The Founder
About David
Behavioral transformation expert. Neuroscience-informed coach. Founder of The I AM Project.
The Beginning
A life shaped by adversity and purpose
C. David Gilks is an internationally recognized expert in behavioral transformation, neuroscience-informed coaching, and integrated health systems. Born in 1965 in rural Newcastle, Canada, David's early life was marked by adversity formative challenges that would later become the foundation for his life's work.
At 28, while living in southern Portugal and drifting through life, David was struck by a realization: If his presence didn't make a difference, then his absence wouldn't either. That moment of clarity sparked a radical return to purpose. He returned to Canada and began rebuilding his life from the ground up.
The Journey
From natural health care to elite performance
David's journey began in natural health care, where he completed a three-year internship and earned accreditations as a Chartered Herbalist and Bio-Kinesiologist. His path led him into the fitness industry, where he evolved into a highly respected authority in health, wellness, and rehabilitation. Under the mentorship of Dr. Michael Jones (former professor at Berkeley), David ran a successful private Medical Fitness Centre in Nanaimo, BC for over 16 years.
In his late 40s, David entered the world of competitive bodybuilding, earning eleven podium finishes including national-level representation for Canada in the IFBB. His physical success became a metaphor for deeper truths: that transformation is possible at any age, and that identity is not fixed it's trainable.
"Transformation is possible at any age. Identity is not fixed it is trainable."
The Work
Founding The I AM Project
With over 30 years of professional experience, David began to observe a crucial insight: physical transformation is impossible without cognitive and emotional integration. His early discoveries around neuroplasticity, faulty neural maps, and imbalanced training patterns led to the development of Cog-Kinetics, a thinkβfeelβdo methodology proven effective in a small university study in 2007. This pioneering model validated what David had long observed: real change begins in the brain.
As his work evolved, so did his vision. David founded The I AM Project β a neuroscience-based, spiritually grounded framework for transformation that merges movement, mindset, and meaning. Drawing from ancient wisdom, modern neuroscience, and a deep understanding of human behavior, The I AM Project helps clients recalibrate their identity at the deepest level β physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Today, David's work spans the globe, guiding executives, athletes, and everyday seekers through structured transformation processes rooted in character, clarity, and core strength. His central message remains: You're not broken. You're just overdue for a recalibration.
Experience & Credentials
30+ years of integrated expertise
Over three decades of professional practice spanning natural health, fitness, rehabilitation, and behavioral coaching.
National-level competitive bodybuilding representation for Canada in the IFBB β proof that identity is trainable at any age.
Ran a successful private Medical Fitness Centre in Nanaimo, BC under the mentorship of Dr. Michael Jones (Berkeley).
Accredited after a three-year internship in natural health care β the foundation of his integrated health approach.
Certified MEDP with advanced training in Neurolinguistics and the behavioral integration of mind and body.
Guiding executives, athletes, and everyday seekers worldwide through structured transformation processes.
