John C. Maxwell is an American author, speaker, and pastor, born on February 20, 1947, in Garden City, Michigan. He is widely recognized as an expert on leadership, having written more than 70 books on the topic, including the internationally renowned titles "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" and "Developing the Leader Within You." Maxwell's books have sold millions of copies, with some translated into dozens of languages.

Maxwell's philosophy on leadership is rooted in the belief that leadership is not a position or title, but rather a process of influencing others. He emphasizes that leadership is accessible to everyone and can be developed and improved over time. His work often focuses on principles of influence, personal development, and effective leadership strategies.

In addition to his writing, Maxwell is a sought-after speaker and has delivered keynote speeches and seminars for Fortune 500 companies, governmental organizations, and various nonprofit entities around the world. He is also the founder of The John Maxwell Company, The John Maxwell Team, EQUIP, and the John Maxwell Leadership Foundation, organizations that provide leadership training and resources globally.

Maxwell's early career included pastoral roles in Indiana, Ohio, and California. His experience in church leadership significantly influenced his approach to teaching leadership principles, often blending spiritual and secular insights.

Throughout his career, Maxwell has received numerous accolades for his leadership and communication skills, including being named the #1 leadership expert in the world by Inc. Magazine. His impact on the field of leadership development and his commitment to training leaders has made him a central figure in the genre of leadership literature and education.