Don Trahan, Jr., PhD, DBA
Don Trahan Jr., PhD, DBA, is an accomplished organizational change strategist, leadership development professional, educator, and licensed professional counselor with more than 15 years of experience helping organizations strengthen their people, culture, and performance. His work centers on creating inclusive, equitable, and sustainable environments where employees and leaders are positioned to grow, contribute, and thrive.
Throughout his career, Dr. Trahan has partnered with organizations across multiple sectors and industries to assess complex workplace challenges, strengthen leadership capacity, and design business solutions that align with organizational goals, values, and strategic priorities. His approach combines organizational insight, behavioral science, counseling expertise, and measurable performance indicators to help organizations move beyond short-term initiatives and create meaningful, lasting change.
Drawing from his extensive academic preparation and professional experience, Dr. Trahan brings a distinctive interdisciplinary perspective to organizational change and leadership development. He uses research, data, and practical industry knowledge to create innovative and forward-thinking strategies in areas such as organizational culture, employee engagement, leadership effectiveness, inclusion, talent development, and change management.
Dr. Trahan is especially passionate about helping organizations transform their values into measurable actions. His work supports leaders in identifying organizational barriers, developing accountable strategies, improving workplace relationships, and building cultures where inclusion and equity are integrated into everyday practices rather than treated as isolated initiatives. Through thoughtful analysis, targeted metrics, and customized solutions, he helps organizations achieve stronger outcomes while remaining responsive to the needs of their employees and the communities they serve.
Dr. Trahan holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselor Education from the University of New Mexico and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with a specialization in Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus. He is currently completing a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Change and Leadership at the University of Southern California. In addition to his doctoral education, Dr. Trahan has earned professional certificates from Cornell University, Harvard University, and Yale University, further reflecting his commitment to continuous learning, leadership development, and professional excellence.
It is with great excitement that we introduce “Dialogue with Dr. Don”, a new and innovative way of addressing diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and leadership development in a global environment.
Named one of the most inspiring DEI Leaders to follow in 2023, for the last few months, Dr. Don has been working with his team to merge the arts (e.g., music, stepping, dancing) with DEI education and professional development. Signature programming include the following sessions:
“The Struggle to Strength National Tour”
“Black Men and Mental Health Retreat”
“The Process is the Prize”: Journey to PhD and Beyond
“Don’t Give In; Don’t Give Out; Don’t Give Up”
“There Is a Purpose in Your Storm”
“What’s Your Why?”
“Lead with Authencity and Trust”
“Give It A Voice: Mental Health”
“Combating Imposter Syndrome”
“Emotional Intelligence”
“Inclusive: Leadership in a Global Environment”
“Do You Hear What I Hear?”: An introduction to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
“Let’s Talk about Bias”
“Am I Overreacting?”: Everyday Microaggressions
“Do You See What I See?”: The Lens through which we Experience the World
“Harmonizing Diversity – The Rhythm of Inclusion”
Dr. Don is taking his years of experience in Corporate America, academia, consulting, clinical mental health counseling, and professional speaking, and charting a new path with Global Equity Entertainment that will educate and activate audiences.
Creating a culture of belonging for all is the driving force behind “Dialogue with Dr. Don.” While serving as a consultant for a Fortune 500 company, Dr. Don learned that belonging is a key driver of engagement, which is directly correlated with retention, performance, and productivity. He has never been more motivated and eager to expand his reach in order to help companies and institutions cultivate an experience where ALL will feel valued, respected, and supported!!
For more information or to book one of the signature programs, click here
Work With Dr. Don
1. Executive Leadership
Developing leaders who can lead themselves, their teams, and their organizations through complexity and transformation.
- Executive Coaching
- C-Suite Leadership Development
- Executive Presence
- Emotional Intelligence
- Leadership Assessment
- Succession & Pipeline Development
- Executive Team Effectiveness
2. Organizational Transformation
Helping organizations move from where they are to where they need to be—with strategy, people, systems, and culture aligned.
- Organizational Change Management
- Transformation Strategy
- Change Readiness Assessment
- Organizational Climate Assessment
- Culture Transformation
- Strategic Implementation
- Transformation Measurement
3. Organizational Performance & Strategy
Connecting leadership decisions to measurable organizational outcomes.
- Strategic Leadership
- Human Capital Strategy
- Leadership Accountability
- Organizational KPIs
- Business Case Development
- Evidence-Based Management
- Performance & Impact Evaluation
4. Inclusive & Human-Centered Leadership
Helping leaders create organizations where people can contribute, thrive, and perform at their highest level.
- Inclusive Leadership
- Belonging & Engagement
- Cross-Cultural Leadership
- Psychological Safety
- Bias & Decision-Making
- Employee Experience
- DEI Strategy & Organizational Integration
"The process Is The Prize"
