Storytelling Strategist
Transformational Coach
Best-Selling Author
"Trust you are having the right experience,"
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Like all good stories, mine starts with a little bit of trouble.
I’ve walked the path from a rebellious kid growing up in the Bronx in the 1980s to the corridors of corporate America and beyond. Today, I live in San Diego, doing what I love most: coaching, strategic storytelling, digital marketing, speaking, and helping people and organizations build lives and work that actually fit.
Born and raised in New York City, the concrete jungle was my first classroom. I was brought up in an Italian and Polish immigrant family—“off the boat” in the truest sense—which instilled a deep respect for resilience, ambition, and the power of story to break through limitation.
Professional Background
I bring over two decades of experience across transformational coaching, storytelling, marketing, and leadership development.
My work has included:
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Leading and advising on brand and narrative strategy
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Coaching executives and creatives through major transitions
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Developing messaging and story frameworks that support growth, clarity, and engagement
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Building audiences, content ecosystems, and thought leadership initiatives
I’m known for being both strategic and human—able to hold depth without losing momentum, and vision without losing execution."
As we move through life experiences, we realize we have the power to get stronger and transform.
How I Work
My approach is grounded, disciplined, and results-oriented.
I help clients:
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Clarify the story they’re operating from—internally and externally
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Identify where misalignment is slowing decision-making or growth
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Use narrative and writing to surface truth, sharpen direction, and lead more effectively
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Move forward without burnout, performance pressure, or reinvention theater
This work supports leaders and organizations navigating change—not by forcing outcomes, but by reshaping the narrative that drives behavior.
Bio for Press and Media:
Dawn Montefusco is a Narrative Storytelling Strategist and Transformational Executive Coach who helps professionals, creatives, and organizations navigate reinvention and growth by reshaping narrative. Her work blends strategic storytelling, coaching, and writing to change how people think, decide, and lead.
With over two decades of experience, Dawn has guided leaders and creatives through periods of disruption, transition, and expansion—helping them clarify direction, reclaim voice, and build what’s next with intention. She is known for translating complexity into clear, compelling narrative that drives alignment and momentum.
Dawn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Writing and Film from New York University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Eastern Washington University. She is an ICF-certified Transformational Coach through Erickson International. Her background in coaching, storytelling, and leadership development uniquely positions her to support meaningful, lasting change.
