Stephen Shapiro

Stephen Shapiro cultivates innovation by showing leaders and their teams how to approach, tackle, and solve their business challenges. Applying the knowledge he has accrued over decades in the industry, Shapiro is able to identify opportunities to enhance innovation models and the supporting cultures.

The first significant opportunity Shapiro recognized was within his own career. Halfway through his 15-year tenure at Accenture, while co-leading the company’s business process reengineering practice focused on business efficiency, he chose to shift focus from job cuts to growth and job creation, building Accenture’s successful 20,000-person process and innovation practice.

In 2001, after publishing his first book, "24/7 Innovation," Shapiro left Accenture to become a full-time innovation speaker and advisor. He has since authored several more books, including "Goal-Free Living" (2006), "The Little Book of Big Innovation Ideas" (2007), "Personality Poker" (2010), and "Best Practices are Stupid" (2011). His subsequent works include "Invisible Solutions" (2020) and the upcoming "Pivotal: Creating Stability in an Uncertain World" (2024). He has addressed audiences in 50 different countries, sharing his insights on innovation with global companies like 3M, P&G, Marriott, Nike, and Microsoft through tailored keynote speeches, advisory engagements, and other services.

Shapiro's dynamic and engaging approach to innovation motivates audiences to rethink their business challenges actively. His work has been recognized with several accolades; he served a six-year term on the Board of Directors of the National Speakers Association (NSA), received the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, and was inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame (CPAE) in 2015. He is also a Senior Research Fellow with The Conference Board.

Holding a degree in Industrial Engineering from Cornell University, Shapiro utilizes engineering techniques to optimize innovation processes. His involvement in Girl Starter, a movement that supports young women in entrepreneurship, included acting as a judge and mentor on the TLC television show.

Based in Orlando, Florida, Shapiro embraces opportunities to meet and work with clients globally, continually driving advancements in innovation practices across industries.