David Viker

David Viker takes the subject of leadership seriously, but not himself. Largely through mistakes made and stories shared, Viker makes an entertaining case that a wildly different approach to leadership is what’s needed in our rapidly changing world. Viker does this while he draws on extensive research, citing 74 other leadership books and quoting dozens of thinkers through history. At 39 years of age, Viker led more than 800 employees across 10 states and the Caribbean, overseeing annual budgets exceeding $100 million for a government wildlife and natural resources agency. After 10 years Viker was then asked to create and serve in a position responsible for strategic employee and organizational development. Now more than a half-century young and reflecting, Viker draws on wild work experiences, tragic childhood events, more than 40 youth sports teams he coached, and lessons learned from his three children born in three different decades. A speaker for more than a quarter century and founder of the Viker Leadership, LLC consulting firm, he has addressed hundreds of groups on topics ranging from leadership development to solving complex management issues. He co-chaired a national mentoring team, formed a leadership development council, and served on diversity and inclusion teams. Viker also met with many members of Congress and provided two presidential cabinet members a swamp tour by airboat. But with just as much applicability for leadership lessons, Viker directed numerous elementary school talent shows and readied a dozen 3-year-olds for their first soccer game.