From Corporate America to The Gay Leadership Dude® with Dr. Steve Yacovelli

Welcome to Coffee with Convery, where we dive into the stories of changemakers, thought leaders, and trailblazers shaping the future of business and leadership.

 Today, I’m joined by Dr. Steve Yacovelli, also known as “The Gay Leadership Dude®”—a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and leadership development expert who has dedicated his career to fostering inclusive, resilient, and purpose-driven leadership.

With a background spanning The Walt Disney Company, IBM, and Tupperware Brands, Steve has spent decades helping organizations create workplaces where everyonecan thrive.

As the Founder and Principal of TopDog Learning Group, Steve works with Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits to build leadership skills, champion diversity and inclusion, anddrive meaningful change. His books, including Pride Leadership: Strategies for the LGBTQ+ Leader to Be the King or Queen of Their Jungle and his latest release, Your Queer Career®: Workplace Advice from “The Gay Leadership Dude®”, offer invaluable insights for professionals navigating today’s evolving workforce.  

In today’s conversation, we’ll explore Steve’s journey—where it all began, the experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy, and his mission to make workplaces more inclusive, human, and kind.