“The Woz” – Co-Founder of Apple
A Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for more than thirty years, Steve Wozniak has helped shape the computing industry with his design of Apple’s first line of products the Apple I and II and influenced the popular Macintosh. In 1976, Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer Inc. with Wozniak’s Apple I personal computer (a moment so important that is already the subject on several feature films including Danny Boyle’s recent Steve Jobs biopic). The following year, the business and technology speaker introduced his Apple II personal computer, featuring a central processing unit, a keyboard, color graphics, and a floppy disk drive. The Apple II was integral in launching the personal computer industry.
Awards
In 1981, he went back to UC Berkeley and finished his degree in electrical engineering/computer science. For his achievements at Apple, Wozniak was awarded the National Medal of Technology by the President of the United States in 1985, the highest honor bestowed on America’s leading innovators. In 2014, he was awarded the Hoover Medal, a prestigious honor given for “outstanding extra-career services by engineers to humanity,” and was inducted into the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame. All of these award have helped make Steve Wozniak one of the most accredited technology speakers available.
Inventor’s Hall of Fame
In 2000, he was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame and was awarded the prestigious Heinz Award for Technology, The Economy and Employment for single-handedly designing the first personal computer and for then redirecting his lifelong passion for mathematics and electronics toward lighting the fires of excitement for education in grade school students and their teachers.
Philanthropy
Through the years, Wozniak has been involved in various business and philanthropic ventures, focusing primarily on computer capabilities in schools and stressing hands-on learning and encouraging creativity for students. Making significant investments of both his time and resources in education, the business speaker adopted the Los Gatos School District, providing students and teachers with hands-on teaching and donations of state-of-the-art technology equipment.
Affiliations
He founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and was the founding sponsor of the Tech Museum, Silicon Valley Ballet and Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose.
Book
Wozniak is Chief Scientist at Primary Data and is a published author with the release of his New York Times best-selling autobiography, iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon by Norton Publishing.
Media
His television appearances include reality shows Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and The Big Bang Theory.
Motion Picture
Now the subject of a major motion picture (Danny Boyle’s biopic, Steve Jobs), Steve Wozniak, played by Seth Rogen, is featured prominently in his pivotal role in the founding Apple and the complex friendship he and Steve shared at the beginning of the digital revolution.
Entrepreneur
In 2017, Wozniak founded Woz U, an online educational technology service for independent students and employees. Always innovating, Steve recently co-founded EFFORCE, a revolutionary platform aiming at increasing energy efficiency by allowing everyone to participate and benefit from worldwide energy efficiency projects.
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
All Steve Wozniak Books
iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon: How I Invented the Personal Computer, Co-Founded Apple, and Had Fun Doing It
Purchase BookEverything 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