Steve Lerch – Former Google Executive and Trusted Advisor
Steve Lerch has become one of the most respected voices in digital strategy and innovation, drawing on nine years as a Google executive and digital strategy advisor. His career spans global brands, non-profits, and public institutions, giving him a rare ability to connect big-picture thinking with everyday business realities. Organizations book Steve Lerch for events where inspiration must be paired with clarity, relevance, and action.
During his time at Google, Steve worked closely with iconic brands such as GoPro and Roku, as well as mission-driven organizations like the YMCA and Save the Children. He also partnered with major branches of the Federal Government, including the Census and FEMA. Across these engagements, Steve helped leaders understand changing consumer behavior, strengthen digital marketing strategies, and make smarter use of data to guide decisions.
Digital Strategy, Marketing, and Consumer Insight
Steve’s expertise sits at the intersection of digital strategy, marketing, and customer insight. He spent years advising organizations on how to evolve their digital, web, and social strategies to meet rising customer expectations. His work focused on attribution, strategic planning, and uncovering the patterns hidden in data that reveal what audiences truly value.
Steve is known for challenging organizations to move past outdated strategies and assumptions. He brings an outside perspective that helps leadership teams see where friction exists between vision and execution. Whether speaking to marketing leaders, executives, or cross-functional teams, Steve translates complex digital topics into clear frameworks and relatable examples.
Culture and Innovation from the Inside
In addition to his advisory work, Steve served as a Culture and Innovation Evangelist at Google. In this role, he was often one of the first voices heard by new employees, introducing them to the cultural principles that have shaped Google’s approach to innovation. He taught the foundational behaviors and mindsets that support experimentation, collaboration, and long-term success.
This experience gives Steve a deep understanding of how culture influences innovation. He speaks candidly about what it takes to build environments where people feel empowered to challenge the status quo and contribute their best ideas. His message resonates with organizations seeking meaningful transformation driven by people rather than process alone.
A Speaker Who Turns Data into Stories
Steve is openly obsessed with data, patterns, and trends, yet he firmly believes data has little value when it is boring or disconnected from real life. On stage, he brings numbers to life through stories, humor, and practical examples drawn from his work with global brands and institutions. His storytelling style keeps audiences engaged while reinforcing key strategic insights.
Event organizers value Steve for his versatility. He is equally effective delivering aspirational keynote presentations to large audiences and leading focused breakout or educational sessions. His talks leave participants with tangible takeaways that can be applied immediately, making his sessions memorable long after the event ends.
Book Steve Lerch for Your Event
When you book Steve Lerch for your event, you bring in a speaker who blends executive-level experience with an engaging, high-energy delivery. He inspires audiences to rethink digital strategy, embrace innovation, and align culture with customer needs. Steve’s ability to connect strategy, data, and human behavior makes him a powerful choice for conferences, leadership events, and corporate meetings across industries.
Steve Lerch is a compelling storyteller, a relentless challenger of the status quo, and a global advocate for people-centered innovation. His insights help organizations navigate a digital-first world with confidence, clarity, and purpose.