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Steve Walker    

Transformational Leadership Speaker, Founder of Integrity and Joy LLC, Former U.S. Diplomat, Educator & Activist

Steve Walker is a dynamic leadership speaker and founder of Integrity and Joy LLC, specializing in values-driven leadership, personal development, and transformational change. With a career shaped by his principled resignation from the U.S. State Department over its policy during the Bosnia genocide, Walker combines his extensive experience in diplomacy, activism, and education to inspire individuals and organizations to lead with integrity and purpose.

Walker began his career as a U.S. diplomat until his public resignation in 1993. From 1993 to 1998, he was Director of the American Committee to Save Bosnia and other organizations, leading advocacy campaigns that shaped U.S. foreign policy and coordinated efforts to halt the atrocities in the Balkans. Walker then became an educator, eventually running a leading innovative lab school.

Walker has appeared on CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS and in publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Boston Globe. He has spoken at Stanford University, Brown University, Amherst College, Georgetown University, the US Air Force Academy, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the US Congress, and other prestigious universities and organizations.

Speech Topics

Leading with Integrity: The Foundation of Lasting Success

In a world where leadership is often measured by short-term gains and faith in core institutions and leaders is at an all-time low, this talk highlights the long-term power of leading with integrity. Drawing from personal experiences, including a principled resignation over U.S. foreign policy, Steve explores how aligning actions with values creates sustainable success and trust within organizations. This session is ideal for leaders looking to foster ethical leadership and authentic workplace cultures.

Attendee Results:

  • Understand the core principles of integrity-driven leadership.
  • Learn how to cultivate trust and long-term loyalty within teams.
  • Gain actionable insights into aligning personal values with professional goals.

The Joyful Leader: Cultivating Resilience and Purpose in Leadership

Leadership is not just about making decisions—it’s about finding joy and purpose even in the face of challenges. In this session, Steve shares how leaders can cultivate emotional resilience and maintain a sense of purpose that energizes their teams. Through stories of transformation, this talk demonstrates the power of leading with joy, optimism, and vision.

Attendee Results:

  • Learn practical strategies for building resilience in leadership.
  • Discover how cultivating joy can lead to greater workplace engagement.
  • Develop a leadership mindset that inspires teams through purpose and optimism.

Navigating Transitions with Integrity and Joy

Whether it’s a career change, personal crisis, or organizational shift, navigating transitions can be challenging. This talk draws on Steve’s unique life experiences—resigning from the U.S. State Department and shifting between diplomacy, activism, and education—to offer actionable steps for managing change with grace and integrity. Attendees will learn how to embrace uncertainty while staying true to their core values.

Attendee Results:

  • Master techniques for managing personal and professional transitions.
  • Learn how to stay grounded in values during periods of uncertainty.
  • Discover the power of reframing challenges as opportunities for growth.

From Crisis to Opportunity: Harnessing the Power of Integrity in Leadership

Every crisis holds the potential for transformation. This talk delves into how leaders can use integrity as their guiding force in times of crisis, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. Steve shares his personal story of resigning in protest from the U.S. State Department and how it led to some of the most meaningful moments of his life and career, offering attendees a blueprint for navigating their own crises with courage and purpose.

Attendee Results:

  • Learn how to reframe crises as opportunities for leadership growth.
  • Discover tools for maintaining integrity under pressure.
  • Gain insights on leading teams through uncertainty with strength and vision.

Harnessing Disruptive Innovation: Transforming Education for the Future

In an age of rapid technological advancement, disruptive innovation is reshaping industries—and education is no exception. In this forward-thinking talk, Steve explores how educators, administrators, and leaders can embrace disruptive innovation to prepare students for an uncertain future. Drawing on global experience in leadership and education, Steve discusses how technologies like AI, personalized learning, and digital platforms are revolutionizing traditional models. Systemic challenges like climate change demand a massive reimagining of education at the K-12 and collegiate levels. He also emphasizes the role of integrity and emotional intelligence in navigating this transformation, ensuring that human values remain at the heart of education.

Attendee Results:

  • Understand the key principles of disruptive innovation and its impact on education.
  • Learn how to leverage emerging technologies to create more adaptive and personalized learning environments.
  • Gain strategies for balancing technological advancements with core human values in educational leadership.
  • Explore how innovation can enhance student engagement and outcomes.

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