These words are the lifeblood of Stephen Mansfield’s work and the reason why this New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and popular speaker is often to be found serving vital social causes.

For example, in recent years Stephen has been captured by the cause of the Kurds. It has led him to write a book about the Iraqi Kurds  and give a TEDx talk about “The Most Famous Unknown People in the World.”

Stephen is also deeply concerned about the current state of manhood. To help reverse the downward trend of modern masculinity, he has written leading books on the subject, has appeared in major media, has spoken at conferences around the world, and has launched the GreatMan movement to train men in the art of noble manhood.

Stephen grew up as the son of a US Army officer, and spent many formative years living in Berlin during the dark days of the Cold War. Returning to the US, he attended college, earning a bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy and later a master’s in history and public policy and a doctorate in history and literature. He also began acquiring a reputation as a speaker of both depth and humor. During this season of his life, he wrote books, hosted a radio show, spoke widely, and led a number of social-service organizations.

Then, in 2002, he came to international attention with his book, The Faith of George W. Bush, which landed on the New York Times bestseller list twice, won numerous awards, and was a source for Oliver Stone’s acclaimed movie W., a chronicle of President Bush’s rise to the presidency.

This groundbreaking book led to a string of influential works over the next two decades. Mansfield wrote noted studies of American soldiers at war, Barack Obama, Abraham Lincoln, the Guinness brewing company, Pope Benedict XVI, Winston Churchill, Jesus Christ, Oprah Winfrey, and, of course, the Kurds and modern men.

His work was celebrated. His book on the Kurds was named “Book of the Year” by Rudaw, the leading Kurdish news service. His history of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ was called “masterful” by Publisher’s Weekly. He won Audie and Retailer’s Choice awards. Repeatedly, his books landed on the New York Times bestsellers list.

While managing his busy writing and speaking life, he founded a company that helps prominent figures and top organizations produce high-quality books. He began training leaders, often appearing at conferences around the world. He also began coaching leaders to speak well, something he has done with politicians, leading artists, bestselling authors, and at major universities.

Stephen and his beloved wife, Beverly, split their time between Nashville, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C.