About the Author

David W. Stephens is a visionary leader, author, and mentor who has dedicated his career to redefining what it means to lead. With a strong foundation in engineering and a management degree to match, David has always approached challenges with a unique combination of technical expertise and people-focused leadership. His passion for empowering others to succeed is evident in every step of his journey.

The turning point in David's career came when he stumbled upon an article in the Harvard Business Review about Servant Leadership. It was a lightbulb moment: "That is what I had been doing my entire life!" The article revealed that only 2% of those in leadership positions truly understood and practiced Servant Leadership. Realizing he was part of that rare 2%, David decided to champion this revolutionary approach.

Through the years, David has inspired countless individuals and organizations to embrace change. He’s taken on failing systems, challenged outdated hierarchies, and stood firm against those resistant to transformation. He tells the story of a major company seeking his help to improve their engineering group but refusing to consider employee changes or feedback. David declined the project, knowing that real change requires courage and collaboration. That company later went bankrupt—a stark reminder of what happens when leadership prioritizes status quo over innovation.

David’s career has been driven by a simple yet profound philosophy: leadership isn’t about being the boss; it’s about serving and inspiring others to achieve greatness. This belief underpins his work, his mentoring, and now his book, Bossism Is Dead.

Today, David W. Stephens is more than an author—he’s a movement leader for those ready to embrace a new era of leadership. His book invites Millennials, Gen-Xers, Gen-Yers, and Gen-Zers to join the fight against outdated "Bossism" and reimagine what it means to lead in a world that demands better.