Steven D. Smallwood
Leadership Consultant and Author
Our Company
Leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about people.
Steven Smallwood is a seasoned Frontline Leadership Consultant, Facilitator, Coach, and Speaker with a mission to help today’s frontline leaders lead better, not harder. With over four decades of experience—including 20 years as a U.S. Navy veteran and 25 years at American Airlines in aircraft maintenance and Human Resources—Steven brings real-world wisdom to the challenges of managing people in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
As the founder of Leader Roots, Steven partners with union and management teams to elevate leadership from the inside out. Whether it’s navigating team dynamics, managing up and out, or building a culture of accountability without shame, Steven equips leaders with the mindset and tools to thrive—not just survive—on the front lines.
Guest Speaker
One on One Consultation
Frontline Leadership Coach
My Story
Steven's Bio
Steven D. Smallwood is the founder of Leader Roots, a leadership development company dedicated to helping people lead better by focusing on the human side of leadership.
A Tulsa, Oklahoma native and retired Navy veteran, Steven spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy, where he built a strong foundation in leadership through discipline, teamwork, and real-world experience. After his military service, he joined American Airlines, where he spent the next 25 years leading aircraft maintenance teams and later serving as a Human Resources Business Partner.
In that role, Steven worked at the intersection of technical operations and human relationships—coaching leaders, resolving conflicts, and helping teams grow stronger through empathy and understanding.
Today, through Leader Roots, Steven shares lessons learned from more than four decades of leading, mentoring, and developing others. His coaching and speaking engagements help leaders reduce stress, build confidence, and lead with authenticity. He believes that better leadership doesn’t start with control—it starts with connection.
Steven is also the author of two books: 'The Human Side of Leadership" and "How to Self-Publish Your Book in 60 Days".
His favorite quote and guiding principle:
“It is one of the most beautiful compensations in life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson