With over 20 years as a technology professional, Karl Meinhardt has served as a strategy consultant to many companies regarding information technology products and services. As a CIO and founder of several start-up companies, he has a full understanding of information as a powerful source of service. Karl’s expertise of turning knowledge into a strategic advantage has assisted many organizations in their long-term product and service goals, while focusing on building agile and adept information technology teams.

Management experiences in companies from Fortune 100 to nascent start-ups have afforded Karl an understanding of leadership effectiveness and the importance of corporate culture on employee motivation. He believes in building teams that are motivated to execute above and beyond their area of expertise thus enabling those teams to work and grow in an environment based on knowledge, trust, communication, and ownership. He has a proven track record of building and leading technology teams that have delivered solid SaaS services and consumer ready eBusiness/eCommerce products.

He is a member of the NPA Advisory Board whose other members include Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, Dr. James Andrews and a who’s-who in the sports and sports medicine industry. In this role, he leads the technology, customer service, product development, and sales/marketing activities.

He is currently the CEO of EdSoMe.com a company focused on helping educators and administrators understand and utilize social media and social networking in the classroom and beyond. His expertise has enabled educators to implement social networking tools in the classroom to provide gains in academic achievement and classroom engagement.

He sits on the Leadership, Development and Marketing committees within the Idaho Technology Council, directing the social media efforts for the Council. He is also the resident social network / technology expert for the local NBC affiliate KTVB’s It’s Your Business, a series focused on helping companies maximize their use of these tools for revenue growth or cost reduction.

Karl is the co-author of The Leader’s New Clothes: The Naked Truths, a book based on his management experiences.  It is set in modern day corporate America and presents new insights to authentic leadership through self-awareness. Responses from readers have prompted Karl to act as a leadership strategist for several start-up companies, as well as product development teams in corporate environments.

Karl is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He holds a Summa Cum Laude Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics.

Keynote Speeches by Karl

Karl is not only an author, a board member of the National Pitching Association, a musician, and a software engineer, but he is also your best choice as a keynote for your next event. If you want someone who will be honest and “not pull any punches” about the importance of authentic leadership in your organization, Karl is a must-have!

Topics include but are not limited to:

Managing the Chaos of Social Media
“Social networking and the media being uploaded through those networks represents one of the most significant changes in human behavior in the history of man. It has caused a massive transformation in the way customers and organizations communicate.   This presentation will inform leaders at all levels of the organization on how social media is benefiting and challenging the company and lays out a simple strategy for leaders embarking on the social transformation. This presentation utilizes social media to create an engaging, informing and entertaining keynote.”

“Great job in the presentation and the call to action. I learned, was motivated and enjoyed you and your presentation style. Thanks for coming to Healthwise to make the presentation and for all you are doing to help local businesses embrace SoMe.” - Jim Giuffré, President and COO, Healthwise

“Karl, I must say that I was impressed with your foresight and insight. I would recommend, without reservation, to everyone trying to deal with this new paradigm to hear your perspective.” - Garry Beaty, Chief Information Officer, City of Boise, Idaho

“I have listened to two of your Social Media presentations and have found them to be very useful and informative.  I recommend that anyone who is affected by Social Media (which is everyone in business today) make an effort to hear your presentation. “  – Jim Hay, Vice President &  Chief Information Officer,  MWI Veterinary Supply

Authentic Leadership: The Seven Naked Truths of Leadership
“In today’s business world, leadership that can successfully win the hearts, minds, and passion of employees continues to be an elusive target. While many other qualities can encourage and promote short-term results, authentic leadership is the only lasting means of motivating and inspiring a team long-term. The topic is full of corporate humor on its way to a climax that highlights the Naked Truths – guidelines for leaders of every level, intent on building inspired teams through authentic leadership.”

Contact Karl at: karl@leadershipadvisors.com

Follow @Karl_Meinhardt