more about a Grateful Giving Leadership Council near you? Start here: https://lnkd.in/g8GSC5Gh

Tampa Area Giving Leadership Council is proud to award this quarter’s grant to THE BAUTISTA FOUNDATION INC The Bautista Project provides essential services, outreach, and transitional support to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Tampa region. Through meals, hygiene resources, case management, and community connection programs, The Bautista Project works to restore dignity, stability, and hope for those facing housing insecurity. Their team creates a compassionate, person-centered environment where every individual is seen, supported, and given the tools to move toward long-term independence. Their commitment to meeting people where they are and addressing both immediate needs and future goals is transforming lives across the community. Learn more about how they are making a difference: https://lnkd.in/e6TZ7qym We are deeply grateful to the members of the Tampa Area Giving Leadership Council for their continued commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities, expanding access to essential services, and investing in organizations creating real, lasting change across the region: Brent W. Laartz, MD, Chad Dixon, Elizabeth Vanneste, and Melissa Zellner Gomez Interested in joining or learning more about a Grateful Giving Leadership Council near you? Start here: https://lnkd.in/g8GSC5Gh

The New York City Giving Leadership Council is proud to award last quarter’s grant to The Brotherhood Sister Sol. The Brotherhood Sister Sol is dedicated to supporting Black and Latinx youth by creating a safe, affirming community rooted in love, collective growth, and social justice. Through a holistic approach that integrates academic support, mental health and wellness services, creative expression, and leadership development, they equip young people with the tools to thrive personally, academically, and professionally. Their programs center identity, belonging, and long-term success, helping youth build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. By investing in whole-person development and community care, The Brotherhood Sister Sol continues to create powerful pathways for young people across New York City. Learn more about how they are making a difference: https://lnkd.in/d6edtqA7 We are deeply grateful to the members of the New York City Giving Leadership Council for their continued commitment to supporting youth, strengthening communities, and investing in organizations creating real, lasting change throughout New York City. Interested in joining or learning more about a Grateful Giving Leadership Council near you? Start here: https://lnkd.in/g8GSC5Gh

Today we all celebrate gratitude. But everyday I celebrate gratitude! If you like experiencing gratitude - hope you’ll join me at Grateful Giving as we change the word one grateful gift at a time. Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!

All of this. Thank you Daniel Lubetzky

Today we pause to reflect on the power of gratitude. We are grateful for the nonprofits who show up for their communities every day, the donors who give with intention, and the teams and leaders who believe in creating a more generous world. From all of us at Grateful Giving, we wish you a meaningful and restful Thanksgiving filled with connection and gratitude.

Having done so many interviews, podcasts and speaking gigs over the years, I get so excited when I’m asked a question nobody’s ever asked me before! I spoke at The Dalton School today to a few dozen high school students. Amazing crowd and one freshman student (!) asked me: What’s been more important in your career success- your grit and courage or your focus on growth and continuous improvement? What a brilliant question! (And so very flattering since it presumed I had both). I thought about it for a moment. Then I said, “It’s all important and valuable - but I think courage and grit are scarcer in people and therefore more important and valuable.” What do YOU think is most important in career success? Grit and courage or growth and continuous improvement?

Join our founder Matt Ostanik and workplace mental health expert Christina Muller, LCSW for a conversation about gratitude in the workplace! ☑️ Why gratitude is a driver of thriving workplaces ☑️ How appreciation shapes trust, generosity, and performance ☑️ Practical ways to make gratitude and giving part of your organization’s DNA 📅 Friday, November 14 at 12 PM ET 🎥 Live on LinkedIn Register here: https://lnkd.in/gpm7Z9Xk

We’re excited to share an important milestone with you. Through your support, we’ve reached $1M in giving. Now, we’re embracing a bolder vision to reach $1B in giving. To help us reach this goal, we’re excited to share our refreshed brand and app experience – designed to reflect who we are and how we help turn gratitude into real-world impact. At the center of this evolution is our purpose: To transform lives by inspiring more giving. Our new visual identity is modern, simple, and human, while staying true to the belief that has always guided us: when gratitude is easy to act on, generosity grows. What’s new: - An improved app experience focused on gratitude, giving, and impact. - Send gratitude to others at no cost, earn points, and include optional gift donations - Set up easy monthly giving to multiple charities and track your impact - Participate in Giving Leadership Councils to join with other volunteers We invite you to try out the new Grateful Giving experience, share it with others, and help us inspire even more giving. https://lnkd.in/depas6fy

So flattered to be featured in Forbes! This article shares an exclusive look at a key framework I share in Get Over Yourself:  The 5C’s of Empowered Delegation: 1. Choose Carefully 2. Communicate Instructions and the Intended Outcomes 3. Coach and Cheer On Your Person to Their Version of Success 4. Check In Regularly 5. Congratulate and Praise Which of these are you good at, and which could you improve upon?

Thank you Katie Dunn for standing up!

Your network is more valuable than any of your jobs or companies! My latest for Inc. Magazine : https://lnkd.in/eWF5EmwS

Colorado Giving Leadership Council is proud to award this quarter’s grant to La Plata Family Centers Coalition. La Plata Family Centers Coalition strengthens families across southwest Colorado by providing essential resources, early childhood support, parent education, and community connection programs. Through family advocacy, emergency assistance, developmental services, and accessible enrichment opportunities, they help families build stability and resilience. Their dedicated team creates a welcoming, culturally responsive environment where children and caregivers can learn, grow, and thrive together. Their long-standing commitment to meeting families where they are and supporting them through every stage of life continues to uplift the broader community. Learn more about how they are making a difference: https://lpfcc.org/ We are deeply grateful to the members of the Colorado Giving Leadership Council for their continued commitment to supporting families, expanding access to essential resources, and investing in organizations creating real, lasting change across the region: Adrian Fulle, ALM, Ashni Pabley, Brian Hendrickson, Chelsea Hershelman, Christian Epstein, Dan Cooper, David Ekedahl, Joshua C., Laura Powell, Lisa Hempel, Logan Brown, and Muriel Lotto. Interested in joining or learning more about a Grateful Giving Leadership Council near you? Start here: https://lnkd.in/g8GSC5Gh

Amazing opportunity with Grateful Giving Know anyone who might be interested?

Thanks so much for your kind words Kurt Gutschick EdD ! So grateful to have impacted you and my other readers! #TheArtofPeople

At The Whisper Group, we’ve always believed exits should be designed, not endured. They should be intentional. Empowering. And deeply personal. For years, we’ve guided founders through the early stages of exit planning from valuation clarity and profitability strategy to the emotional architecture of letting go and have supported several founder-led acquisitions along the way. But again and again, we heard a need we couldn’t ignore: “Can you represent me through the actual sale?” So we listened. And we acted. We’re proud to announce that The Whisper Group is now offering brokerage, end-to-end M&A representation for female founders ready to exit. We built this because we’ve stood in your shoes. We’ve built, scaled, and sold our own companies, sometimes through brokers who didn’t get us, and sometimes entirely on our own. We know what it feels like to sit across from a buyer. To weigh the number against your identity. To want someone in your corner who speaks the language of both business and belief. Now, that’s exactly what we offer. As your end to end representation, we can: - Represent you directly in buyer conversations - Handle the strategy, negotiation, and diligence process - Protect your value, your voice, and your vision through closing and beyond Whether you’re 6 months from market or still deciding if this is your year, we’re here with the strategic, sensitive support you’ve come to expect from The Whisper Group. We’ll meet you where you are. And walk with you the rest of the way.

Earlier this month, 75 women showed up in the dead of winter to Luminary, in order to attend our “Your Exit Plan” mini conference that we co-hosted with Luminary. Many told us it was the most useful content they’d experienced at a conference. Some told us it was life-changing. For us, looking out at the room, we simply saw what was possible.  We can close the exit gap by arming women with the tools they need to have the options they want and the outcomes they deserve. No matter the obstacles we face, we’ve seen women show up and support each other, proving time and time again what is possible. At the Your Exit Plan conference, women gathered from near and far (we talked to women from Chicago, Hartford, Columbus, and Miami), all with the same goal – to plan their dream exit. It wasn’t about hype. It was about getting real and giving women a space to learn, network, and work on their businesses. Exit planning is about creating options, and that’s exactly what these women are doing! To everyone who attended, thank you! We are cheering you on!

I’m proud to announce that I’ve been endorsed by both the NYPD Retired and Active Police Officers Association NY 10-13 and the NYPD Superior Officers Association Retired (SOAR) These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe — and I’m truly honored to have their trust. Meanwhile, deceitful DeSena continues lying in her mailers, falsely claiming that I “want to defund the police.” That’s simply not true. I stand with law enforcement, I respect their service, and I’ll always fight for a safer, stronger North Hempstead. #SafeWithDave #VoteDaveKerpen #ModerateParty #LikeableLeadership #PublicSafety

Tomorrow is Election Day!! Don’t forget to VOTE!!! Please share this post with the people you know in North Hempstead, NY: Port Washington, Roslyn, Great Neck, Manhasset, New Hyde Park, E. Williston and all throughout the 5th largest town in the US! 🧡🇺🇸🏆

Exploring partners for a new ‘Love & Marriage Night’ with the Brooklyn Cyclones celebrating long-term relationships and community. It'll be on our 20th wedding anniversary! 20 years ago this July we held a sponsored wedding, got married in front of 5,000 strangers and generated over $20 million of earned media for our partners, and $20K for the National MS Society. If you run partnerships or brand marketing for a company that loves meaningful activations, would love to connect.

I’m back writing for Inc. Magazine! Here’s my latest on the 1 skills that matters most

Grateful Giving’s Women National Giving Leadership Council is honored to award last quarter’s grant to Helping Hands for Single Moms. Helping Hands for Single Moms is dedicated to assisting low-income single mothers as they pursue a college education. By providing financial support, access to resources, and a strong network of encouragement, the organization helps these determined women achieve self-sufficiency and create brighter futures for their families. Their work not only transforms lives—it strengthens entire communities. Learn more about their incredible impact at: https://lnkd.in/gZigKk6K We are deeply grateful to the members of the Women National Giving Leadership Council for their dedication to uplifting women, supporting impactful nonprofits, and driving meaningful change in communities nationwide: Camila Ferreira 🇧🇷🇨🇴🇨🇱🇮🇪🇲🇽🇺🇸, Carly Sandstrom, Erin Bennett (McDermott), SHRM-SCP, Erin Watson, APR, Kieley Taylor, Kymberlee Page, PMP, CSM, Leah Ifraimova, Leylah Halima M., Sara Ann Todd, DHA, ACC, Stephanie McDaniel Interested in joining or learning more about a Grateful Giving Leadership Council near you? Start here: https://lnkd.in/g8GSC5Gh

Outstanding keynote by Robert Glazer on core values at YPO Mosaic Panama! What are your core values? Mine are: Openhearted: open to learning, growing, loving and caring Resilient: turning challenges and failures into opportunity Authentic: being my vulnerable self in all areas of life Neighborly: being kind to everyone around me Grateful: practicing daily gratitude especially in hard times Enthusiastic: passion for everything I do

Don’t miss this!!! I'm attending Gratitude At Work. Join me today.

Love this piece on gratitude in the workplace from Christina Muller, LCSW! There are so many benefits to gratitude and I'm grateful that the professional world is in great part waking up to this! Anyone interested in leadership opportunities at Grateful Giving as we build the #VenmoForGratitude, please lmk!

Stop waiting for certainty!!! Fortune favors the bold. Today is the day to commit and go for it! My latest for Inc. Magazine

Sometimes burnout isn’t about needing a vacation. Sometimes it’s about needing a shift. Before you decide to scale, sell, pivot, or blow it all up,  it’s important to understand what’s actually driving that feeling. In this episode, we talk about the warning signs of burnout founders tend to ignore, how it impacts decision-making, and why clarity matters before making your next big move. Full episode: https://lnkd.in/gqxDfpJd

People don’t invest in your past or present story; they invest in the story of your future. -Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines at YPO Mosaic Panama

Oldie but goodie found in writing a new piece I'm about to publish!

🎉 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 We're excited to share that Apprentice has officially been acquired by Next Level Catapult (NLC) - a major milestone that expands our mission and strengthens the opportunities we can provide to both students and companies. As part of this evolution, Apprentice is now a key member of Catapult Group Holdings LLC (CGH), joining: • Next Level Catapult • Trajectory Recruiting • 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 • Apprentice This partnership unlocks new ways for us to support organizations looking for capable early-career talent and for students seeking real, meaningful experience that builds careers. Why This Matters Companies today are running leaner, expectations are rising, and early-career pathways are narrowing - especially as AI accelerates productivity and replaces many traditional entry-level tasks. That's why Apprentice was built: To give companies immediate executional support and to give students a path to grow into productive young professionals by working on real projects that matter. Our apprentices work 10-15 hours per week throughout the academic year, providing consistent contribution and gaining skills that fuel long-term career success. Companies get bandwidth. Students get opportunity. Leaders get time back. Looking Ahead We want to thank Dave Kerpen, our founder, for building Apprentice into a platform that changes lives. We're thrilled that Dave will continue supporting the mission as a Board member and advisor. Now, with the scale, leadership, and ecosystem of Catapult Group Holdings behind us, we're ready to expand impact for students and organizations nationwide. Learn more: 🔗 chooseapprentice.com 🔗 nextlevelcatapult.com 🔗 catapultgroup.co #Apprentice #NextLevelCatapult #CatapultGroupHoldings #EarlyCareerTalent #FutureOfWork #AIandWorkforce #CareerPathways #AcquisitionAnnouncement

Thanks so much Erik!!! As anyone who has worked for me will attest, I’m not the easiest person to work for! Working with you and mentoring you was absolutely one of the highlights of the campaign for me. I’m excited to see what’s next for you!