Dr. Steven Jones

Dr. Steven Jones is an organizational psychologist, author, and global thought leader specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Jones has focused his career on supporting leaders and organizations in achieving excellence through inclusive leadership and organizational effectiveness. He holds a bachelor's degree in computer science, a master's in multicultural counseling, and both a master's and Ph.D. in industrial/organizational psychology, providing a multidisciplinary foundation for his data-driven and human-centered approach to leadership development.

Jones is the former CEO of JONES, a consulting firm he founded that provided inclusion and organizational effectiveness services to help leaders leverage diversity for high performance. He is currently the CEO of Global LeaderSHYFT, a company offering leadership development, executive coaching, and organizational change consulting and training to a wide range of industries and leadership levels. With more than 35 years of experience, Jones has worked with leaders and institutions to implement actionable strategies for DEI and organizational transformation.

Recognized as one of America's top experts on diversity by Diversity Inc. magazine, Jones has served as a national diversity advisor to organizations including Honda, Hyundai, LA Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, SDG&E, and Toyota. He has also consulted for the NBA, Sony Music, Qualcomm, and the National Association of Independent Schools. His consulting work spans equity, inclusion, and leadership development for organizations such as Qualcomm, SoCal Edison, Solar Turbines, Vassar College, University of San Diego, University of Southern California, and K-12 schools. Jones has delivered presentations to global teams with leaders from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Nigeria, Malaysia, South Africa, Singapore, Switzerland, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Jones is the author of the book "Journey to Excellence" and creator of the podcast "The LeaderS.H.Y.F.T Secret," where he shares insights on transformational leadership. During his studies in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Jones became the first person of African descent to be ordained as a Buddhist monk at Wat Umong, a 700-year-old monastery, reflecting his commitment to cross-cultural understanding.

Jones has been named among the Top 500 Most Influential Leaders in San Diego, recognized as CEO of the Year in the small business category, and identified as one of the Top 50 Black Leaders in San Diego by San Diego Business Journal. He serves on the boards of the Economic Development Corporation of San Diego, LEAD San Diego, Options for All, and the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, and is a member of the Board of Governors for the University Club Atop Symphony Tower. Through his work, Jones encourages leaders worldwide to move beyond surface-level conversations about diversity and toward meaningful, lasting organizational transformation.