Meet Steve Steele of Ft. Worth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Steele.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
A Journey of Transformation

My life began in the whirlwind of a military family. As a “military brat,” I was raised in the unique lifestyle that came with my father’s twenty years of service in the Air Force. This meant frequent moves across the country, often from one base to another. The back seat of our car became my second home, filled with the sights and sounds of America as we traveled.

By the time I reached junior high and high school, I had attended eight different schools. This constant change made it challenging to forge lasting friendships. Just as I began to connect with others, we would pack up and move again, leaving me feeling more like a visitor than a resident in each new place.

In 1974, my father retired from the military, and I was on the brink of college. My parents had dreams for me—a stable and successful future in aviation. However, aviation was never my passion. As I began my first semester, I struggled with how to tell my parents that I wanted to pursue a different path: music.

Gathering my courage, I called a family meeting in the living room. My mother sat beside me, while my father stood with his arms crossed, exuding that familiar military demeanor. I felt my heart race as I expressed my desire to become a musician instead of following their wishes for an aviation career.

My mother’s eyes filled with tears, and my father, maintaining his stoic expression, took her hand and led her to the kitchen. They were gone for what felt like an eternity, leaving me on the couch, anxiety swirling in my chest.

When they returned, my father’s expression had softened. He said something I would never forget: “Steve, I didn’t spend 20 years in the military so you wouldn’t have the choice to do what you want in life. But promise me one thing—whatever you do, jump as high as you can, and the high will forever be your neck.” In that moment, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. My life was about to change.

Emboldened by my father’s support, I pursued a music degree and eventually became a worship pastor. This role allowed me to wear many hats, including that of a youth pastor. One of my first responsibilities was to lead a group of kids from Fort Worth, Texas, to a youth camp in Colorado.

Tragedy struck on that trip when our bus was involved in a horrific accident, flipping onto its side and skidding down the highway for about 150 yards before catching fire. Thankfully, no children were killed, but we lost everything we had on that bus. The emotional aftermath was challenging, and it took time for all of us to heal.

I dedicated the next 25 years to serving in various church roles, leading worship and mentoring others. However, in 2004, I faced a pivotal moment that prompted me to leave the ministry and transition to corporate America. Over the next 23 years, I worked in various roles, including twelve years with Starbucks Coffee Company as a workshop facilitator and store manager, followed by ten years as an executive team leader and mentor at Target.

In 2020, as the pandemic hit, I joined the John Maxwell leadership team as a speaker, coach, and workshop facilitator, focusing on mindset and diversity. However, life threw another curveball at me when I went through a divorce around the same time. The stress from my professional life compounded, leading to anxiety and uncertainty.

To make matters worse, I became a victim of a crypto scam, losing several thousand dollars. I felt utterly defeated, lying flat on my back and staring at the ceiling, overwhelmed by loss and frustration.

Recognizing that I needed a change, I took a three-month sabbatical from work. During this time, I focused on my mental health and personal development, engaging in inner child work and seeking guidance from various coaches. This transformative journey helped me regain my footing and reshape my mindset.

Today, I am back to speaking, coaching, and facilitating workshops, and I absolutely love what I do. My journey has been one of resilience and growth, and I am passionate about helping others understand that if I can overcome life’s obstacles, they can too. My transformation is not just my story; it’s a beacon of hope for anyone navigating their own challenges.

I am now a certified Keynote Speaker, Coach, and Trainer with the John Maxwell Leadership Team. With over 45 years of experience in leadership roles across non-profits and the corporate sector, I bring extensive knowledge to effective leadership. A native of Texas and a resident of Fort Worth since 1980, I hold an Executive MBA from Colorado Tech University and dual certifications in Executive Management and Business Administration.

I also co-host the international radio talk show, “The Leader’s Edge!”, where I share insights to inspire leaders worldwide. My commitment to empowering others and fostering a culture of excellence makes me a sought-after figure in leadership development, dedicated to transformative practices that drive success and innovation.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Steve Steele is a certified and licensed Keynote Speaker, Coach, and Trainer affiliated with the esteemed John Maxwell Leadership Team. With over 25 years of leadership experience in non-profit organizations and more than 23 years in the corporate sector, Steve offers a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on effective leadership. A native Texan, he has called Ft. Worth home since 1980.

He holds an Executive MBA from Colorado Tech University and holds dual business certifications in Executive Management and Business Administration. This educational background, combined with his extensive experience, positions him as a leading facilitator in Leadership Development, Personal Growth, and Coaching.
In addition to his speaking, coaching, and training endeavors,

Most proud of:

Steve hosts the international talk show radio program, “The Leader’s Edge!” Through this platform, he shares valuable insights and strategies designed to inspire leaders globally. His multifaceted approach to leadership development not only enhances individual capabilities but also fosters a culture of excellence within organizations. Steve’s commitment to empowering others makes him a sought-after leader in the field, dedicated to cultivating transformative leadership practices that drive success and innovation.

Speaker Brand

Setbacks are a part of the entrepreneurial journey, with nearly 50% of new businesses failing within five years due to various challenges. Leaders face both expected and unforeseen obstacles, and it’s up to them to rise to the occasion. With 45 years of leadership development experience, Steve Steele presents a transformative three-step process designed for scaling entrepreneurs and business leaders. This approach helps them build valuable connections and recognize the impact of their environment on success. Audiences will learn to navigate adversity, foster resilience, and adopt empowering beliefs that propel them toward their highest potential.

“I empower scaling entrepreneurs and business leaders to overcome adversity through bold actionable strategies… allowing them to foster growth and resilience in their ventures.”

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Taking risks is essential for personal and professional growth, as it encourages stepping out of comfort zones and embracing uncertainty. It’s important to assess potential outcomes to mitigate unnecessary risks while remaining open to new opportunities. Failure can serve as a valuable teacher, allowing individuals to learn from mistakes and move forward more effectively. By modeling risk-taking behavior, leaders can inspire others to innovate and take calculated chances. Adopting a growth mindset helps view risks as avenues for new experiences, while finding the right balance between taking risks and exercising caution is key to effective decision-making. Ultimately, managing risk wisely can lead to significant rewards.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/stevesteele/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steve.steele1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steve.steele1 and https://www.facebook.com/Growthileadership
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ststeele
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theleadersedgeradioshow
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/TheLeadersEdgeRadioshow