Meet Dr. Shirley Davis
If you’re here, it’s not by accident.
You’re likely seeking growth, clarity, direction, a spark of hope—or a partner who can help you ignite transformation in your life, your team, or your organization.
Welcome. You’re in the right place.
Dr. Shirley Davis has spent her life walking alongside people from all walks of life—helping them rise, evolve, and thrive. With decades of global leadership experience, a voice that moves rooms, and a heart that moves people, she’s here to pour into the leaders, dreamers, changemakers, and everyday champions who want to live and lead with greater impact.
Her mission? To help you grow from where you are to where you’re called to be—personally, professionally, and purposefully.
Who Is Dr. Davis?
Global Workforce Visionary & Culture Transformation Trailblazer
Dr. Shirley Davis is an internationally recognized global workforce expert, culture transformation thought leader, Hall of Fame keynote speaker, and President & CEO of SDS Global Enterprises, specializing in HR strategy, leadership development, and organizational transformation. With over 30 years of business experience in Fortune 50 companies, global nonprofits, and government agencies, she has worked in 40+ countries, served over 300 global organizations, and delivers over 100+ paid presentations a year . She’s been featured in nationally acclaimed publications including, but not limited to: Forbes, Fortune Magazine, CEO Magazine, Harvard Business Review, and Oprah Daily.
Dr. Shirley Davis is a best-selling author of Living Beyond “What If?” and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion For Dummies (2022). Her other popular titles include Reinvent Yourself and Inclusive Leadership For Dummies (2024). A LinkedIn Learning author with 9 leadership courses—one of which was named among the Top 20 Most Popular Courses of 2024—she also holds over 10 professional certifications and 4 earned degrees, including a Ph.D. in Business and Organizational Leadership. Dr. Davis serves on the national board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is a member of the NSA Million Dollar Speakers Group, Women Corporate Directors, and Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. A few of her many accolades include the prestigious Toastmasters International’s Golden Gavel Award (2022), induction into Inclusion Magazine’s Hall of Fame (2021), and the national title of Ms. American United States (2000). Driven by a lifelong passion for philanthropy, she co-founded the Dr. Shirley Davis Foundation with her daughter, Gabrielle Victoria, to uplift individuals and businesses through coaching, resources, and strategic development.
Dr. Davis is a popular LinkedIn Learning instructor with numerous courses on leadership, culture transformation, and DEI. Her courses have over 300,000 enrollments and she was ranked among the Top 20 Most Popular of 2024.
Accolades and Memberships
From the stage to the studio, the boardroom to the community
Helping You Thrive—in Every Area of Life
Dr. Shirley Davis is passionate about empowering people to grow personally, professionally, and purposefully. Her work spans every aspect of life—from inspiring audiences and transforming workplaces to uplifting communities and nurturing faith and family.
Speaking
Dr. Shirley delivers powerful, practical, and motivational keynotes that leave audiences energized and equipped. From the stage to the screen, her message shifts mindsets and sparks transformation.
→ Ready to inspire your audience? Explore highlights or book her for your next event.
Training, Coaching, and Consulting
Dr. Shirley creates customized learning experiences that sharpen leadership, strengthen culture, and unleash the full potential of every team. She also partners with executives and organizations to develop people-first strategies that lead to meaningful, lasting results—especially in times of transition, growth, or transformation.
→ Bring your team into the room. Discover programs designed for today’s workplace.
Philanthropy
Through her 501(c)(3) organization, Dr. Shirley offers vital resources, training, and opportunities to support individuals and communities facing social and economic challenges.
Our mission is to Motivate, Cultivate, Elevate, Celebrate those striving to overcome adversity by providing educational resources, mentorship, development programs, scholarships, and strategic partnerships. Through these efforts, we transform aspirations into achievements and accelerate success for those who need it most.
→ Join the movement. Support the work, apply for services, or partner with us.
Dr. Shirley Davis proudly serves as a National Board Member for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization dedicated to creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. With a mission rooted in hope, strength, and transformation, Make-A-Wish brings joy and renewed resilience to children and their families during some of life’s most challenging moments. As a passionate advocate for equity and empowerment, Dr. Davis brings her global leadership experience, strategic insight, and deep compassion to the board—helping to shape the Foundation’s vision, amplify its impact, and ensure that every eligible child has the opportunity to experience the power of a wish.
Podcast – Parental Advisory
Dr. Shirley and her daughter Gabrielle offer a heartfelt, hilarious take on life, family, and faith across generations—all with love and a whole lot of wisdom.
→ Tune in and laugh with us. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Let’s Journey Together
There’s so much more to explore.
Whether you’re here to learn, give, or simply grow, this is your invitation to take the next step.
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