Transforming Managers Into Leaders Everyone Loves to Work For.
From Manager to Inspirational Leader:
Creating Trust and Engagement Among Your Team.
Master the Art of Leadership: Book a Keynote, Workshop, or Coaching Program.
90% of leaders surveyed say they were unprepared for leadership when they got promoted. Are your managers in that 90% cohort?
That’s exactly what I experienced when I was promoted. And… when I was promoted to the next higher level of leadership, I was still unprepared for that next level. Hi, I’m Bob Woolverton, and I did what your managers are doing right now. I read all the leadership books. I attended all the leadership classes, and I still struggled. My leadership journey began on the sink-or-swim method of leadership development. After decades of increasingly difficult leadership challenges, six years of academic study, finally finding my own leadership success, and twelve years of being a leadership instructor – I can confidently help your managers find their leadership success.
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There is no fast-food drive-thru for becoming a great leader. However, there is a quick start guide that will trim years off the learning curve and immediately help your managers completely change their perspective on leadership and become the leader everyone loves to work for. The secrets to the quick start guide are available in my leadership keynote presentations and workshops. My mission statement is: Lead, Teach, and Inspire. My focus is on leadership success for your organization. Let me Lead, Teach, and Inspire your managers to prepare for their leadership challenges and ultimate leadership success.
During his career, Bob spent more than three decades in leadership positions. He has a Master’s degree in Management and Leadership, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and was a contract leadership instructor for the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission for twelve years.
He authored the book, The Part of Leadership No One Talks About. He is regularly called upon for guest appearances on Leadership Podcasts across the United States and as far away as India.
In 2023, the industry magazine SCCE (Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics) published an article Bob wrote titled Fired Prevention. The article focused on how easily organizational culture can drift off-course and how influential leaders can prevent career-ending behaviors in the workplace. http://bit.ly/3Z9W8yW
Like many other leaders, in his early leadership days, Bob struggled to find the path to great leadership. He was a very numbers-driven, data-only style manager who earned the not-so-affectionate nickname of “Robo-Bob” from his coworkers. However, Bob was able to turn that around, as evidenced by a former co-worker commenting on LinkedIn that “…he is one of the best leaders that I have ever had the privilege to work for.”
As a leadership keynote speaker, Bob’s inspiration is derived from giving leadership kindling to managers and aspiring leaders (in-person or virtually) and seeing them become inspired to take that newfound bucket of kindling and create their own leadership inferno.
About Bob
Speaking Topics
Three Responsibilities That Come with Every Promotion
Becoming a leader isn’t just about learning new skills – it’s about a fundamental shift in self-perception and a change in personal identity.
This transition to a new personal identity can be difficult for leaders who are used to being “in charge,” i.e., holding the reigns tightly and making all the critical decisions.
Embracing a new approach requires a significant shift in mindset and methods.
As leaders transition from traditional ‘command-and-control’ methods to a more collaborative, ‘responsibility-focused’ approach, they begin to understand leadership is not about a tight hold on the reigns but empowering others, embracing flexibility, and creating an environment where both individuals and the company can thrive.
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Fired Prevention – Ethical Decision-Making in the Workplace
In a world where ethical scandals can destroy reputations, dismantle companies, and harm innocent lives, how can leaders ensure their organizations remain resilient and principled? This keynote draws from the insights of Ethics at Every Level: Safeguarding Your Organization from Misconduct to explore how ethical leadership at every tier—from the boardroom to frontline employees—can prevent crises and foster trust.
Learn to identify red flags signaling cultural shifts, implement accountability systems that deter misconduct, and cultivate two-way communication to embed ethical decision-making into daily operations. Packed with real-world examples and actionable strategies, this session will empower CEOs and executives to lead with integrity, protect their organizations, and inspire a culture where doing the right thing is second nature.
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A Father's Leadership Advice That Took 60 Years to Understand
A young boy's presidential ambitions spark a father's lesson on leadership, shaping his son's future as a business visionary who learns that true power lies in responsibility, not authority.
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In this heartfelt and thought-provoking presentation, Bob shares a deeply personal journey of discovering the profound wisdom in his father’s leadership advice—decades after first hearing it. Drawing from his 34-year career in law enforcement, his transition to becoming a leadership instructor, and his extensive academic studies, Bob weaves together lessons on trust, engagement, and retention.​
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He will share actionable insights on how to lead with authenticity, foster trust within teams, and inspire commitment in ways that resonate across generations. This session promises to leave you reflecting on your own leadership legacy and the timeless truths that shape it.
Virtual Presentations
Podcast Guest Speaker
Testimonials
Bob does an exceptional job in terms of developing credibility with the audience.
He does this through his use of personal examples and illustrations. He brings personal and applicable credibility to the learning process.
He exemplifies ‘professionalism’ and commitment to the highest qualities of his industry.
Richard B. Sande, Owner
R.K. Consultants
I used the management techniques and supervisory style I learned from Bob to advance my career with great success, resulting in a senior executive role leading a national team. I still discuss management philosophy with Bob often.
Edward Hopkins
V.P. Head of Corporate Security, Garda World
I can guarantee you that if you take the truths and experience to heart that this week’s guest gives us, it will make a substantial difference when it comes to leadership in your life.
Wayne Mulder, Host
On the Blue Line Podcast
Bob has a really great leadership training program.
Michael Grace, Host
Tech Pro Unicorn Podcast
Connect with Bob
