Bill Withers

Leadership Keynote Speaker on Customer Service, Communication, Workplace Culture, Generations & Organizational Change

Expert on

  • Management
  • Generations
  • Leadership
  • Culture
  • Customer Service
  • Communications

Fee Range

$3,000–$5,000

Travels from

IA, US

Biography

Dr. Bill Withers is one of our bureau’s more diverse and experienced speakers, workshop leader and strategic planning facilitators!

Bill is a seasoned professional with decades of experience. As a member of the executive leadership and human resources team at Lutheran Church of Hope, Dr. Withers brings a unique perspective to his work. He has over 20 years of prior experience in business leadership/co-ownership, coupled with nearly 30 additional years in higher education, corporate training and development, he possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Dr. Withers spent decades honing his skills in strategic planning and organizational development, working with a wide range of organizations, both large and small, including many non-profits. His ability to connect with individuals across generations, from Boomers to Gen Y/Millennials to Gen Z and beyond, at all stages of their career development, truly sets him apart.

Throughout his career, Dr. Withers has contributed to the success of various advisory boards and councils, including two terms on the board of directors for Iowa Public Television. His versatility allows him to engage with all levels of organizations, from the front lines to the C-Suite.

One of Dr. Withers’ notable contributions is his extensive research into top-tier organizations, such as Hy-Vee, Ritz-Carlton, Disney, Four Seasons, Starbucks, and Southwest Airlines. His expertise has earned him invitations to present at prestigious events like The International Conference on Business in Honolulu, where he shared insights with audiences from 20 different countries from around the Pacific Rim.

During his academic career, Dr. Withers received recognition as both professor and advisor of the year. He made significant contributions to three books in the areas of leadership and customer service. He currently holds a position on the executive leadership team of Lutheran Church of Hope, the largest mainline protestant church of its type in North America. Dr. Withers remains dedicated to serving organizations of all sizes, specializing in public relations, quality customer service, organizational change, workplace culture, and leadership development. His commitment to excellence and his vast experience makes him a valuable asset to any organization seeking to thrive in today’s ever-changing landscape.

Working on Purpose: Keys to Improved Engagement, Culture, and Organizational Success!

In today’s workplace, declining engagement, rising stress, and uncertainty are taking a toll on people and organizations. In this engaging, research based keynote, Dr. Bill Withers explores how a strong sense of purpose can improve engagement, strengthen culture, enhance customer experiences, and inspire people to bring greater meaning and commitment to their work. Attendees will discover practical ways to reconnect with their purpose and create a workplace where people feel valued, motivated, and inspired to make a difference.

Key Takeaways:

  • Reconnect with the “why” behind your work.
  • Strengthen engagement and workplace culture through purpose.
  • Improve customer experiences by connecting work to meaningful impact.
  • Apply practical strategies to build a more motivated and connected organization.

RELATIONSHIPS IN THE AI ERA: Why Human Connection Matters More Than Ever!

The Relationship Era arrives at a defining moment in history as artificial intelligence, automated solutions, and ‘digital-first’ reshapes every industry. Now organizations risk automating away the very thing that drives both customer loyalty and workplace culture—genuine human connection. Yet, top-performing four- and five-star service organizations recognize that AI cannot emulate empathy, trust, or authentic rapport, the soft skills many organizations are now prioritizing. Today’s industry leaders are actively investing in high-touch emotional intelligence (EQ), and interpersonal excellence.

In this compelling keynote or workshop, Dr. Withers shares actionable insights and frontline strategies drawn from his extensive work with premier service providers regionally and nationally. You’ll explore why, in an increasingly automated world, exceptional human relationships are no longer just nice to have—they are your ultimate competitive advantage and a unique value proposition.

Key Takeaways:

  • Examine the shift: Discover how fast-advancing AI is redefining customer expectations and elevating the strategic value of human-to-human interaction, internally and externally.
  • Identify key drivers: Learn what variables top-tier organizations leverage when balancing digital efficiency with high-touch relations, especially as it impacts employees who are customer-facing.
  • Explore practical solutions: Gain adaptable frameworks that businesses and non-profits of any size can immediately execute to strengthen stakeholder loyalty and front-of-house excellence.

THE SERVANT LEADER

After so many organizational hiccups throughout the last couple decades, the philosophy of Servant Leadership is back in vogue across both business and non-profit sectors, and even larger companies like Southwest Airlines and Starbucks are leading the charge.  Join Dr. Withers as he shares the history of this management/leadership philosophy, how it can be better implemented and measured in your organization. 

Key Takeaways:

  • The origins of servant leadership and why this philosophy is gaining renewed attention in today’s business and nonprofit environments.
  • How servant leadership differs from traditional leadership models, with a focus on serving employees, teams, customers, and communities first.
  • Why organizations like Southwest Airlines and Starbucks have embraced servant leadership principles as part of building stronger workplace cultures.

XYZ

This is a new era across our workplaces, with many organizations employing representatives from as many as five unique generations. Boomers are on project work teams with 22-year-old Gen Y/Millennials, while both might potentially report to GenXers. Meanwhile, resumes are arriving from the newest additions to the workforce, Generation Z! Few keynoters and workshop leaders have worked with all three generations these past two decades like Dr. Bill Withers, who, as BOTH a college professor and student advisor, continues to consult and work with organizations during this critical time in our workforce history. Join Bill as he helps your organization better understand nuances around the largest segment of the U.S. workforce, generations X, Y, and Z.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn more about the trend lines and tendencies of each generation.
• Learn how each generation will impact workforce culture and engagement where you work.
• Explore solutions to some of your organization’s greatest challenges in not only attracting, but retaining younger professionals.

PUT YOUR STRENGTHS AND PERSONALITIES TO WORK!

Best-suited to a workshop or retreat format, Dr. Bill Withers will help your organization’s staff or leadership team assess and leverage each team member’s strengths and personality toward improved performance and engagement, along with improving workplace culture.  Tools like Gallup’s StrengthsFinder, and additional personality-assessments, are used by Bill to:

  • Raise each team or board member’s self-awareness of who they are relative to their role,
  • Heighten engagement levels with both internal and external stakeholders, and,
  • Assist everyone in the organization in making their work more meaningful.

*Note: Bill will assist you in securing the assessment tools prior to leading your retreat or workshop.

Working on Purpose: Keys to Improved Engagement, Culture, and Organizational Success!

In today’s workplace, declining engagement, rising stress, and uncertainty are taking a toll on people and organizations. In this engaging, research-based keynote, Dr. Bill Withers explores how a strong sense of purpose can improve engagement, strengthen culture, enhance customer experiences, and inspire people to bring greater meaning and commitment to their work. Attendees will discover practical ways to reconnect with their purpose and create a workplace where people feel valued, motivated, and inspired to make a difference.

Key Takeaways:

  • Reconnect with the “why” behind your work.
  • Strengthen engagement and workplace culture through purpose.
  • Improve customer experiences by connecting work to meaningful impact.
  • Apply practical strategies to build a more motivated and connected organization.

Bill Withers Midwest Speakers Bureau Iowa SpeakerBill Withers is a professional keynote speaker and industry expert based in Iowa, who speaks on topics including marketing, customer service, and leadership. Bill Withers is available for conferences, corporate events, leadership meetings, and keynote presentations throughout the United States and the Midwest. The fee range for Bill Withers $3,000–$5,001. Midwest Speakers Bureau represents speakers in Iowa including Brenda Clark Hamilton, Jim Miller, and Ray Cole.

Contact us at Midwest Speakers Bureau for more information on scheduling and booking Bill Withers for an upcoming event. 

Bill Withers Midwest Speakers Bureau Marketing SpeakerBill Withers is a professional keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on topics including marketing, customer service, and leadership. Based in Indiana, Bill Withers is available for conferences, corporate events, leadership meetings, and keynote presentations throughout the United States and the Midwest, including Kansas, Michigan, and Minnesota. The fee range for Bill Withers is $3,000–$5,001, Similar marketing speakers at Midwest Speakers Bureau include Jay Baer, Scott Steinberg, Shawna Suckow. 

Contact us at Midwest Speakers Bureau for more information on scheduling and booking Bill Withers for an upcoming event.

Bill Withers Midwest Speakers Bureau Leadership and Business SpeakersBill Withers is a professional keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on topics including leadership, marketing, and customer service. Based in Indiana, Bill Withers is available for conferences, corporate events, leadership meetings, and keynote presentations throughout the United States and the Midwest, including Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The fee range for Bill Withers is $3,000–$5,001. Similar leadership and business speakers at Midwest Speakers Bureau include Jeff Havens, Carey Lohrenz, Debra Fine. 

Contact us at Midwest Speakers Bureau for more information on scheduling and booking Bill Withers for an upcoming event.