A member of the Speaker Hall of Fame, Steve Gilliland is one of the most in-demand and top-rated speakers in the world. Recognized as a master storyteller and brilliant comedian, he can be heard daily on SiriusXM Radio’s Laugh USA and Jeff & Larry’s Comedy Roundup. With an appeal that transcends barriers of age, culture, and occupation—plus an interactive and entertaining style—Steve shows audiences how to open doors to success in their careers, their relationships, and their lives. Presenting to over 250,000 people a year, more than two million have now heard him speak, with audiences encompassing 51 industries. Steve has the distinction of speaking in all 50 states and 15 countries. As one newspaper stated, “Steve is what happens when the humor of a stand-up comic collides with the inspiration of a motivational speaker.”
In addition to his brilliant speaking career, Steve is a prolific, accomplished author, evidenced by six of his books — Detour, Enjoy The Ride, Hide Your Goat, Making a Difference, The Cherry on Top, and Turn the Page — perennially making the publisher’s bestseller list and his being named Author of the Year. His thought-provoking writing style makes his articles a favorite with prominent national magazines. He influences the lives of millions through his presentations, books, audio products, and videos. An extensive array of these products has been utilized by small businesses, Fortune 500 companies, U.S. and Canadian government agencies, churches, school districts, and nonprofit organizations. Speaking the language of active business leaders, his books and other resources identify practical lessons that grow people and their businesses.
Steve built a multimillion-dollar company from the ground up on the same philosophy he expounds to his audiences. If you continually learn more about your company, your industry, your customers, and yourself, you will always be a leader. You will be purpose-driven rather than process-driven, and you will make a difference. His motto is straightforward: “If you take care of people, the business will follow.” He has been recognized by Who’s Who for Speakers and Business Professionals, and The Pittsburgh Business Times named his company one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the region. Steve also serves on the board of directors for a financial institution, and he and his wife Diane launched the Gilliland Foundation in 2017 to provide funding that creates lasting solutions for causes they are passionate about.
Steve was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, resides in North Carolina, and travels throughout the world. He received his bachelor’s degree from Grove City College. He is a proud grandpa, a devoted father of four boys, and a loving husband to Diane. He learned great compassion for people a commitment to hard work and a balanced life ethic at the knee of his highly principled Christian mother. Whether Steve is speaking at an event, writing about current issues that impact others, or leading his employees, he is not just a person who challenges people to change, he motivates them to do so. Steve’s vision is to wake up every morning and, through humor and inspiration, help others to discover and develop their potential and live life to fullness.
