Steve Pemberton is a visionary senior human resources executive, human capital strategist, best-selling author, and passionate human rights advocate. A dynamic communicator and sought-after speaker, he inspires organizations and individuals to lead with purpose, humanity, and impact.
He currently serves as Managing Director of the Human Resources Executive Board at Seramount, where he partners with HR leaders to advance innovative, people-centered workplace strategies.
Throughout his career—from leadership roles at Monster.com and Walgreens to serving as Chief Human Resources Officer at Workhuman®️—Steve has championed cultures that prioritize engagement, belonging, and high performance. He is also Founder and CEO of The Lighthouse Academy, a leadership and HR consultancy dedicated to developing purpose-driven leaders and award-winning workplace cultures.
Steve is the author of two acclaimed books. A Chance in the World recounts his remarkable journey from the foster care system to corporate leadership; it was adapted into a film and inspired a national social-emotional learning curriculum. His second book, The Lighthouse Effect, encourages individuals to transform adversity into service and impact.
A former U.S. Senate candidate and recipient of numerous honors, Steve serves on multiple nonprofit boards and remains committed to expanding opportunity so all may have “a chance in this world.”