Walt Goodridge: An Author, Entrepreneur, and Inspiring Motivational Speaker
Walt Goodridge is an author, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker who has dedicated his life to inspiring people and guiding them toward personal and professional success. For over two decades, he has served as a beacon of positivity and hope to audiences around the globe, and his unique philosophy-centered approach has influenced audiences of all ages and backgrounds. As the former Director of Leadership Development at the Goldman Sachs Group, he has been able to translate his trade and knowledge into the areas of leadership, ambition, and excellence. In addition to his inspiring speeches, his success story is a testament to what admirable goals and persistent effort can achieve.
Early Life and Business Ventures
Walt Goodridge was born and raised in Jamaica before he headed north to study at Cornell University. After becoming a graduate of the Ivy League school in the early ’90s, he launched his own software business. It was from then on that his entrepreneurial spirit was born. He soon brought his business to the Silicon Valley during the tech boom, and quickly carved out a name for himself in the tech world as well as among venture capitalists.
At the Goldman Sachs Group, Walt served as Director of Leadership Development. During his four-year tenure, he worked hard to develop a unique philosophy while expanding his reach and influence. His innovative style eventually caught the attention of many groups, both nationally and internationally.
Writing and Publishing
In the wake of his success at Goldman Sachs, Walt was inspired to write. His books include the inspirational classic, Success is Wearing Comfortable Shoes and Conscious Entrepreneurs, both of which are filled with positive and thought-provoking teachings. His books serve as guides, mentoring its readers through the journey of life and business. They focus on the precepts of commitment, resilience, and character, which are foundations for his beliefs about success and enthusiasm.
In Talent Contest, Walt combines his personal narrative and inspirational stories from an array of successful people. The thought-provoking book shines a light on the insights of those who overcame adversity and succeeded in life by following their passions.
Walt continues to write and publish his works which have become sought after gems for readers around the world. In 2020, his most recent publication, Renewal: Reclaim Yourself, Reclaim your Life hit the shelves, in addition to inspiring his podcast, Stories For Living.
Motivational Speaking and Inspiring Audiences Around the Globe
Over the past two decades, Walt has inspired people around the globe with his unique approach to motivational speaking. By combining thoughtful storytelling with powerful anecdotes and personal experiences, Walt has lifted and energized audiences. It is his hope that those attending his talks will too be motivated to reach their highest potential by next creating their own inspiring stories.
His inspirational talks are centered around his original philosophies, often infused with his passion for sports and music. From sharing his personal experiences as an entrepreneur, to helping his audiences to dig deep and acquire the skills needed to reach their personal and professional goals, Walt’s talks are warmly welcomed by all.
Since making his debut as a speaker in the mid-90s, Walt Goodridge has spoken in over 20 countries across five continents. His messages have resonated with audiences, inspiring them to take the necessary steps to build the lives and careers that thrive through commitment, resilience, and character.
Areas of Specialization and Expertise
Walt specializes in the areas of leadership, enthusiasm, teamwork, personal growth, success, and transformation. He has developed an incredible list of topics that he utilizes while speaking to his audiences.
Areas of expertise include but are not limited to:
• Leadership Development: Walt covers the value of “leader-ship” and how to achieve excellence in every situation by leveraging the skills and abilities of each individual.
• Professional Development: Walt speaks to creating a professional and effective environment, where personality and skill can flourish.
• Inspiration & Motivation: Walt shares his philosophy on inspiring and motivating those around you while staying coachable, supportive, and open to the journey.
• Commitment to Potential: Walt speaks on the importance of committing to potential and being focused, driven, and determined in life’s pursuits.
• Ambition & Excellence: Walt motivates his audiences to strive for excellence and to take full advantage of their potential and opportunities.
• Teamwork & Communication: Walt emphasizes the importance of building relationships, practicing teamwork, and communicating effectively.
• Personal Transformation: Walt speaks to personal transformation, and how to use your uniqueness to create success and success stories.
• Business & Career: Walt touches on how to build and grow a sustainable, successful business and career, while maintaining long-term relationships.
Innovative Philanthropic Efforts
Walt is an incredibly humble and selfless individual who has dedicated much of his time and resources to philanthropic projects. Each year, Walt contributes to over 20 organizations around the world, to help enrich the lives of those that are less fortunate. His philanthropic efforts have included providing medical supplies and resources, creating libraries and schools, and engaging in development initiatives. He also created a non-profit organization, Latitude9Media, dedicated to creating video treasures of unsung, community-based heroes.
The Walt Goodridge Impact
The impact that Walt has had on the world has been felt in many ways. His impressive list of accomplishments has inspired many to reach their highest potential and pursue their dreams with passion and motivation. In each project he’s taken on, Walt has captured the hearts, minds, and souls of those he’s interacted with and has made it his mission to help others become the best versions of themselves. His speeches and publications continue to inspire, motivate, and encourage dreamers to reach their highest levels of success and happiness.
Walt Goodridge advises his audiences to remain open to embracing the unexpected opportunities that come with life’s challenges. Recognizing that life is a journey, not a destination, Walt emphasizes the importance of taking action and pushing pass boundaries to reach elusive goals. He has become an international symbol for ambition, personal development, and self-empowerment, empowering people from all walks of life to become the best versions of themselves.