Steve Wozniak

Steve Wozniak

Co-Founder of Apple

Speaking Style: Informational, Conversational, Influential

Travels From: California

Fee Schedule: 6

A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for the past four decades, Steve Wozniak has helped shape the computing industry with his design of Apple’s first line of products the Apple I and II. He also influenced the popular Macintosh. In 1976, Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer Inc. with Wozniak’s Apple I personal computer. The following year, he introduced his Apple II personal computer, featuring a central processing unit, a keyboard, color graphics, and a floppy disk drive. The Apple II was integral in launching the personal computer industry.

In 2000, he was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame and was awarded the prestigious Heinz Award for Technology, The Economy and Employment for single-handedly designing the first personal computer and for then redirecting his lifelong passion for mathematics and electronics toward lighting the fires of excitement for education in grade school students and their teachers.

Through the years, Wozniak has been involved in various business and philanthropic ventures, focusing primarily on computer capabilities in schools and stressing hands-on learning and encouraging creativity for students.  Making significant investments of both his time and resources in education, he adopted the Los Gatos School District, providing students and teachers with hands-on teaching and donations of state-of-the-art technology equipment. He founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and was the founding sponsor of the Tech Museum, Silicon Valley Ballet and Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose.  In 2014, he was awarded the Hoover Medal, a prestigious honor given for “outstanding extra-career services by engineers to humanity,” and was inducted into the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame. Wozniak is Chief Scientist at Primary Data and is a published author with the release of his New York Times best-selling autobiography, iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon by Norton Publishing.

A Better World Through Devices

Steve Wozniak, one of the most well known pioneers of technology and the Apple brand, presents a fascinating technology openness keynote highlighting the importance of devices in people’s lives today. Wozniak believes that the purpose of technology is to do good and to share; the more great devices that are created, the easier life will become and the less harder people will have to work.

In order to achieve this digital bliss however, Wozniak stresses the need for openness within the industry. To explain this more clearly to his audience, he uses Apple and the iTunes program as an example. Had Apple not created iTunes for Windows, hundreds of millions of people wouldn’t be able to use access the program. By opening up its software, Apple enabled the entire world to enjoy the iPod and eventually the iPad and the iPhone. While technology does have the power to truly transform one’s life, it is crucial that brands remain open and willing to share.

  • iWoz (2006)

  • KROC Entertainment
  • Show Business Entertainment
  • NAMM
  • TechMedia
  • Commonwealth Bank of Australia

“Steve Wozniak’s dynamic personality, unique vision, and astute knowledge created a session that NAMM’s audience will never forget. His storytelling was compelling and it came completely nature to him. I enjoyed how he would go on tangents giving the audience a sneak peak into untold stories, which created an authentic moment for them. Woz is truly one of kind!” – Karen Rocco, Owner KROC Entertainment

“Woz seemed eager to engage the large crowd and did so with some really wonderful and personal tales from the past and also his valuable insight into the future. He was very gracious at the Meet & Greet. Top people present with whom I dealt were very happy with Steve’s portion of the program and the manner in which the attendees were held by Steve even though we were very near the end of a 3 day event.” – Al Henson, Show Business Entertainment

“Steve Wozniak’s session at the 2015 NAMM Show will be talked about for years to come. His unique insights on innovation and creativity inspired the audience to look at their businesses differently. Our members were blown away by his generosity, wisdom and authenticity. He’s a living legend, and at the same time, he couldn’t be easier to work with. He received a standing ovation like we’ve never seen at a show.” – Zach Phillips, Director of Professional Development, NAMM

“Woz’ content was great, very down to earth, humorous and very future oriented.” – Huong, Shiloh Events

“Thank you so much for everything you have done for us during your stay. The amount of feedback from today’s staff session has been phenomenal; – they could not be more excited. Our clients also thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to engage in open conversation with you. Your honesty, genuineness, passion and great story telling ability wowed everyone and delivered a truly unique experience for our staff and clients alike. You have both been so lovely to engage with over these past few days and made it such a joy to hold this event.” – Paula Nolan, Commonwealth Bank of Australia

“I’ve had the pleasure of featuring Steve Wozniak across several conferences in 2014 and enjoyed working with him immensely. His enthusiastic personality translates to a fantastic keynote, and his generosity off stage connecting with attendees had the entire event buzzing. Woz is akin to the Santa Claus of technology — all those that cross paths with him can’t help but be charmed and delighted.” – Paige Pires de Almeida, Producer, TechMedia

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