Description of program
Building to become a superior leader can be likened to building to become a superior athlete. Both processes aim for resilience, performance, strength, endurance, etc. Both require relentless discipline and self-awareness. Stedman Graham is both an athlete and an international expert on the topic of leadership. He has arrived at each new level in his life through unyielding attention to why, what, where, with whom, and for whom. A few years ago, he looked back and asked himself how did I manage this? Once he saw the pattern, he expressed it in his book You Can Make it Happen, A Nine Step Plan for Success. Mr. Graham brings his nine principles to the Organization Development Network for conversation and discovery of refreshing ways to strengthen the leadership muscles. You will be sure to gain new insights into leadership and life challenges from Mr. Graham's vantage point and perspective.

Mr. Stedman Graham 
Mr. Graham is Chairman and CEO of S. Graham and Associates, a management and marketing consulting firm serving the corporate and education markets. As an adjunct professor and distinguished visiting professor, he teaches courses on leadership in a variety of formats at local and national Universities. In addition to corporate education and consulting in the area of leadership, Mr. Graham is committed to youth and community. He is founder of the Leadership Institute of Chicago, a nonprofit education and research organization dedicated to promoting effective leadership throughout society. His primary activities in this realm, are provision of seminars, programs, lectures, philanthropic activities, publications, and research. He is also founder of Athletes Against Drugs, a nonprofit organization of athletes and other civic leaders committed to developing leadership in youth. Here, he provides in-class curriculum to Chicago Public Schools and conducts corporate leadership visits, parent workshops, role models, community volunteer projects, as well as sports clinics with professional athletes. Mr. Graham earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Hardin-Simmons University and a master’s degree in Education from Ball State University. He has been awarded an honorary doctorate in Humanities from Coker College and has been recognized by the American Advertising Federation as an “Industry Influential” for his work in support of diversity. He is author of nine books, including, You Can Make it Happen, A Nine Step Plan for Success. Two of his books are on the New York Times bestseller list.