A record of shared work

Leadership,
in their words.

Perspectives from the people I’ve led, partnered with, and learned alongside.

These recommendations describe the work, the decisions, and the relationships behind it.

Headlines summarize each perspective. Quotations retain the writer’s wording.

Professional perspectives

The work, from another point of view.

Leading people, asking useful questions, and making progress together.

10 recommendations

01 / Leadership

Building teams. Shaping strategy.

“He has demonstrated he can play in both a leader and contributor role. His knowledge in digital learning theory and practice, HR, evidence-based research, data and analysis, and performance management would add value to any team.”

Laura Mierzejewski, MADirector of Enterprise Learning Excellence, Nationwide InsuranceFormer manager

02 / Leadership

Leadership that empowers and elevates.

“Dennis doesn’t just lead—he empowers. His leadership and mentorship have not only shaped my career but have also influenced how I approach challenges and opportunities in all aspects of life.”

Trinidad HuertaLead Data EngineerFormer direct report
Read full recommendation from Trinidad Huerta

I can confidently say that Dennis is the best leader I have ever had the opportunity to work under. His ability to balance strategic vision, vast expertise, strong execution capabilities, and genuine care for his team is unparalleled. He creates an environment where innovation, growth, and collaboration thrive—constantly challenging us to improve while providing unwavering guidance and support to deliver outstanding results.

Dennis doesn’t just lead—he empowers. His leadership and mentorship have not only shaped my career but have also influenced how I approach challenges and opportunities in all aspects of life. By leading with confidence, integrity, empathy, and commitment, he brings out the best in those around him, and his impact is felt long after the work is done.

I cannot recommend Dennis enough. Any organization would be incredibly fortunate to have him. He is not just a boss—he is a leader in every sense of the word.

LinkedIn recommendation.

03 / Strategy

The questions others miss.

“In many groups I've been in, Dennis asked critical questions that no one else did. He is brilliant at illuminating any conversation through research and informed perspectives.”

Aaron StoutDirector, Digital Workplace Experience, NationwideFormer teammate
Read full recommendation from Aaron Stout

Dennis has truly helped me become a better person both personally and professionally. He demonstrated a commitment to excellence in everything he does. In many groups I've been in, Dennis asked critical questions that no one else did. He is brilliant at illuminating any conversation through research and informed perspectives. I highly recommend Dennis to any team that could benefit from building an approach to better understand their customers to improve their success!

LinkedIn recommendation.

04 / Leadership

Seeing potential. Developing people.

“Dennis has a rare talent for recognizing potential in others and guiding them toward both personal and professional growth.”

Matthew GesseAI Innovation Lead | Learning Technology StrategistFormer direct report
Read full recommendation from Matthew Gesse

I highly recommend Dennis for any role in Leadership his experience in data, user experience, and design can't go unnoticed. Having directly reported to him, I’ve seen firsthand that his leadership and influence extend far beyond any single focus. What truly sets him apart is his ability to inspire, motivate, and bring out the best in those around him.

Dennis has a rare talent for recognizing potential in others and guiding them toward both personal and professional growth. He genuinely cares about his team’s development and interests while ensuring alignment with a larger vision. His leadership is both refreshing and impactful, making him an exceptional asset to any organization.

LinkedIn recommendation.

05 / Leadership

Leading growth through change.

“Dennis consistently delivered high quality work products, met or exceeded deadlines, and assisted his colleagues at every opportunity. ... He is a strong leader and human performance strategist.”

Elaine Hiatt, PhDCampus President | Former Academic Dean, AIAMFormer direct supervisor

06 / Strategy

Connecting people. Inspiring progress.

“Dennis brings a wealth of training knowledge, leadership experience, and innovative insight to our team.”

Candace Dark, MBA, M.Ed.Executive Leader | Emerging & Disruptive MedTech | Business Development | Strategic Program Growth & ExpansionFormer colleague, James Cancer Hospital transition team
Read full recommendation from Candace Dark, MBA, M.Ed.

I have had the great pleasure and opportunity to work alongside Dennis Griffin. Dennis and I have worked together on the Transition and Occupancy Training Team for the James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. Dennis brings a wealth of training knowledge, leadership experience, and innovative insight to our team. His extensive background in adult learning and experiential learning has been a valuable skill set that has truly directed and guided our training curriculum.

Dennis is professional, punctual, and accountable for all of the responsibilities and deliverables assigned to him. He always delivers high-quality ideas and products, yet always asks for input and guidance to perfect his craft. He is a team player and works collaboratively not only with our team, but has developed connective relationships that reach throughout the organization and Columbus.

His energy, enthusiasm, and passion for education and leadership development is contagious and inspiring. I feel very fortunate that I have the ability to continue to learn from him daily, and to continue to get to see the presence of his work within our team’s project.

LinkedIn recommendation.

07 / Leadership

Leadership that earns respect.

“His communication and interpersonal skills are excellent.”

Sharla Day, BAManagerFormer direct report
Read full recommendation from Sharla Day, BA

I worked under the leadership of Dennis for three and a half years. He was a pleasure to work with and for. His communication and interpersonal skills are excellent. His leadership and guidance was an added bonus to me, I learned many valuable experiences under his leadership. Dennis is very professional, dependable, takes initiative, and won the respect of all AIAM students with his firm but approachable demeanor. The staff, faculty, and students of AIAM all highly respect and admire Dennis. Working with the student body and faculty, Dennis displayed the utmost respect in any situation and not all situations weren't pleasant.

Dennis would be a valuable asset to any company.

LinkedIn recommendation.

08 / Leadership

Leading with fairness and integrity.

“He was fair, consistent, and very detail oriented. His communication and interpersonal skills were excellent.”

Gari Nelson, MA, MEd.Former direct report
Read full recommendation from Gari Nelson, MA, MEd.

I worked under the supervision of Dennis for almost three years. He was a pleasure to work with. He was fair, consistent, and very detail oriented. His communication and interpersonal skills were excellent. His leadership and guidance impeccable.

I can highly recommend him for any opportunity that he pursues. His optimism and enthusiam are never ending. Dennis is a very talented young man, and will no doubt be an asset to any environment he comes into contact with.

LinkedIn recommendation.

09 / Leadership

Thoughtful leadership. Sound judgment.

“He utilizes his educational background and work experience to develop the best solution to given challenges.”

Karen Virgin, MSMExperienced Education and Business ProfessionalFormer colleague
Read full recommendation from Karen Virgin, MSM

Dennis is a very detail-oriented manager with great organizational skills. He utilizes his educational background and work experience to develop the best solution to given challenges. While working with Dennis he displayed strong people skills and is a team player. Dennis would be a valuable asset to any organization. Working with the student body he showed compassion for their needs while dealing with their issues in very professional manner. He displayed this same trait when working with the faculty that reported to him. Any company would be lucky to have him on their team.

LinkedIn recommendation.

10 / Collaboration

Decisive when it matters.

“He understood that this task required immediate attention; students often made their educational decisions based on which courses would be accepted.”

Maya Reed, BA, MSFormer Admissions CoordinatorFormer colleague
Read full recommendation from Maya Reed, BA, MS

I truly enjoyed working with Dennis. As an Admissions Coordinator I often needed Dennis to approve transfer credits for my students or to verify policies. When other people put this in their "pile" Dennis got to it without haste. He understood that this task required immediate attention; students often made their educational decisions based on which courses would be accepted.

Moreover, his disposition is like any other persons that I have encountered. He is professional and decisive, yet personable. I would recommend him for any position that he aspires to.

LinkedIn recommendation.

A personal note

Good work is always a shared effort.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to write. I appreciate the generosity behind these words and the chance we’ve had to work together.

Explore the work