Podcast

A Founder's Life:

Balancing Entrepreneurship, Family, Health, & Fun​

Podcast

A Founder's Life:

Balancing Entrepreneurship, Family, Health, & Fun​

How to Take Control of Your Career & Life - David Boehmer - S3 - E5

In this episode of A Founder’s Life, host Leo Gestetner sits down with David Boehmer—German-born, Canadian-raised founder of Banff Advisors—to unpack the pivotal moment he walked away from a high-powered corporate career to build something entirely his own. From his roots in small-town Canada to navigating New York’s corporate ladder, David’s journey is proof that success isn’t about luck—it’s about showing up, taking risks, and creating your own opportunities.

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Guest Info

David is Founder and CEO of Banff – the premier Executive Management Company. Banff has become the first call for executives, directors, investors, corporations, and key decision-makers, helping them achieve their personal and professional goals via actionable intelligence, trusted guidance, and powerful connections.

Prior to founding Banff, David spent 16 years at Heidrick & Struggles. Most recently, he was a Global Managing Partner, serving on the firm’s executive committee, and living at various times in New York, San Francisco and London.

David is a founding board member of Komera – a Rwandan-based not for profit with a mission to help accelerate the lives and impact of at-risk girls; and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Bay.  He was raised in Germany and Canada before moving to the US to attend Yale University. David is a proud husband, and father of two young boys.

Show Notes

About this Episode

In this episode of A Founder’s Life, host Leo Gestetner sits down with David Boehmer—German-born, Canadian-raised founder of Banff Advisors—to unpack the pivotal moment he walked away from a high-powered corporate career to build something entirely his own. From his roots in small-town Canada to navigating New York’s corporate ladder, David’s journey is proof that success isn’t about luck—it’s about showing up, taking risks, and creating your own opportunities.

Highlights

  • Early Career: German-born, Canadian-raised, built a career in executive search, navigating New York’s corporate world for 16 years.

  • Big Challenge: Left a high-paying corporate role in 2020 with a newborn and toddler at home, during the uncertainty of COVID.

  • Turning Point: Realized he wanted to create something that didn’t exist rather than keep repeating old corporate cycles.

  • Personal Growth: Learned to value controlling his calendar over chasing material success; embraced creativity and founder community support.

  • Business Success: Founded Banff Advisors to empower executives to take control of their careers through strategic personal branding and networking.

  • Future Vision: Continue helping leaders access opportunities they deserve while maintaining a life centered on family and personal priorities.

Resources

Learn more about Banff Advisors:

https://www.banffadvisors.com/

Connect with David:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dboehmer/

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