David H Brown

David H. Brown, born December 28, 1945, is an American author and consultant recognized for developing the time management methodology known as Getting Things Done (GTD). His early life in Shreveport, Louisiana, included participation in acting and debate. He pursued higher education, attending New College and completing graduate studies in American history at the University of California, Berkeley.

Following his academic career, Brown experienced a period of personal struggle, including heroin use and institutionalization. He is also an ordained minister within the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness. Brown has stated he held numerous professions before the age of 35. He began applying his productivity principles to businesses in the 1980s, initially consulting within Lockheed's human resources department. He has since authored several books detailing his productivity system and principles.

David H. Brown is the author of three primary books that expound upon his productivity philosophy. His seminal work, "Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity," outlines the foundational principles of his system. This was followed by "Ready for Anything: 52 Productivity Principles for Work and Life," which compiles articles offering practical advice. "Making It All Work: Winning at the Game of Work and Business of Life" serves as a continuation of his earlier work. In 2015, an updated edition of "Getting Things Done" was released. More recently, in 2024, he co-authored "Team: Getting Things Done with Others," focusing on collaborative efficiency through GTD principles.

Brown's formative years were spent in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he engaged in acting and achieved a state championship in debate. His academic journey led him to New College in Sarasota, Florida, and he later undertook graduate studies in American history at the University of California, Berkeley. Post-university, Brown navigated a challenging period, including struggles with heroin use and a brief institutionalization. He holds ordination as a minister within the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness, indicating a spiritual dimension to his life. Brown has also mentioned having held approximately 35 different professions before reaching the age of 35.