DK Brand Collective
Leadership Development & Organizational Culture Consulting
We help high-performing organizations strengthen their leadership, elevate their teams, and build a culture people are proud to be part of.
What We Do
DK Brand Collective is a certified minority-owned leadership and organizational culture consulting firm based in Connecticut. We partner directly with your organization, not through junior consultants and stay engaged until results are measurable and sustainable.
Every engagement is guided by our DDP Framework — Desire, Drive, and Purpose — a people-first approach that connects individual leadership growth to lasting organizational performance.
Our Services
Leadership Development Programs
Structured, multi-month programs that strengthen communication, accountability, and team performance across your organization.
Executive & Organizational Coaching
One-on-one and organizational coaching for executives, directors, and managers navigating growth, change, or leadership transitions.
People First Certification Program
Our signature year-long partnership combining training, coaching, and workshops culminating in your organization's official People First Employer certification.
Who We Work With
We partner with organizations that are already doing well and are serious about getting better across childcare and youth programs, corporate and professional teams, nonprofits and community organizations, and retail and hospitality teams.
What Our Clients Experience
Meriden YMCA partnered with DK Brand Collective to strengthen leadership confidence and team communication across their childcare staff. Here's what happened:
✔ 100% of staff reported increased confidence at work
✔ 93.9% satisfied or very satisfied with the program
✔ Renewed for a full year of ongoing 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 specific to the childcare content we discussed." — Tina Valentin, Director of Childcare Operations, Meriden YMCA
Who You're Working With
Kelly Houston — Founder & Principal Consultant
Kelly brings over 20 years of experience in operational leadership, youth development, and organizational culture. She currently serves as a Childcare Director overseeing hiring, staff development, budgeting, and multi-layer leadership systems, giving her direct, real-world insight into the challenges organizations face as they scale. She is completing her MBA in Marketing at Post University.
Derek Jones — Lead Trainer & Executive Coach
Derek brings over 20 years of experience in corporate leadership, banking, facilitation, and team development. As a Certified Corporate Trainer and Master Business Coach, he currently serves as a Vice President Team Leader in the financial industry, leading one of the top-performing teams nationally. He is a Marquis Who's Who honoree and recipient of multiple leadership and service excellence awards.
Credentials & Affiliations
✔ 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
✔ Master Business Coach — Transformation Academy
✔ Featured on Fox61 News
Ready to Strengthen Your Organization?
The first step is a two-minute inquiry form. Tell us about your organization and your goals, we'll come to the conversation prepared.
