Biography
Keynote Speaker | Leadership Expert | Author | Veteran
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Jim Nalepa is a seasoned leadership expert, dynamic keynote speaker, and veteran of the United States Army, with a distinguished career that spans over 40 years. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point (Class of 1978), Jim’s career in leadership began with active service in the 3rd Infantry Division in Germany and the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Notably, Jim was a member of the Grenada Rescue Mission in 1983, an experience that shaped his unwavering commitment to leadership under pressure.
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Upon transitioning from active duty as a Captain in 1984, Jim launched his professional career as a speaker and leadership coach, with a singular passion: to help organizations build high-performance teams and cultivate visionary leaders. His unique blend of experience, expertise, and energetic delivery has made him one of the most sought-after speakers, inspiring audiences across the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
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Over the years, Jim has coached and developed executive leaders and leadership teams for a wide range of organizations, from multinational corporations to emerging businesses. His clients span diverse industries, all benefiting from his tailored insights on leadership excellence, teamwork, and organizational growth.
Jim’s expertise has been widely recognized, with features in prestigious publications such as The Wall Street Journal, BOSS Magazine, Working Woman, and Crain's Chicago Magazine. He has also served as a guest commentator on leadership and executive performance at top-tier institutions like The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and the Business School at the University of Wisconsin.
As the co-author of the Amazon Best Seller “Follow Me Leadership: Lessons from Graduates of the United States Service Academies”, Jim brings a unique perspective on leadership forged through years of military service and honed in the corporate world.
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In addition to his speaking and coaching work, Jim has held leadership roles in several organizations. He is a past president of the West Point Society of Chicago, a former board member of the USO of Illinois, and a life member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Jim has also contributed to various corporate boards and advisory committees, further cementing his credibility as a leader in both military and civilian sectors.
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Currently residing in Miami, Florida, Jim continues to inspire and lead through his speaking engagements, helping organizations build leaders who lead with purpose, vision, and integrity.