On this episode of the Growing with Purpose podcast, host Paul Spiegelman speaks with Kevin Schnieders, Chief Servant Leader and CEO at Educational Data Systems, Inc. (EDSI). 

From sports broadcaster to English teacher to owner of the family business, Kevin has tried on several seemingly different careers, but he’s always had a throughline: a passion for connecting with people. When he stumbled into working for his father’s business, he realized he could make an impact, and enjoyed the opportunity to work with his dad. EDSI has grown from a team that was in the single digits to an employee population of 900 over the decades. Kevin still finds purpose in the work the company does to help people who are economically disadvantaged, and has successfully scaled their people-focused culture.

Tune into this episode to hear how Kevin was one of the early adopters of the term “servant leadership”, how he stays connected with all 900 of his employees, and why he’s continually trying to be a better listener. 

Show Notes:

3:30 - What is a Chief Servant Leader?

12:47 - Early influences + family business matters

22:20 - Translating the culture to the customers

33:00 - Advice to young people