DK Brand Collective
Leadership Development & Organizational Culture Consulting
DK Brand Collective helps organizations strengthen leadership, improve communication, build accountability, and create workplace cultures where people and performance can grow together.
Through customized training, coaching, and organizational development, we help teams lead with greater confidence, work more effectively, and create lasting improvements beyond a single training session.
DK Brand Collective is a certified Black woman-owned and minority-owned leadership and organizational culture consulting firm based in Connecticut.
Every engagement is led directly by Founder and Principal Consultant Kelly Houston and Lead Trainer and Executive Coach Derek Jones, providing clients with consistent guidance from the first conversation through the final follow-up.
Our work is guided by the proprietary DDP Framework™—Desire, Drive, and Purpose—a people-focused approach that connects individual growth, leadership development, and organizational performance.
What We Do
Trusted by organizations seeking stronger leadership, communication, accountability, and workplace culture.
Leadership Development Programs
Customized, multi-session programs that strengthen communication, accountability, leadership confidence, and team performance across your organization.
Executive and Organizational Coaching
Individual and organizational coaching for executives, directors, managers, and emerging leaders navigating growth, change, performance challenges, or leadership transitions.
Leadership Events and Experiences
Strategic planning and coordination for leadership retreats, team celebrations, workshops, and organizational gatherings designed to reflect your culture and goals.
DDP Certified Partner™ Program
Our signature year-long partnership combines customized leadership development, executive coaching, organizational assessments, accountability, progress measurement, and employee recognition.
Organizations earn the DDP Certified Partner™ designation by demonstrating an ongoing commitment to strengthening their people, leadership, and workplace culture.
Explore the DDP Certified Partner™ Program →
Who We Work With
DK Brand Collective partners with organizations that care about their people and are ready to strengthen leadership, communication, accountability, and workplace culture.
Childcare & Youth Programs
Great childcare teams are built on strong people. We help directors and staff lead with confidence and grow into the kind of team that sets the standard.
Corporate & Professional Teams
You’ve built something worth being proud of. We help you develop the leaders that take your organization from good to exceptional.
Nonprofit Organizations
You’re already doing meaningful work. We help your internal culture and leadership match the impact you deliver.
Retail &
Hospitality
Your service is only as strong as the team delivering it. We help retail and hospitality leaders build the communication, confidence, and culture that turn good service into an experience people come back for.
What Our Clients Experience
The Meriden–New Britain–Berlin YMCA partnered with DK Brand Collective to strengthen leadership confidence, communication, and team performance across its childcare staff.
Following the engagement:
100% of participants reported increased confidence at work
93.9% were satisfied or very satisfied with the program
One-year partnership for continued training and coaching
“I recently hired DK Brand Collective for a training program, and I can honestly say it exceeded all my expectations. Derek designed and tailored the training and materials specifically around the childcare content we discussed.”
— Tina Valentin, Director of Childcare Operations, Meriden–New Britain–Berlin YMCA
Who You're Working With
Kelly Houston — Founder & Principal Consultant
Kelly brings more than 20 years of experience in operational leadership, youth development, staff development, and organizational culture. She currently leads within the childcare sector, overseeing hiring, team development, budgeting, program operations, and multi-level leadership systems.
Her hands-on experience gives DK Brand Collective direct insight into the challenges organizations face as they grow, strengthen teams, and prepare leaders for greater responsibility. Kelly is also completing her MBA in Marketing at Post University.
Derek Jones — Lead Trainer & Executive Coach
Derek brings more than 20 years of experience in corporate leadership, banking, facilitation, coaching, and team development. As a Certified Corporate Trainer and Master Business Coach, he currently serves as a Vice President and Team Leader in the financial industry, where he leads a nationally recognized high-performing team.
He is a Marquis Who’s Who honoree and has received multiple awards for leadership, customer service, and team performance.
Together, Kelly and Derek combine real-world operational leadership, corporate experience, coaching, and organizational development to help clients strengthen both people and performance.
DK Brand Collective brings together recognized training credentials, business certifications, community involvement, and media visibility.
BBB Accredited — A+ Rating
Member, West Hartford Chamber of Commerce
Certified Black Woman-Owned Small Business (MBE/WBE)
Certified Corporate Trainer — Six Sigma Global Institute
Featured on FOX61 News
These credentials reflect our commitment to professional standards, community engagement, and delivering trusted leadership and organizational development services.
Credentials & Affiliations
Ready to Elevate Your Organization?
Prefer to connect directly? Email info@dkbrandcollective.com or call (959) 263-5876.