Leading change purposefully | Craig Schiefelbein | TEDxOconomowoc

Change is inevitable — but purposeful change is a choice. In this direct and energizing talk, Craig Schiefelbein breaks down how leaders can move from reactive decision-making to intentional, values-driven transformation. With practical insights and personal stories, he makes the case that purposeful change isn’t just good strategy — it’s a moral responsibility. Craig founded Paragon Development Systems (PDS) in his basement with loose change and built it into a $200M company, achieving 26 straight years of growth. Under his leadership, PDS was named a Top Innovator by Intel and consistently ranked a Best Place to Work in Wisconsin. A two-time Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” and recipient of the Ronald Reagan Leadership Award, Craig has inspired 200,000+ people on topics like purpose, innovation, and emotional intelligence. He's authored Get Out of I.T. While You Can, and was the official motivational speaker for the Green Bay Packers. Craig and his family have built 12 schools and an orphanage in Cambodia, drilled water wells across Africa, and founded multiple nonprofits in Wisconsin. He also visits sick and special needs children as Batman in his original Batmobile—because every child deserves to feel like a superhero. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx