Stephen M. R. Covey

Stephen M. R. Covey, a distinguished figure in the field of leadership and trust, has etched his name as a pioneering keynote speaker and author, profoundly impacting the global leadership landscape. Stephen's profound insights and innovative approaches to fostering trust within organisations have made him a beacon for leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern business environment. His seminal work, "The Speed of Trust", not only achieved bestseller status with The New York Times and Wall Street Journal but also resonated with a global audience, being translated into 22 languages and selling over 2 million copies worldwide. Stephen M. R. Covey's role as an international speaker has allowed him to share his insights on trust and leadership across 56 countries, influencing a diverse array of sectors from business to healthcare.

Before his acclaim as an author, Stephen demonstrated his leadership acumen as the CEO of Covey Leadership Center. Under his guidance, the centre saw unprecedented growth, becoming the world’s largest leadership development company. Stephen's strategic vision was instrumental in propelling his father, Dr. Stephen R. Covey's book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People", to monumental success, further cementing the Covey brand as a cornerstone in leadership thought. Stephen's tenure as President and CEO of the Covey Leadership Center is marked by remarkable achievements, including nearly doubling revenues and increasing profits twelvefold. His leadership expanded the company’s global reach to over 40 countries, significantly enhancing its value and brand recognition. The culmination of his efforts was the strategic merger with Franklin Quest, which not only elevated shareholder value from $2.4 million to $160 million but also created FranklinCovey, a powerhouse in leadership development.

In addition to his corporate successes, Stephen co-founded CoveyLink, a consulting practice aimed at leveraging trust to drive organisational performance. This initiative underscored his commitment to transforming leadership paradigms through the foundational element of trust. The merging of CoveyLink with FranklinCovey to form the Global Speed of Trust Practice further amplifies his influence, enabling leaders worldwide to incorporate trust-based strategies into their operations. Covey's educational background, including an MBA from Harvard, complements his practical experience, providing him with a unique perspective that enriches his writings and speaking engagements. As a global practice leader and a board member on several prestigious councils, he continues to shape the discourse on trust and leadership. His recognition with the Lifetime Achievement Award for “Top Thought Leaders in Trust” epitomises his contributions to the field.

Stephen M. R. Covey's ability to connect with audiences and impart practical wisdom has established him as a sought-after speaker, whose teachings not only inspire but also enable organisations to cultivate environments where trust and leadership thrive. Through his work, Stephen has not only continued the legacy of leadership excellence associated with his family name but has also charted new territories in the understanding and application of trust as a pivotal component of effective leadership.