There are speakers who motivate. There are speakers who entertain. And there are speakers who teach. Steve Gilliland does all three! A member of the Speaker Hall of Fame, Steve is one of the world’s most sought-after and highest-rated professional speakers. For nearly three decades, he has captivated more than two million people across all 50 states and 22 countries, speaking to organizations representing 65 industries. What makes Steve different is his rare ability to make people laugh, think, feel, and act, often within the same five minutes. A master storyteller, he combines humor, inspiration, leadership, motivation, and practical business wisdom into presentations that are as entertaining as they are transformational. Steve doesn’t deliver a speech. He creates an experience. As one newspaper perfectly described him: “Steve is what happens when the humor of a ‘G’-rated comedian collides with the inspiration of a motivational speaker.”
Beyond his remarkable speaking career, Steve is also a highly accomplished and prolific writer. He’s an eight-time bestselling author, with titles such as Detour, Enjoy The Ride, Hide Your Goat, If Leadership Is a Game, These Are the Rules, It Is What You Make It, Making a Difference, The Cherry on Top, and Turn the Page. His impact as an author earned him the distinction of Author of the Year. His thought-provoking writing style makes his articles a favorite with prominent national magazines. He influences the lives of millions through his presentations, books, audio products and videos. An extensive array of these products has been utilized by small businesses, Fortune 500 companies, U.S. and Canadian government agencies, churches, school districts and nonprofit organizations. Speaking the language of active business leaders, his books and other resources identify practical lessons that grow people and their businesses.
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Steve built a multimillion-dollar company from the ground up on the same philosophy he expounds to his audiences. If you continually learn more about your company, your industry, your customer and yourself, you will always be a leader. You will be purpose-driven rather than process-driven, and you will make a difference. His motto is straightforward: “If you take care of people, the business will follow.” He has been recognized by Who’s Who for Speakers and Business Professionals, and The Pittsburgh Business Times named his company one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the region. Steve also served as vice chair on a credit union’s board of directors. In 2017, he and his wife Diane established the Gilliland Foundation to support children battling cancer and their families and improve the lives of the underprivileged.
Steve was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, earned his bachelor’s degree from Grove City College in Pennsylvania, and now calls North Carolina home. His work, however, takes him around the world, where he has had the privilege of connecting with people from virtually every walk of life. Away from the stage, Steve is a proud grandfather of five grandsons and three granddaughters, a devoted father of two sons and two stepsons, and a loving husband to his wife, Diane. Much of what defines him today he learned at the knee of his highly principled Christian mother, who instilled in him deep compassion for people, an unwavering commitment to hard work, and the importance of living a balanced, purposeful life. Steve doesn't simply challenge people to change; he inspires and motivates them to believe they can. He believes success isn't measured only by what you accomplish, but by the difference you make in the lives of the people you meet along the way.
Everyone who hears his message leaves with a renewed sense of enthusiasm for who they are and for what really matters.
