About Daniel Pinedo

Leadership Consultant

Trusted Advisor

Former Marine Corps Officer

"Forging confident leaders who achieve breakthrough results"

Why I do this work

I know what it's like to devote your whole body, mind, and energy to a singular focus. I've done it with athletics, the military, high-level consulting, building companies, and creating an amazing family.

But here's what I learned through all those experiences: potential without the right guidance often remains untapped.

"I've seen Marines transform from uncertain privates to confident squad leaders. I've watched startup founders go from struggling with self-doubt to commanding boardrooms. The pattern is always the same: the right frameworks + strategic guidance + commitment = breakthrough results."

That's why I've dedicated my life to one mission: helping leaders unlock their full potential and achieve the results they've been working toward—faster than they could alone.

The journey that shaped my approach

Early years

Testing leadership

It started in middle school when a youth minister challenged me not to follow the crowd but to speak up for what was important. High school football became my first major laboratory for leadership—producing a state championship and runner-up through complete dedication to mind, body, and voice mastery.

College years

Inspiration through service

Unable to play college sports due to injuries, I became head manager for Hall of Fame basketball coach John Beilein. Watching his impact on young men ignited my passion for developing future leaders—a flame that still burns today.

Marine Corps

Leadership under fire

Commissioned as a Marine Corps Officer, I served as a combat officer in California and deployed to Iraq. The Marines taught me that leadership isn't about authority—it's about earning trust, making decisions under pressure, and getting results when stakes are highest.

Entrepreneurship

Building from zero

I built a space hardware startup, served as CFO for a multi-million dollar international company, and learned what it takes to create something from nothing. Entrepreneurship taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of vision.

McKinsey & Company

Strategic thinking at scale

At McKinsey, I learned how to solve complex problems systematically, communicate with C-suite executives, and drive results in high-pressure business environments. This experience taught me the power of frameworks and strategic thinking.

Coaching & Leadership

The journey continues

Now I serve as a varsity head basketball coach while running my leadership consulting firm. Every day, I combine lessons from combat, boardrooms, and basketball courts to help others achieve breakthrough results. I live in Dallas with my wife Catherine and our two children.

Experience that matters

Combat leadership: Marine Corps Officer with Iraq deployment experience
Strategic consulting: McKinsey & Company consultant
Executive experience: CFO of multi-million dollar international company
Entrepreneurship: Built a space hardware startup from ground-up
Athletics coaching: College basketball and varsity head coach experience developing young leaders
Investment Banking: Upstream oil & gas IB intern experience
Credentials: Degrees from the University of Michigan & Rice University; certified executive coach from the Newfield Network and the International Coaching Federation

“Wow”

Since working with Daniel, I have landed my dream job, started dating my dream girl, and established a daily mindset of productivity. I would not have been able to do so without the many tools Daniel has given me.

Jack - prior college basketball player, current business professional

“See the impact”

Coach Pinedo never ceases to amaze me with how he develops leaders. You can see the impact and you can see the results.

Coach Jarred - college basketball head coach

“Better than I thought”

Daniel helped me navigate a high-stress crossroads and confidently emerge on the other side better than I imagined possible.

Heather - CFO

“Best Officer”

Captain Pinedo is by far the best officer I have ever served with. He made us all better leaders and a sharper unit. His is our Shepherd.

Sergeant Gonzales - U.S. Marine Corps

“Overcome difficulties”

He has helped me overcome numerous difficulties in my life, and he did an exceptional job of pushing me past my comfort zone, which is where all beneficial growth takes place. I would highly recommend his coaching to anyone.

Louis - prior college basketball player, current legal professional

“Opened my eyes”

Working with Daniel has opened my eyes to whole assets of my professional life that I had not realized were out there. I have already begun to feel positive effects in my interactions at work, including more confidence, more direction, and a greater sense of mission in my day-to-day.

James - marketing professional

Beyond the resume

When I'm not working with leaders or coaching basketball, you'll find me with my family in Dallas, planning our next adventure.

Fun fact: I approached my wife when she was on a date with someone else—sometimes the best strategies require a little boldness. We've been married for over 10 years, and she's still my greatest leadership teacher.