More About Stephen

I’m Stephen Styles—a follower of Jesus whose work sits at the intersection of faith, race, culture, identity, and leadership.

I help leaders navigate complex human and organizational challenges with greater clarity, trust, and practical skill.

My experience spans executive leadership, nonprofit management, faith-based community organizing, and racial reconciliation. I spent more than a decade in Chicago’s hotel industry with companies including Hilton and Marriott. My career progressed from entry-level roles into leadership positions overseeing large teams and multi-million-dollar operations. I later served a nonprofit arts organization that created music education access on Chicago's south side, growing from under 100 students to over 2,000 students per year during my tenure.

I attended Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, where I earned an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership, and hold a Master of Arts from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. My graduate research focused on racial justice and Christian unity. I've received formal training in faith-based community organizing and have served on regional and national strategy teams.

My work has served corporate, education, faith-based, and community organizations, including Chicago Public Schools, Sweetwater Sound, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the National Black Musicians Coalition.

Through coaching, training, and strategic partnership, I help leaders and organizations achieve meaningful change with wisdom and practical skill.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, serving in my local church, and making and experiencing live music as a lifelong drummer.

Based in the Midwest, I work nationwide—virtually and in person.

If your organization is navigating a complex people or culture challenge, I’d be glad to explore whether my experience can help.