Steve Kane
An Empowering Keynote Speaker
I help transportation professionals discover their new possible by turning trials into triumphs
Driving Transformation in Transportation
If you're in the trucking industry, chances are you love it—but you also know it comes with real challenges. Whether you're new to the field, supporting it as a partner, grinding on the front lines, or leading from the top, the road can often feel like an uphill climb. From high turnover and an aging workforce to rising operational costs, increasing liability, and technology that’s tough to keep up with, the obstacles are real—and relentless.
That’s where Stephen comes in.
Stephen’s journey becomes your roadmap—one that turns adversity into purpose and obstacles into opportunities for breakthrough growth. He helps transportation professionals tap into the mindset, health, and virtue-driven leadership needed to rise above industry pressures and discover a new level of what’s possible—for themselves, their teams, and the future of our industry.
An Unbreakable Journey
From homelessness to executive leadership, Steve's story is one of resilience and transformation
Stephen Kane is a dynamic speaker, coach, and President of Rolling Strong with over 35 years of experience in the transportation industry. His journey is nothing short of extraordinary rising from homelessness, to sleeping in a tent and living in a semi-truck to becoming a respected transportation executive, wellness advocate, and Ironman triathlete. From driver to executive and working almost every role in between, Stephen understands the building blocks of this industry and the human side of transportation like few others can. His life is a testament to the idea that anything is possible when purpose, resilience, and vision collide.
A cancer survivor with a pacemaker and more than his share of broken bones, Stephen has not only endured—he’s thrived. He has competed in over 75 endurance races which include 11 Ironman events while building his business and channeling that same drive into helping others overcome their own roadblocks. Through every season of his life, he’s turned obstacles into opportunities, using his experience to inspire transformation from the cab to the boardroom.
What sets Stephen apart is his deep understanding of people. He meets individuals where they are—with empathy, honesty, and a contagious belief in what every person is capable of becoming. His passion is helping others reconnect to a sense of purpose, whether they’re just starting out or looking for what’s next.
Keynote Presentations
Steve's signature keynotes challenge industry professionals to rethink leadership and embrace transformation
Transportation Transformation
"Transportation Transformation" is a powerful keynote that challenges industry professionals to rethink leadership by embracing seven key virtues and improving well-being as the foundation for lasting change. Through personal storytelling and actionable insights, Stephen Kane inspires audiences to turn adversity into opportunity, lead with virtue, and create a culture of integrity, health, and impact in their organizations and the industry at large.
Leading with Virtue
Learn how to lead with authenticity and purpose, creating lasting impact through principled leadership. Discover how virtue-based leadership transforms organizations from the inside out.
Embracing Vulnerability
Discover how vulnerability becomes your greatest strength in building trust and fostering genuine connections. Learn how authentic leadership creates stronger teams and more resilient organizations.
Turning Hardships into Superpowers
Transform challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation through resilience and determination. Learn how adversity becomes the foundation for extraordinary achievement.
The Highway to Seven
The key to transformation lies in embracing these seven virtues that drive lasting change. This keynote explores how these principles can transform your organization from the inside out.
Self-Responsibility
Owning your actions, choices, and growth
Resilience
Adapting, overcoming, and pushing forward in any challenge
Conscientiousness
Leading with integrity, discipline, and accountability
Gratitude
Turning appreciation into motivation and momentum
Kindness
Creating impact through empathy, connection, and service
Purpose
Defining your "why" and leading with intention
Wisdom
Making the right decisions for long-term success
Through powerful storytelling and actionable strategies, I help leaders, teams, and individuals break through barriers, shift perspectives, build resilience, and lead with integrity.
What Industry Leaders Say
Hear directly from transportation industry executives about the impact of Steve's speaking engagements
Daren Wingard
Executive Director, NATERA
"Steve's presentation was not only informative, talking about the creation of Rolling Strong and the mission of helping drivers with their health and wellness, but it was also a really personal story about his journey and very inspirational. The main takeaway was learning from the hard things we go through and the lessons we can learn from that—how we can grow, get better, and get stronger as we come out of those moments."
Daren Wingard
Executive Director, NATERA
"Steve's story is a story for us all as his path to resilience serves as a model for business change. Steve's presentation was filled with energy and insightful initiatives that enable businesses to adapt to a fast and changing competitive climate."
Mark Codd, Ph.D.
Vice President, People Results
North American Transportation Employee Relations Association
"I heard Steve Kane speak at our recent NATERA Conference. He is a truly inspiring and transformative speaker. His powerful message, authenticity, and passion deeply resonated with me, leaving me feeling motivated and empowered to take action. He doesn't just speak, he connects, challenges, and uplifts. Through Rolling Strong, he will continue to make a positive impact on the trucking industry and our drivers. Highly recommended."
Mike Stutzman
Director - HR Business Partner
CRST
Speaking Engagements
Join Steve at these upcoming events or book him for your organization
NATERA 2025
Keynote: "Transportation Transformation"
Bring Steve to Your Event
Looking for a speaker who delivers raw, real, and powerful insights that drive lasting change? Book Steve for your next conference, leadership retreat, or corporate event.
Book Steve for Your Event
Ready to transform your organization? Let's start the conversation.
Get in Touch
Fill out the form to inquire about booking Steve for your next event, or reach out directly using the contact information below.
steve@stevekane.com
Phone
913-205-4901
Audiences
Corporate Events, Industry Conferences, Leadership Retreats, Team Building Workshops