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Steve Gilliland

Steve Gilliland, CSP, CPAE

Hire the most entertaining and motivational speaker today! Entertaining. Inspiring. Real.

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Price range

  • $7,500 - $12,500
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Expert

  • Attitude
  • Change
  • Emcees
  • Inspirational
  • Leadership
  • Motivation
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Experience

  • Associations
  • Automotive
  • Banking
  • Building & Construction
  • Communication
  • Consulting
  • Consumer Products/Goods
  • Contracting
  • Corporate
  • Education
  • Electronics
  • Energy
  • Engineering
  • Executive Coaching
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Government
  • Information Services
  • Insurance
  • Law/Legal
  • Leadership Consulting
  • Manufacturing
  • Marketing
  • Meeting Planning
  • Natural Resources
  • Public Relations
  • Publishing
  • Restaurant
  • Retail
  • Sales
  • Technology
  • Telecommunications
  • Transportation
  • Travel
  • Utilities
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Career

  • 26 Years
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  • About
    The Speaker
    A member of the Speaker Hall of Fame, Steve Gilliland is one of the most in-demand and top-rated speakers in the world. Recognized as a master storyteller and brilliant comedian, he can be heard daily on SiriusXM Radio’s Laugh USA and Jeff & Larry’s Comedy Roundup. With an appeal that transcends barriers of age, culture and occupation—plus an interactive and entertaining style—Steve shows audiences how to open doors to success in their careers, their relationships and their lives.  Presenting to over 250,000 people a year, more than two million have now heard him speak, with audiences encompassing 51 industries. Steve has the distinction of speaking in all 50 states and in 15 countries. As one newspaper stated, “Steve is what happens when the humor of a stand-up comic collides with the inspiration of a motivational speaker.”

    The Businessman
    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.

    The Author
    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.

    The Person
    Steve was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, resides in North Carolina and travels throughout the world. He received his bachelor’s degree from Grove City College (PA). He 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. He learned great compassion for people and a commitment to a hard work and balanced life ethic at the knee of his highly principled Christian mother. Whether Steve is speaking at an event, writing about current issues that impact others or leading his own employees, he is not just a person who challenges people to change, he motivates them to do so. Steve’s vision is to wake up every morning and help people see the light at the end
    of the tunnel by being the light in the tunnel.
  • Video Clips
  • Topics

    Keynote OR Breakout | Educational | Humorous | Inspirational

    A blueprint for getting the most out of life, ENJOY THE RIDE is a hilarious and brilliantly conceived keynote that causes people to examine where they are personally and professionally. It lifts people up and inspires them to evolve and appreciate, rather than simply maintain and exist. The three key points in this presentation are: Check Your Passion – Love what you do; never forget why you do it, Cure Your Destination Disease – Live more for today, less for tomorrow and never about yesterday, Refocus Your Attention – Decide what’s important and never take it for granted.

    Takeaway Message – If you want to achieve true success and fulfillment, you must first discover an enthusiasm for your work and personal life. Decide where you are heading, get on the bus, choose the right seat and Enjoy The Ride!

    Keynote OR Breakout

    Focusing on the conscious choices we make every day that impact the lives of others, MAKING A DIFFERENCE is an eye-opening and heartfelt keynote detailing how to positively influence people in every imaginable way, regardless of position or status. Each of us has the potential to transform the culture of an organization through our actions and attitude. This presentation centers on three empowering dynamics: Purpose – It drives you, Passion – It fuels you, Pride –  It defines you.

    Takeaway Message – While we don’t always know what challenges face the people we meet every day, we do have the power to bring them hope. That hope can multiply a thousand times over and spread throughout the world exponentially. This is the essential, motivating truth behind Making a Difference!

    Keynote OR Breakout

    Our fast-paced and stress-filled schedules open the gate to allow people and circumstances every opportunity to “get our goat.” HIDE YOUR GOAT puts into perspective how your daily life intersects with people of diverse backgrounds, opinions, and personalities. In this eye-opening session, Steve Gilliland shows how to avoid being robbed of the opportunity to perform at peak performance because of negativity. Key Takeaways: How to head off conflict when negativity runs rampant & how to improve your own outlook; How to deal with by-products of bad attitudes; How to assign the right value to every situation & not give people permission to ruin your day.

    Keynote | Inspirational | Motivational

    Leadership isn’t optional; it’s essential. In today’s fast-moving world, the ability to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact sets you apart. This powerful session is built for leaders at every stage, whether you’re sharpening your core skills or driving transformational change. Backed by 40+ years of real-world leadership experience, you’ll gain practical tools, fresh perspective, and the confidence to lead with greater purpose. IF LEADERSHIP IS A GAME, THESE ARE THE RULES will elevate your influence, ignite change, and leave a lasting mark on your team, organization, and future.

    Key Takeaways:

    • You will understand your leadership style, strengths, blind spots, and how your behavior impacts others.
    • You will acquire the skills to manage emotions, communicate empathetically, build trust, and lead through challenges with composure.
    • You will increase your ability to make thoughtful decisions, own outcomes, and foster a culture of accountability.
    • You will learn to increase employee morale and how to coach and motivate, and grow others, while creating space for collaboration and ownership.
    • You will obtain the mindset to navigate change, overcome setbacks, and lead others through uncertainty.
    • You will increase your belief in your ability to lead with purpose, values, and integrity.
    • You will leave with an action plan for continued growth, including what to do, change, or implement starting now, so that your learning turns into action.

    Keynote OR Breakout | Humorous | Motivational

    WHAT ADDS VALUE
    We all have different measures and definitions of what it means to be successful, and no one defi­nition is right or wrong. We’re all familiar with the common success factors; however, the number one thing you can do to ensure success personally and professionally is to add value. This program is about how to develop and deliver value in everything you do. Organiza­tions with great cultures add value to their people, their products and their services.

    Key Takeaways:

    How to step away from our own agendas and see what is necessary to add value

    How to differentiate yourself from others and be recognized as the best

    How to improve the efficiency of the process 

    Keynote OR Breakout

    Whether you’re experiencing mild transitions now or will undergo massive reorganizations in the future, change is inevitable within every successful organization. DETOUR provides solutions to reduce stress, eliminate fear and increase performance during such times. Steve Gilliland reveals how to navigate life’s turns when you’re suddenly headed on a course you never planned and into a future you never imagined. Key Takeaways: How to feel more in control when the change is out of your control; How to prepare for any kind of change, remain productive and use it to your advantage; How to build resiliency & grit as you cope with change.

    Keynote OR Breakout | Humorous | Motivational

    FOLLOW ME

    ABOUT THE PROGRAM 

    Leadership is the single most important skill you can use to improve your business. Follow Me will help you develop the qualities of good leadership that are essential for career and organizational success. Steve Gilliland has a proven track record in leadership and will teach valuable insights, proven to work in a real-world environment. This course will show you how to develop exceptional leaders and retain great employees through timeless principles that, when applied in your own life and the life of your organization, will influence positive change. 

    WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: 

    ” The myths, phases, emphasis and purpose of leadership. 

    ” The styles, mindsets, differentiators and essentials of a leader. 

    ” Your voice, roles, qualities and principles as a leader. 

    ” Understand why negativity continues, how to change your input and output, and how to use your ACE to diffuse unconstructive behavior. 

    ” Types of conflict, barriers to conflict resolution, constructive conflict management and how to assertively confront people. 

    ” The six generations, their beliefs, common complaints among generations and how to bridge the gap. 

    ” The communication essentials, how to avoid the A.D.R. cycle, the art of listening and the four basic truths for effective communication. 

    ” The blind spots to problem-solving, four steps to consider when problem-solving, essentials to problem-solving and the six thinking hats to guarantee maximum thought process. 

    ” Why people resist change, keys to leading through change, do’s and don’ts when administering change and four critical questions to answer.


    WHAT YOU WILL COVER: 

    ” Defining Leadership 

    ” Defining a Leader 

    ” Defining Yourself as a Leader 

    ” Dealing with Negativity

    ” Dealing with Conflict 

    ” Managing the Generation Gap 

    ” Communication Skills 

    ” Problem-Solving Skills 

    ” Leading Through Change 


    HOW YOU WILL BENEFIT 

    This comprehensive program is uniquely designed to help leaders be ready for their new challenges and responsibilities. You’ll discover the heart, soul and mind of true leadership. Through self-assessment tests and other leadership training scenarios, you’ll explore leadership roles as a strategist, change agent, coach, manager, communicator and mentor.

    Keynote | Audience Participation | Entertainment | Humorous | Motivational

    Steve is a gifted communicator and is a wonderful emcee. (See video clips in the video tab)

  • Testimonials
    Thumbs Up icon An icon of a thumbs up

    “We would like to express our deepest thanks to you and your team. Your talk was so inspiring as well as thought provoking. The audio and video delivery were awesome. I personally learned a lot, and I know our coworkers did, too. Your virtual presentation helped a lot to improve our current situation. You and your team over-delivered on your promise, and you lived out your words.”

    A.O. Smith Corporation Chen L.
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    “Your message is a gift that needs to be heard by everyone in America. The first time I heard you it was entertaining, thought-provoking and brilliant. The second time I heard you it was life-changing.”

    Kaiser Permanente Susan A.
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    “When I decided to hire you again, my only concern was how you would top the first presentation. The standing ovation you received after presenting Making a Difference to our employees speaks for itself.”

    Fort Lee Federal Credit Union Patsy S.
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    “I have been struggling to come up with a word that would correctly encompass the impact that you made at our company Christmas party. WOW just doesn't even do it justice!”

    Adams Land & Cattle Co. Stephanie M.
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    “I have been struggling to come up with a word that would correctly encompass the impact that you made at our company Christmas party. WOW just doesn't even do it justice!”

    Adams Land & Cattle Co. Stephanie M.
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    “Listening to Steve, you are either crying from laughter or tearing up from emotion!”

    Kansas Cooperative Council Natalie N.
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    “Listening to Steve, you are either crying from laughter or tearing up from emotion!”

    Kansas Cooperative Council Natalie N.
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    “The quality of Steve's program was top notch. His speaking ability is highly effective, and our employees were engaged throughout. His ability to articulate and deliver his speech will keep our employees discussing his presentation for the rest of the week and beyond.”

    US ARMY Garfield B.
    Thumbs Up icon An icon of a thumbs up

    “The quality of Steve's program was top notch. His speaking ability is highly effective, and our employees were engaged throughout. His ability to articulate and deliver his speech will keep our employees discussing his presentation for the rest of the week and beyond.”

    US ARMY Garfield B.
    Thumbs Up icon An icon of a thumbs up

    “Steve Gilliland has truly made a difference in the lives of these instructors and has had a positive and enduring effect on this organization.”

    US Marine Corps Colonel Robert O.
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    “Steve Gilliland has truly made a difference in the lives of these instructors and has had a positive and enduring effect on this organization.”

    US Marine Corps Colonel Robert O.
We would like to express our deepest thanks to you and your team. Your talk was so inspiring as well as thought provoking. The audio and video delivery were awesome. I personally learned a lot, and I know our coworkers did, too. Your virtual presentation helped a lot to improve our current situation. You and your team over-delivered on your promise, and you lived out your words.
A.O. Smith Corporation Chen L.