#299: Stephen MR Covey – Trust & Inspire

We are thrilled to introduce this week’s guest, Stephen M.R. Covey, a visionary leader in the fields of trust, leadership, ethics, and collaboration. With a distinguished career and a passion for empowering individuals and organisations, Stephen Covey has left an indelible mark on the world of business and leadership.

Stephen is not only a co-founder of CoveyLink but also the driving force behind the FranklinCovey Global Trust Practice. As a sought-after and captivating keynote speaker and advisor, he shares his wisdom on trust-related topics with audiences worldwide.

At the heart of his acclaim is his groundbreaking book, “The Speed of Trust,” which defies conventional wisdom by demonstrating that trust is a powerful economic driver rather than a mere social virtue. This New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller has been translated into 22 languages and has sold over 2 million copies globally, cementing Stephen’s status as a thought leader in trust-building.

His most recent work, the Wall Street Journal bestseller “Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others,” challenges the status quo of leadership. In a world where many still operate under the “Command & Control” model, Stephen advocates for a paradigm shift towards “Trust & Inspire.” This approach empowers leaders to unlock the full potential of their teams, fostering a sense of purpose, meaning, contribution, and inclusion. The result is a level of belonging, collaboration, and innovation that traditional models can’t match.

Stephen Covey firmly believes that trust is the new currency of our world, and he is dedicated to equipping individuals and organizations with the skills to cultivate, extend, and restore trust with all stakeholders. His tangible, practical approach to trust resonates deeply with audiences and organisations alike.

As a former CEO of Covey Leadership Center, Stephen’s impressive track record includes transforming the company into the world’s largest leadership development organization. He spearheaded the strategic expansion of his father’s iconic book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” solidifying its place as one of the most influential business books of the 20th Century.

Stephen, a Harvard MBA, began his journey with Covey Leadership Center as a Client Developer, eventually becoming National Sales Manager and then President & CEO. Under his leadership, the company achieved remarkable milestones, including Inc. 500 status, nearly doubling revenues while increasing profits by 12 times, and expanding into over 40 countries. Stephen’s strategic vision increased shareholder value by an astounding 67 times during a merger with FranklinQuest, resulting in the formation of FranklinCovey.

Throughout his career, Stephen has earned the respect and influence of executives and leaders from Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized enterprises, and public sector organizations. His unique perspective, grounded in practical experience as a former CEO, makes him a trusted advisor on real-world organisational challenges.

We look forward to delving into Stephen Covey’s insights and expertise in our upcoming interview. Stay tuned for an enriching discussion on trust, leadership, and the path to inspiring greatness in others..