Derek Young possesses a unique ability to connect with audiences. He blends the big-picture with font-line work experiences to teach individuals and organizations how to rapidly transform their culture. He infuses every keynote and consulting engagement with what people value most…Real. Practical. Solutions. Every insight he delivers is born out of countless reps in real work situations with household brands like Nissan, AT&T, AARP, and more.

At the start of the new millennium, Young helped America’s number one family dining chain—Cracker Barrel —elevate how they honor customers and employees, and expand their revenue and reach, as the first leader of diversity & inclusion and community outreach.

In the mid to late 90’s, he helped transform performance culture and community image for the nation’s top discount retailer—Dollar General—as the first head of corporate social responsibility, second head of leadership development, and first head of continuous process improvement. At the start of the 90’s he strengthened the first diversity pipelines for Fortune 1000 companies in middle Tennessee as a Career Development Manager for INROADS; helping 700 future leaders thrive in college and corporate America. As a 20 to 24-year-old in the mid 80’s, he conducted systems, financial, and operational audits, and economic research for the Federal Reserve System. In the late-80’s, he helped establish the communication protocols for the Collections division at Sprint global headquarters.

As a consultant and coach, he provides customized programs for culture strategy and culture change, coaching on topics like:

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Executive Presence
• Image Branding
• Leadership Development
• Organizational Development
• Performance Management
• Sales and Service
• Strategic Execution
• Team Motivation