David Steward speaks with Benjamin Akande
Webster University’s George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology honored David Steward, chairman and founder of World Wide Technology, as its 2015 Person of the Year, on Tuesday, April 21. Prior to accepting the award, Steward discussed his leadership journey and shared insights he has gained along the way.
“There’s no doubt that when the history of early 21st century commerce is written, David Steward’s name will be mentioned,” Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean of the Walker School, said. “He is a pioneer; and one of the most successful and dynamic entrepreneurs of this generation.” Read Dean Akande’s full remarks.
Steward founded World Wide Technology with Jim Kavanaugh in 1990 as a small product reseller with a handful of employees. Today World Wide Technology is a market leader in systems integration and supply-chain solutions.
A self-described risk-taker, Steward acknowledged the importance of failure in his career. He explained that his mistakes enabled him to learn and grow, and they eventually helped position him to achieve success.
When asked to offer his advice to the next generation of leaders, Steward said, “Who you are today will define you in the future. Your reputation is everything and you must protect it.”
The Walker School has bestowed its Person of the Year Award upon innovative and inspirational global corporate leaders for more than a decade. Past recipients of this award include: AT&T’s Randall Stephenson, IKEA’s Mikael Ohlsson, IBM’s Sam Palmisano, Twitter’s Jack Dorsey, Monsanto’s Hugh Grant and Emerson Electric’s David Farr, among others.
Walker School Advisory Board Chair Dale Cammon, Walker School Dean Benjamin Akande, Webster University President Beth Stroble, World Wide Technology Founder David Steward and Ambassador George Herbert Walker III
Nearly 150 guests joined Steward at this event. Ambassador George Herbert Walker III presented the 2015 Person of the Year Award to Steward. During his remarks, he recognized Steward for his unparalleled contributions to corporate America as founder of WWT and for his commitment to building communities far and wide. He then went on to say, “David is an inspirational leader, and it is our belief that his finest days are yet to come.”
