Gary Garfield

Biography

As critical as change is in our ever-changing world, most organizational and group change efforts fail.  Why? Because change is hard, very hard.  Habits are stubborn; they do not die easily.  Studies have shown that about two-thirds of all change efforts fail to reach their goals.

As an expert on successfully driving change, as well as leadership and corporate culture, Gary is a sought-after speaker, author, consultant and coach.  Gary is the former CEO of Bridgestone Americas, a 55,000-person company with operations on five continents and the successor company to the iconic Firestone Tire and Rubber Company.   During his tenure, he successfully drove radical change throughout the organization, including the culture, the strategy, the vision, and, where necessary, the people.  Unlike most change efforts, it worked.  The company’s profits grew by an astounding 500 percent in six years.   Gary comes from a position of hands-on success.   

In his book, Driving Results: Six Lessons Learned in Transforming an Iconic Company, Gary details the six essential elements to achieve meaningful change in any organization, group, or team.  He brings these essential elements of change to life in his captivating and highly acclaimed keynote address.  He also is available to help his clients, advising and coaching them as they drive change to achieve their goals. 

In addition to being a keynote speaker for many companies and industry associations, Gary has been a guest lecturer at some of the country’s most respected academic institutions, including Wharton, Yale, West Point, Vanderbilt, and Ohio State, among many others.