Keynote Speaker

Dr. Matthew Sowcik
Leadership Educator, Consultant, Author

The CFGS 2026 keynote speaker is Dr. Matthew Sowcik — internationally recognized educator, consultant, and author with over two decades of experience developing leaders. Author of the bestseller The H-Factor: The Intersection Between Humility and Great Leadership, he is an Associate Professor of Leadership Development in the University of Florida’s Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, where he teaches undergraduates and graduates interpersonal leadership, organizational leadership, and advanced leadership theory.

Widely known for his research on humility, Dr. Sowcik focuses on how humble leadership can drive organizational success and positive change. His bestselling book, The H-Factor: The Intersection Between Humility and Great Leadership, explores the critical role of humility in moving leaders from good to great. His extensive publishing history in his field has helped establish best practices in leadership education and made him a much sought-after voice for advancing leadership development across disciplines.

Beyond academia, Dr. Sowcik moves theory into practice as a consultant and speaker. He works with organizations to build effective leadership cultures, such as his ongoing year-long program for Florida county commissioners and training workshops for established companies and startups like eBay, Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, La-Z-Boy, Mohegan Sun Casino, and The New York Times, to name a few. His one-of-a-kind workshops, seminars, and presentations in leadership training enhance teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking among participants.

Dr. Sowcik earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University, a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership degree from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Business from Wilkes University. His professional honors include Outstanding Leadership Scholar of the Year from the Association of Leadership Educators (2019) and Undergraduate Teacher of the Year from the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (2020-2021).

A dynamic speaker known for his energetic, down-to-earth style that translates complex theories into practical tools, Dr. Sowcik is a perfect match for CFGS 2026 and its theme: Future-Focused Leadership.