Building Clarity, Systems, and Steady Leadership
For nearly four decades, I’ve worked alongside founders, teams, and organizations navigating growth, transition, and change. My background spans military electronics, operations and logistics leadership, product development, executive management, and system design.
I spent the bulk of my career helping build ClearBags from a startup into an industry-shaping company — designing systems, strengthening operations, and learning firsthand what it takes to grow without losing clarity or stability.
Much of that work lived close to customers and revenue. I spent years supporting sales teams, owning key customer relationships, navigating pricing and tradeoffs, and aligning operations with what was being promised and delivered. That experience shaped how I work today—focused on clarity, credibility, and follow-through across both internal teams and customer-facing commitments.
I created Capstone Copilot to support leaders who want their businesses to run more smoothly — and to feel less alone in the process. Some clients lead established organizations. Others are preparing to take the leap into something of their own. In every case, the work centers on clarity, execution, and making progress easier week after week.
Meet Dave Pavao
II’ve always been a builder — of systems, teams, and leaders.
Across decades of work, people have consistently reflected the same thing back to me:
“You bring calm, clarity, and steadiness when things feel complex.”
My leadership style was shaped early in the U.S. military and refined through years of operational leadership — then deepened through coaching and identity-informed leadership work that sharpened how decisions show up under pressure.
Sustainable growth doesn’t come from intensity alone.
It comes from clarity, grounded leadership, and systems that create bandwidth.
Today, I work alongside founders and leadership teams to reduce decision drag, strengthen execution, and create breathing room—especially as internal complexity and customer expectations increase.
Why I Do This Work
Every business reaches moments where the next step isn’t obvious.
Sometimes complexity outpaces systems—and decisions start to stall.
Sometimes responsibility outgrows clarity.
Sometimes the question is simply, “How am I supposed to carry all of this on my own?”
I’ve navigated those moments myself. What moved me forward wasn’t working harder — it was seeing more clearly.
Most leaders don’t need someone to take over their story.
They need someone to help them steady it, see it clearly, and support the next step.
That’s the work I do now.
How I Work
My approach blends practical operational leadership with clarity-focused coaching—supporting both the business and the person building it.
Engagements typically begin with execution and operational needs, with leadership and identity work supporting decision-making as complexity, growth, or customer-facing pressure increases.
The goal is always the same: progress without overwhelm — and systems that give leaders room to think, lead, and breathe.
I don’t create dependency.
I help leaders build clarity, confidence, and systems they can rely on.
Guiding Principles
Clarity Creates Momentum
Clear direction reduces friction and restores confidence.
Identity Drives Leadership
Leaders are most effective when their actions align with who they are becoming.
Systems Support People
Operations should serve the humans running them—not the other way around.
Connection Over Isolation
Progress happens faster and more sustainably when leaders aren’t carrying everything alone.
My Mission
To bring clarity, steadiness, and operational support to leaders and organizations—and to help build systems that make growth sustainable and human.
If you’re navigating a transition, preparing for growth, or simply want experienced support alongside you, I’m here to help.