OUR CLIENTS.
Experienced. Certified. Supportive.
Steve has worked with countless clients throughout his experience, each with a tailored plan of action and customized goals. From Fortune-500 companies, to non-profit organizations, to families and individuals, Steve's approach is like none other and hits you in your core. Scroll down to browse through some of incredible feedback he has received over the years from clients, students, co-workers, and leaders and see for yourself.
TESTIMONIALS
"The team and I appreciated your frank and direct approach to looking at change. You used scenarios form our team's experiences and needs to drive the training points. Emphasizing the need to have a goal of radical change in mind is very important for our team as we build the future."
David Hollan
Director at Microsoft
"Steve, it's been a lot of years, but it's good to see you're still kicking some hind-end. Always had the greatest respect and admiration of you as a person as well as your work. Congratulations on your new position!"
Mikel Harry, Ph.D
Co-creator of Six Sigma
National Best Selling Author & Consultant
"I enjoyed a remarkable day of filming at Enchanted Springs Ranch. Amidst a historically accurate 1800’s setting, ranch owner Steve Schmidt brings an incredible spirit and talent to the experience of visitors. Steve’s history as an early pioneer in Six Sigma and other breakthrough initiatives used in businesses and organizations worldwide earned him a well regarded reputation as a highly respected change agent. I watched Steve do a phenomenal job coaching people through a wide variety of challenges and future ranch visitors should look forward to the experience."
Anthony Robbins
Author and Peak Performance Coach
TESTIMONIALS
Steve Schmidt’s approach to leadership development is radical, straightforward, and effective. Ignore the cute tools and packaged prescriptions from the latest leadership gurus – what Steve preaches is that leading others starts with learning how to lead yourself. You will be challenged, uncomfortable, and emotional as Steve guides you through an introspective journey. You may not agree with everything Steve says, and he doesn’t care. Great leadership comes from within. If you are committed to developing as a leader and are willing to put in the work, Steve’s relatable, good-natured approach will not disappoint.
Chase Fosse
Strategic Operations Manager
Solid Waste Management Department | City of San Antonio
"Dr. Steve Schmidt has been a cornerstone instructor of the Six Sigma Technical Institute, a 5-day course at Motorola University...He has very ably assisted Motorola University Six Sigma Quality Center in producing technical leaders."
Betty Crofton
Six Sigma Quality Center
Motorola University
TESTIMONIALS
“I met Steve Schmidt when he was used as a consultant and teacher for GE’s Six Sigma quality improvement initiative. Steve is a great teacher, able to convey ideas in an easy-to-understand manner. He used straight-forward methods and tools aimed at radically improving organizational performance and achieving world-class goals. Key elements included understanding the present status, setting goals for the future, and then using an easy-to-follow methodology for achieving the goals. His focus was on how to achieve the goals, including leadership skills and management of the personal and cultural changes needed. I was also impressed by how these methods and tools could be applied to a wide range of functions – services, transactions of all kinds, human resources, etc. – beyond manufacturing, where it was first used. With this wide applicability, Steve’s methods can transform an entire organization.”
Norman Kuchar
Six Sigma Quality Leader (retired)
General Electric Global Research
"Dear Dr. Schmidt, You were extremely kind to think of me, and to send me a copy of your book. It will help me. I thank you."
W. Edwards Deming, PhD
Consultant in Statistical Studies
“I am writing to thank you for the material on experimental design. Our student's liked Schmidt & Launsby's text very much. I plan to use it again next year."
Gordon Kaufman
Sloan School of Management
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
TESTIMONIALS
“Radical Excellence ranks at the top of management leadership books. Start to finish, the book is a captivating eye-opener that challenges leaders to step away from mediocrity, rethink business as usual and embrace radical positive change. Not only is this a model for excellence, it’s a ticket to success in the rapidly changing world in which we now do business.”
Sherry Buffington, PhD, Psychologist
Founder, Quantum Leap Systems, Inc.
Author of Exiting OZ and Power Shift
“Radical Excellence is a powerful and unique approach for pursuing excellence. The authors address the enemy of excellence as personal and organizational narcissism and present a breakthrough strategy of Sequential Radical Positive Change as the ultimate weapon for victory. I highly recommend this book for any institution, organization or individual that seriously wants to achieve their full potential.”
Brig. Gen. Dan Litwhiler, USAF, Retired
Professor Emeritus of Mathematical Sciences and
Former Vice Dean, USAF Academy
“These authors have given me a broad new perspective as a CEO and leader! It made me ‘flinch’ by facing my own leadership narcissism and understand the prevalence of it in prior organizations that caused systemic organizational culture and leadership failures. I have shared this book with other leaders and we are now embracing the concepts of Sequential Radical Positive Change in
our organizations!”
Cathy Starnes, PhD
Enterprise Growth Officer
Wellmed Medical Management, Inc.
TESTIMONIALS
“If you think you have a healthy organization but find you are still spending time and money in meetings talking about making change happen, then you probably aren’t facing the hard truth. Just because the leader at the helm isn’t narcissistic, doesn’t mean there aren’t closet narcissists throughout your organization creating barriers to change. To make radical change, you must take a radical look at yourself and your organization. This book is a revolutionary and revealing read that will not only heal your organization, but also chart a course for World Class excellence. A must read for leaders, decision-makers, managers, and anyone else seeking personal or organizational excellence!”
Annette E. Craven, PhD, Professor
DBA Program Director
University of the Incarnate Word
International Consultant/Facilitator for Strategic Planning
“Radical Excellence is unique. Business leaders everywhere are seeking that key element that strikes an accord and helps them travel the path towards greatness. World Class Leadership brings into alignment organizational development, strategic planning and project management in an innovative, pragmatic and effective way curiously overlooked by most business schools. I knew about these things before, but now I understand how they work together. This book will challenge your perspective on self and present you an opportunity to overhaul your organizational culture in a radical, positive way! It made me a better leader and a better person.”
John W. Hancock, DBA
Former student
“After the loss of a lovely and very ill step-daughter, I found my golden years were not so golden. I found myself lonely and feeling sorry for myself and unable to cope with my feelings. My husband buried himself volunteering in several interests he had become involved with, which left me way down on his radar. My relationship with him waned and our tie to one another seemed to be our daughter whom we loved and took care of for 37 years. The answer for me came in this book about narcissism. Being a small country girl, it was just a long word with no definition. After reading Radical Excellence I learned that the person who needed to change and the only person I could change was ME. The book taught me to be proud of the work my husband was doing and stop throwing wrenches in my marriage with sarcasm, snide remarks and being negative. I decided to pick myself up, be proud of us both and enjoy my golden years.”
Carol from Texas
TESTIMONIALS
"On behalf of the entire Statistics Division and the Fall Technical Conference sponsors, I want to thank you for your outstanding presentation...The course evaluations were exceptionally positive...Yours was one of the best FTC short courses ever, and will be hard to top in the future."
Conrad A. Fung
Chair, Statistics Division
American Society for Quality Control Center for Quality and Production Improvement
"Your course is one of the most insightful and appropriate life skills courses I’ve ever attended. I cannot overemphasize the impact that your course had on me and how useful and practical your training and instruction was. The course and accompanying written material are interlaced with highly applicable examples of real-life experiences – which makes your program so personal, enjoying and motivating."
Officer Jon W. Blanks
San Antonio International Airport Police
"Your message was on-target and motivating without being shallow or commercial. Our members appreciate a message that is science-based, and I don't believe they expected the message to be extrapolated into something they could use on a personal level. You accomplished our goal...send the attendees home with something to think about that will improve their professional lives. The personal ‘twist’ was a bonus!"
Melissa Eitzen
Society of Quality Assurance
TESTIMONIALS
"Steve excelled in his teaching abilities and as such was awarded the position of Tenured Associate Professor, achieved by only the top 13% of our faculty. He always had a great rapport with his students plus his courses were frequently audited by other instructors desiring to learn special topics from Steve.
"He became well known across the country and was frequently asked to deliver talks ...to many organizations to include the following: Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Defense Systems Management College, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, National Institute of Standards, Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, National Aeronautical and Space Agency, Boeing, Rockwell, and Texas Instruments. The complete list is far too long to provide here. Steve is such an accomplished teacher that I even chose him to mentor my daughter. With Dr. Schmidt's assistance, my daughter has excelled in her statistical abilities and is successfully employed today by a major statistical software company. Dr. Schmidt also served as my Deputy Department Head and Director of Research where his efforts positively impacted the Department of Defense, Department of Commerce, the State Department, and the United Nations for an estimated $100 million worth of return on investment."
Daniel W. Litwhiler, Col, WSAF
Professor and Head
Department of Mathematical Science USAF Academy, Colorado
“While I have worked for one Fortune 50 and two Fortune 100 global corporations over my 25 years in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industry, I was never exposed until recently, to the Radical Excellence program offered by the World Class Quest organization. Radical Excellence took me on a journey of self-exploration personally and professionally. I was afforded the unique opportunity to examine my blind spots and explore sequential radical change in my organization. As a manager of people, I was able to examine my leadership style and how I develop my employees. If you are a business leader or simply want to improve yourself personally and professionally, I strongly recommend the Radical Excellence program offered by the World Class Quest organization.”
Tom Dotter
Region Business Director - West
Sanofi Genzyme
"Thank you for Basic Statistics: Tools for Continuous Improvement. The book is excellent. George Washington University will be adopting the text for its 1994 series of courses in Statistical Process Control."
Robert Reid
Robert Reid Associates, Inc.
Quality Management Consultants
TESTIMONIALS
"We at Atmel would like to extend to you our gratitude...Your presentation was well received by all. Your thoughts and ideas on addressing the cost of poor quality was refreshing and presented us with several ideas from which we feel we can improve on...we look forward to calling on you for help with these activities in the near future."
Ecton Espenlaub
Atmel Corporation
"I was very impressed with your knowledge, preparedness, and the energy you brought to each and every one of us. I have since recommended the course to several people in my department. The Quality philosophy you bring to the classroom is one that makes sense for Abbott Diagnostics Division."
David Sean Sweeney
Statistical Analysis and Software Design
Abbott Laboratories
"Thanks again for the stimulating training. We all enjoyed it very much and some of us have already tried to implement some aspects of the training in their work."
Halil Gultekin
Abbott Laboratories, R&D Germany
TESTIMONIALS
“Concepts introduced in this book are easy to execute at all levels of an organization. The formula S = (I/e)H immediately grabbed my attention, is transferrable and can be used in any decision making process, both professionally and personally. Humans, by nature, react to change emotionally. This formula promotes discipline, allowing radical change to occur using sound data, controlling emotions, and having the courage to reach beyond what we believe is possible. A great read for all who have the Heart to lead!”
Janet Young
COO San Antonio Shared Service Center
“El Dr. Steve Schmidt claramente ayuda a todos a nivel personal y profesional. Independientemente de donde te encuentres tu o tu empresa en este momento, nunca es tarde
para hacer el cambio hacia la excelencia!”
Translation: Dr. Steve Schmidt clearly helps all of us on a personal and professional level. Regardless of where you or your company is today, it's never too late to start a radical change and achieve excellence!
Lic. Rolando R. González
Corporativo NRT
"Your course was, without qualification, the best industrial course I have taken in my 27 years in industry. It was informative, enjoyable, well paced, and most important of all; relevant and useful...You managed to pack a great deal of interesting and useful material in a short course while maintaining high levels of class interest and understanding."
Burt Masnick
Hazeltine Corporation
Greenlawn, New York
TESTIMONIALS
“I attended your “Radical Leadership” training this past Tuesday and I really just wanted to thank you for such an inspiring session. I always try to pull a lesson from each training I attend, however, I feel every point made from yours impacted my heart. Often times, because it is “our job our actions go thankless. I just wanted to take the time to tell you, on behalf of me and the rest of my team, thank you for reinforcing our ability to not only change ourselves, but to change the world.”
Megan L. Moore
Community Center Leader
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Dept.
“Your article is most compelling. World Class Quest’s Courageous Leadership can be the key to success, not only for business leaders, but for anyone. I believe it can do for the narcissist what the 12-step program does for the addicted. As with any addiction, and narcissism is an addiction, denial is biggest barrier to accepting change and as with the World Class Quest program, accepting radical change. I wish you continued success with your program and look forward to seeing the change it will make in the lives of other as Courageous Leadership continues to grow.”
James M. McCrae
Advisory Board Chairman
Fort Martin Scott
City of Fredericksburg
“My Aha moment occurred the day I attended Dr. Stephen Schmidt’s Radical Leadership class. The main principle behind Steve’s message is “We and Not I.” It is about fully embracing a selfless approach to operate from the heart. Inspired by this, I adopted this way of living, which in turn, has changed my life for the better. The quality of life I live has enriched, my relationship with others has deepened, and my personal and work environment dynamics have reached a higher level of respect, trust, and communication. I encouraged anyone to reach out to Stephen and (or) attend one of his many trainings. You will definitely be motivated to act, inspired to make positive change, and will be fully equipped with the necessary tools to implement Radical Leadership.”
Aisha Moreno, Supervisor
Parks and Recreation
City of San Antonio
TESTIMONIALS
Lessons Learned from a 360 Review:
“By way of background, I came from a corporate role where I was highly trusted and really did not have to explain myself. Then came this new new role as a non-profit CEO of an organization with a very weak culture suffering from dysfunctional relationships. In addition, the agency was also having deep financial concerns. There were serious problems and as a solution-focused individual I wanted to move quickly especially in a time of crisis. But, I did not want to make things worse. The culture is heavily dependent on relationships so this was my first priority. This organization needed radical change and I knew that type of change had to start at the top. Four months into my new role as a CEO and at the advice of a close friend, I invited Dr. Schmidt to coach me through a 360 degree review on myself. The first stage was the completion of several questionnaires for self awareness where I determined three behavioral traits I felt needed change. I then chose my leadership team, a close friend and my husband to be interviewed by Dr. Schmidt so I could receive an anonymous overview of their perception of my behavioral need for change. I felt this process had three distinct advantages: 1) I would have an internal and external perspective of who I am and what needs change; 2) by making myself vulnerable to my close relationships and staff, I could begin to gain their trust and 3) knowing all my staff and employees could also benefit from this process I felt I needed to lead and never ask my team to do something I would not do. Dr. Schmidt’s coaching provided a clear understanding of what I needed to change and it was invaluable. However, what others had said about my behavioral weaknesses, although true, was very painful to hear. My initial response was a little pity party but then with a little push from Dr. Schmidt, I got to work on radical change in my behavior. I strongly believe this process allowed me to readjust my behavior and build the necessary trust I needed with my leadership team. The very fact that I was willing to hear them anonymously via Dr. Schmidt, allowed them to understand their views were very important to me. By actually working on improving my behavior I proved to them that they are extremely important to me. I firmly believe that if you have the courage to go through this process, you too will find that it will change your life, strengthen your relationships, build trust, grow your organization’s culture and most importantly make you a much better leader.”
Angela White
CEO, Alpha Home
“The Texas Rangers Law Enforcement Agency is approaching 200 years of worldwide recognition of being an elite organization. The secret to our long-term success has really been in our hiring practices. We look for men and women that know when to go to the win-lose law enforcement role and when to focus on the win-win relationship and trust building mode. Thus, we hire for heart as much as we hire for skill. Most law enforcement have not been properly trained to develop this type heart and I highly recommend Stephen R. Schmidt, PhD to any organization that wants to build a strong team of people that know how to have a situational heart in the workplace. Dr. Schmidt is an expert in this field and has been highly successful teaching people of all backgrounds in many different types of organizations. He has written a book on the subject used in universities, organizations and for individual coaching. Dr. Schmidt has also made his message flexible enough to teach young kids. In fact, the Former Texas Rangers Foundation has used his expertise in their programs to train youth in character development. I highly recommend Dr. Schmidt as a consultant/trainer and/or for a life coach for any organization or individual seeking personal or organizational development excellence.”
Bruce Castile, Senior Captain (retired)
Texas Ranger
Steve, your presentations were powerful today! It was fun to witness the youth really connect with you through your persuasive gifts of communication and special costume dress.
Thanks for making it possible for Read 2 Win to benefit students and teachers at Tom Daniels Elementary. Character Development is one of the greatest needs among youth today and with your gift we encouraged and educated youth and their teachers today. The character based footprints you discussed will be valuable lessons to be embraced as each student forges their own life footsteps.
Additionally, your story about Buffalo Hump that Principal Amy is sending home, in each kids backpack, should open repetitive message doorways for many of the kids to discuss today’s experience with their parent(s).
I hope we can continue to partner with you in producing future events to benefit youth and others in the Hill Country. Certainly the initial reaction from Principal Amy was outstanding and will likely open doors for future opportunities at other schools.