Steve Wozniak Speaker Biography
“The Woz” – Co-Founder of Apple
Steve Wozniak is “The Woz.” He co-founded Apple. He is a Silicon Valley icon. For over thirty years, he has been a philanthropist. Top technology speaker, Wozniak helped shape computing. He designed Apple’s first products. These were the Apple I and II. He also influenced the Macintosh. In 1976, Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple. Wozniak’s Apple I was key. This important moment is in films. One example is Danny Boyle’s Steve Jobs. The next year, he introduced the Apple II. It had a CPU and a keyboard. It also had color graphics and a floppy drive. The Apple II helped launch the personal computer industry.
Awards and Honors
In 1981, he returned to UC Berkeley. He finished his degree there. It was in electrical engineering and computer science. For his work at Apple, he won an award. It was the National Medal of Technology in 1985. This is a high honor for US innovators. In 2014, he received the Hoover Medal. This award honors engineers. It recognizes their “outstanding extra-career services to humanity.” He was also inducted into the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame. These awards highlight his impact.
Inventor’s Hall of Fame
In 2000, he was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame. He also received the Heinz Award. This was for Technology, The Economy and Employment. He designed the first personal computer. He then used his passion. He focused on math and electronics. He inspired excitement for education. His work involved grade school students and teachers.
Philanthropy
Over the years, Wozniak has been involved in many ventures. These include business and charity work. He focuses on computers in schools. He stresses hands-on learning. He encourages student creativity. He invests time and resources in education. He supported the Los Gatos School District. He provided teaching and tech equipment. He founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation. He also sponsored the Tech Museum. He supported Silicon Valley Ballet. He helped the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose.
iWoz
Wozniak is Chief Scientist at Primary Data and a well-known technology speaker. He is also a published author. His autobiography is iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon. It was a New York Times bestseller.
Media
He has appeared on TV shows. These include Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List. He was also on Dancing with the Stars and The Big Bang Theory. The movie Steve Jobs features his role in founding Apple. Seth Rogen played him. It shows his friendship with Steve Jobs. This was at the start of the digital revolution.
Woz U
In 2017, Wozniak founded Woz U. It is an online educational technology service. He recently co-founded EFFORCE. This platform aims to increase energy efficiency. Everyone can participate and benefit.
Steve Wozniak Speaking Topics
Remarks by Steve Wozniak
Steve Wozniak's quintessential appearances are in the “chat” format; 60 minute dialogues between Woz, a moderator, and the assembled audience. The chat format offers event hosts tremendous control over the content of the appearance and allows for a more unique and highly interactive experience for the audience. Questions asked of Woz during the chat can be based on one or a combination of his core topics. TOPICS: Woz takes a very customized approach to each appearance he accepts and speaks directly with the event host to ensure a topical focus that is unique, conversational, and an excellent tie-in with the overall event. The result is a highly personalized, unforgettable experience delivered by one of the most influential pioneers of the technology industry. His core topics include: • The founding of Apple • Innovation and creativity • Entrepreneurship or thinking like an entrepreneur within a larger company • iWoz, his autobiography • Robotics and automation • Education • His personal vision for the future of technology • The Internet of Things • Wearables • Big Data
iWoz
Technology speaker Steve Wozniak teaches the lessons of Apple to show that business evolution can be achieved from the ground up.
A Conversation with Steve Wozniak
Up to a 60-minute on-stage dialogue and open Q&A between Steve, the interviewer (which we would be happy to assist you in selecting), and your attendees. The interview format offers tremendous control over the content of the appearance and allows for a more unique and highly interactive experience for your attendees. The best way to utilize this format is to identify the topical area that you would like to ask Steve questions about during the conversation – ideally 10 open ended questions for a 60-minute session. Steve is happy to answer questions from a broad variety of areas. We are available to assist with the interview format and content to help you create a dynamic and thought-provoking event.
Robotics/Automation
Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer in 1976. Between Wozniak’s technical ability and Jobs’s mesmerizing energy, they were a powerful team. In this presentation Steve Wozniak shares the backstory as to how Apple came to the world renowned organization we know it as today.
Innovation & Creativity
One of the early innovators of the microcomputer revolution, Wozniak co-founded Apple Computers (now Apple Inc.), designing both the Apple I and the Apple II. He was awarded the National Medal of Technology from President Ronald Reagan for his innovations, which effectively paved the way for the personal computer industry.
Wearables
Steve Wozniak is a gadget guy. He drives a Tesla, rides a Segway, has a remote-controlled device which lights up his luggage at baggage claim, and even uses a toothbrush holder that sticks to the mirror. He loves getting his hands-on new devices, especially innovative wearables. In this presentation, Wozniak talks about the potential of wearables and the direction he thinks they need to go in.
Steve Wozniak Books
iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon: How I Invented the Personal Computer, Co-Founded Apple, and Had Fun Doing It
Purchase BookSteve Wozniak Videos
Steve Wozniak Articles
Steve Wozniak Speaker Testimonials
Everything went smoothly. He was great to work with and “worked” the dinner like no other speaker before. I strongly recommend The Woz to any college. He was a hit!
- Student Union Director | The University of Texas-Pan American
“Steve Wozniak’s session at the 2015 NAMM Show will be talked about for years to come. His unique insights on innovation and creativity inspired the audience to look at their businesses differently. Our members were blown away by his generosity, wisdom and authenticity. He’s a living legend, and at the same time, he couldn’t be easier to work with. He received a standing ovation like we’ve never seen at a show.”
- NAMM | Zach Phillips, Director of Professional Development
“Steve Wozniak’s dynamic personality, unique vision, and astute knowledge created a session that NAMM’s audience will never forget. His storytelling was compelling and it came completely nature to him. I enjoyed how he would go on tangents giving the audience a sneak peak into untold stories, which created an authentic moment for them. Woz is truly one of kind!”
- KROC Entertainment | Karen Rocco, Owner
“Thank you so much for everything you have done for us during your stay. The amount of feedback from today’s staff session has been phenomenal, – they could not be more excited. Our clients also thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to engage in open conversation with you. Your honesty, genuineness, passion and great story telling ability wowed everyone and delivered a truly unique experience for our staff and clients alike. You have both been so lovely to engage with over these past few days and made it such a joy to hold this event.”
- Commonwealth Bank of Australia | Paula Nolan