John Baird

John is a leadership thinker, advisor, and educator focused on helping leaders build high-performing teams without

losing their humanity. John is a popular keynote and podcast presenter.

He currently serves as Faculty in Residence at San Jose State University and is the author of WJS Best Seller,

Leading with Heart (with Edward Sullivan), as well as the forthcoming book, Tough Enough: How to Lead a Team to

Greatness without Being a Jerk (with Matt Hunter), to be released in Fall 2026.

After retiring from Velocity in January 2025, the executive coaching firm he co-founded, John now works selectively

with founders, CEOs, and boards, most often in technology (including AI), with a special focus on biotechnology and

pharmaceuticals. More recently, he has expanded his coaching practice to include University presidents and leaders

at academic institutions.

John is building an AI-Digital Twin leadership platform, with plans to launch in 2026.

John holds a PhD in Organizational Communication and Leadership from Purdue University and spent 17 years on the faculty at San Jose State University’s College of Business, where he was named Outstanding Professor of the University.