I think its common to ASSUME that keynote speakers thrive on the attention and accolades that come with being on stage.
They are however EXPECTED to be an expert in the subject they speak, tasked with setting the event’s tone through engaging and informative presentations.
However, Steve diverges from the stereotype of the assumptions but hits the nail on the head in the expectations. Let me explain.
He doesn’t seek the spotlight for personal acclaim; but an aspect of of the job is to promote your personal brand. But what I can attest to is why he hits and exceeds the expectations. His priority is to educate, inform, and motivate his audience, using relatable and practical stories. What makes him unique is his philosophy and approach challenges conventional assumptions and encourages reevaluation of routine methods which is experienced during the presentation.
What often goes unnoticed about Steve, despite his status as an accomplished speaker, is the considerable effort he invests in each and every talk. And his preparation routine and mental conditioning the night before a presentation are key to his impactful delivery. This backstage diligence reflects his dedication—not just to perform but to deliver profoundly.
I captured this photo because I always notice that immediately before as well as shortly after a keynote, you’ll find him alone, either in a quiet corner, or the back of the room before his speech fully immersed in his thoughts, probably reflecting on the upcoming presentation or the one that just ended.
This commitment to excellence underscores his focus not on personal glory but on making a meaningful contribution to his audience.
I have the pleasure of always being in the audience, being proud and able to tell him of the job well done. But it’s the small things I note that shows his true intent. The energy I see from when he has an engaged audience, he gets real joy from it.
Today he had the honor of speaking to Metro Milwaukee SHRM and the group was as friendly as the mid-west is known for, and very excited to learn how they as HR practitioners can rethink this is always the way it’s been done.
I personally appreciated the new associations I made with Allison Lackey Peschel, Jeffrey Beiriger, Joey Backus and Jane Wucherer as they and their team worked through every detail to exceed their members expectations.
And fun fact: Steve never takes the stage, he’s always emmersed in the audience as he delivers.
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We're looking forward to seeing you there, and we can't wait for #StaffingWorld!