
Steve Gutzler is a widely recognized leadership expert, keynote speaker, and executive coach who specializes in Emotional Intelligence (EI) and human-centered leadership. He is the President of Leadership Quest, a boutique leadership development firm based near Seattle, Washington
$20,000 + $2,500 flat expenses + hotel
Steve Gutzler’s mastery of Emotional Intelligence began
not in a corporate boardroom, but behind the counter at his
father’s diner, Tom’s Pancake House. It was there, at a young age, that he learned to read the room,
connect with people from all walks of life, and understand the profound impact of a genuine,
trusting relationship.
That early education in human connection became the foundation for his acclaimed keynote programs
and workshops. As a master storyteller, Steve captivates audiences by blending powerful stories and
humor with actionable takeaways that drive real change. His expertise is further solidified by his
accreditation in Emotional Intelligence from the Institute for Health and Human Potential (IHHP).
This powerful approach has made him a trusted resource for the world’s leading brands. Steve has
delivered over 2,000 impactful presentations to renowned organizations such as Microsoft, Starbucks,
the Seattle Seahawks, Spotify, Boeing, Cisco, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
He channels these real-world insights into his books, including “Splash: The Ten Remarkable Traits to
Build Momentum in Life and Leadership,” “Lead With No Fear: Your 90-day leader shift to go from
worry, insecurity, and self-doubt to inspiration, clarity, and confidence,” and the “Life & Leadership
Journal: 52 Weeks of Purpose, Mastery, & Self-Reflection.”
Today, Steve is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and thought leader, dedicated to helping
organizations build unbreakable trust and foster strategic partnerships that drive extraordinary growth.
Steve doesn’t just teach connection; he embodies the very lessons he learned from his father, creating
an unforgettable and transformative experience for his audiences worldwide.
Keynote #1 : Emotional Agility : The 5 Shifts to Mastering Change Management
We are living in an era of infinite data, endless distraction, and constant disruption. And let's be honest – traditional change
management is failing. The data tells us that 70% of change initiatives fail. Not because the strategy was flawed. Not because
the spreadsheets were wrong. But because we neglected the most powerful variable in the equation: the human element.
The emotions. The fears that keep people up at night. So here is the real question: How equipped is your team with the
emotional agility to navigate uncertainty when the ground keeps moving beneath their feet?
With over 25 years of corporate experience coaching leaders
through their toughest moments, I've learned one thing for certain:
You cannot lead people through change until you can first lead
them through their emotions. This program doesn't offer another
checklist. It gives your team the mindsets, the strategies, and the
emotional awareness to stop surviving change – and start thriving
in it.
This dynamic, highly interactive experience introduces
The 5 Shifts – a proven framework designed to rewire how you
and your team think about change. You will learn to reduce
resistance, turn disruptive emotions into powerful fuel, and stay
fiercely engaged even when the path forward is unclear.
This Program Is Designed For:
Executive Leaders and Individual Contributors facing the
relentless pace of disruption.
Personal Leaders and Teams seeking new strategies to
navigate shifting landscapes with confidence.
Organizational Leaders charged with building emotionally
intelligent teams that don't crack under pressure.
What Attendees Will Learn:
This is not theory. This is practical, research-backed wisdom you can apply
the moment you return to your team.
1. Shift from Chaos to Calm
Emotions are contagious. Your leaders are either spreading anxiety or calm
—whether they realize it or not. This shift equips them with the tools to find
their center when everything around them is spinning. Your organization
gets leaders who become the steady presence their teams need. Clear
decisions. Composed leadership. Teams that take a deep breath because
their leader took theirs first.
2. Shift from Solo to Collaboration
Here is what happens under pressure: the brain gets hijacked. The
amygdala fires. Leaders go blind to the people around them. This shift arms
your team with the neuroscience of emotional agility—so they can recognize
the hijack before it takes them down. Your organization gets leaders who
don't just survive their own triggers. They tap into the collective intelligence
of the team, solving together what they could never solve alone.
3. Shift from Crisis to Innovation
Crisis wants your people to play small. It wants them to play defense. This
shift teaches them to flip the script. Your organization gets teams that stop
asking "What's wrong?" and start asking "What's possible?" They innovate
under pressure. They see opportunity where others see only obstacles.
4. Shift from Resistor to Advocate
Every team has three mindsets living in it: The Resistor. The Victim. And the
Advocate. Your leaders will learn to spot them instantly—in themselves and
in others. Your organization stops wasting energy on resistance and starts
building trust, psychological safety, and a culture that doesn't just accept
change—they champion it.
5. Shift from Rigidity to Resilience
The ground is going to keep moving. That is the only guarantee. This shift
hands your workforce the tools to tap into resilience when everything feels
uncertain. Your organization gets people who bend without breaking. They
adapt without melting down. They master uncertainty instead of being
mastered by it.
Keynote #2 : Human Centered Leadership : Forging Deeper Connections to Empower and Inspire Teams
In this age where AI and technology are reshaping the way we work and interact, the demand for human-centered skills, particularly
Emotional Intelligence (EI), has never been more critical.
As machines take over more of the routine tasks, the truly distinguishing qualities of top leaders are those skills that machines
can't replicate: empathy, awareness, and the nuanced understanding of human emotions.
This program is dedicated to deepening these essential skills.
Audiences will learn to harness the power of emotional intelligence to
connect, inspire, and lead with authenticity. Our focus will go beyond
traditional leadership training, emphasizing how to navigate and lead
effectively in an increasingly-automated world. We'll explore how to
maintain and enhance human connections and emotional well-being in
your teams, ensuring that you stand out as a leader in a technology-
driven landscape.
Attendees will learn:
Building Influence through Connections: Learn how to forge
meaningful relationships that boost your influence in every
interaction.
Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness: Gain insights into
managing emotions effectively, both your own and those of others,
especially under pressure.
The Science of Emotions: Explore what happens in the brain during
stressful situations and uncover strategies to navigate these
challenges smoothly.
Empathy as a Leadership Tool: Understand why empathy is crucial
for fostering influence, connection, loyalty, collaboration, and
effective persuasion.
Enhancing Job Satisfaction: Discover methods to elevate levels of
job satisfaction, engagement, and inspiration within your team.
Authentic Relationships: Learn how to authentically capture interest
and build genuine relationships that last.
Backed by compelling case studies and enriched with Steve's inspiring
anecdotes, this keynote will empower your audience to embrace and
apply the principles of human-centered leadership, leading to more
successful and cohesive teams.
This program is ideal for organizations aiming to:
Build a more collaborative and communicative workplace.
Equip your team with the tools to navigate change smoothly and
effectively.
Create strategies to eliminate workplace dissatisfaction and support
emotional well-being.
Develop a workplace environment that values contribution and
mutual support.
Enhance your team's ability to grow sales and strengthen client
relations.
Foster a setting where team members feel valued and motivated to
excel.
Call or text Neal at (720) 498 -3275 or email neal@infinitespeakers.com to schedule a discovery call or book Steve for your next conference today.