
Bob Chapman Speaking Fee: $30,000 to $50,000

Speaking Fee:
$30,000 to $50,000
Travels From:
STL
Travels From:
STL
Primary Topic Category:
Company Culture / Employee Engagement / Teamwork
Primary Topic Category:
Company Culture / Employee Engagement / Teamwork
Secondary Topic Category:
Leadership and Management
Secondary Topic Category:
Leadership and Management
Bob Chapman Speaker Profile: At A Glance
Bob Chapman is the Chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, a global manufacturing and engineering firm with over 12,000 employees. He is a recognized leader in business culture transformation, known for his "Truly Human Leadership" approach, which prioritizes people over profits. Chapman co-authored Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family, a bestselling book on leadership and workplace engagement. His insights have been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Inc., and he has spoken at top institutions like Harvard and the Aspen Ideas Festival.
Bob Chapman is the Chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, a global manufacturing and engineering company based in St. Louis, Missouri. His journey with the company began in 1969 when he joined at his father's request. In 1975, following his father's sudden passing, Chapman assumed leadership at the age of 30. At that time, the 90-year-old business faced significant challenges, including outdated technology and a weak financial position.
Under Chapman's leadership, Barry-Wehmiller transformed from a struggling enterprise into a thriving organization. He applied a unique blend of strategic vision and cultural transformation, leading the company through more than 120 successful acquisitions over the past four decades. Today, Barry-Wehmiller boasts over 12,000 team members and generates revenues exceeding $3.6 billion.
A pivotal shift in Chapman's leadership approach occurred over two decades ago when he embraced the concept of "Truly Human Leadership." This people-centric philosophy emphasizes valuing team members as individuals and fostering a culture where they feel cared for and integral to the company's purpose. This approach has not only enhanced employee satisfaction but also contributed to the company's sustained success.
In 2015, Chapman co-authored the Wall Street Journal bestseller, "Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family," which details his leadership journey and the cultural transformation at Barry-Wehmiller. That same year, he founded the Chapman & Co. Leadership Institute to share Barry-Wehmiller's culture transformation and leadership training with other organizations.
Chapman's innovative leadership has garnered significant recognition. Inc. magazine named him the third best CEO in the world, and the International Business Times listed him among the Top 10 Social Capital CEOs. His work continues to inspire a shift toward more human-centered leadership practices in businesses worldwide.