John C. Maxwell

John C. Maxwell was born on February 20, 1947, in Garden City, Michigan, into a family of leaders. He attended Ohio Christian University, earned a Master of Divinity from Azusa Pacific University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. Maxwell spent over 30 years as a pastor, leading growing churches by applying leadership strategies learned from his family and mentors. In the 1980s and 1990s, Maxwell began authoring books on leadership, personal growth, and teamwork. By the late 1990s, he transitioned to full-time speaking and writing, founding The John Maxwell Company to equip corporate leaders and nonprofits. In 1996, he established EQUIP, a nonprofit that has trained nearly six million leaders in 177-180 countries. Maxwell's influence peaked in the 2000s and 2010s, with over 100 books sold in 50 languages. Today, at age 78, Maxwell continues as a keynote speaker tailoring presentations to audiences worldwide.