Yonason Goldson
Named Top 50 Global Thought Leader and Influencer on Culture by Thinkers360, recipient of the Radiance Award for storytelling excellence, and winner of the Davey Award for Best Podcast Co-host, Yonason Goldson possesses a unique gift for applying the universal values of ancient wisdom to the challenges of the modern world. His entertaining and illuminating presentations provide leaders and professionals with practical takeaways for creating a vibrant culture of success while inspiring them to achieve healthier relationships and a more rewarding life.
After graduating from the University of California with a degree in English Literature, Yonason hitchhiked across the United States and backpacked across Europe before finding his way to the Land of Israel. Connecting with his ancestral heritage, he spent the next nine years studying toward his rabbinic ordination, then embarked on his 23-year career teaching high school in Budapest, Hungary, in Atlanta, Georgia, and in St. Louis, Missouri, where he and his wife now live happily as empty-nesters.
Yonason's TEDx Talk, "Hitchhiking, Fundamentalism, and the Art of Ethical Communication," has over 45,000 views, and his column, "The Ethical Lexicon," appears weekly in Fast Company Magazine. He is the author of seven books, including "Grappling with the Gray: An ethical handbook for personal success and business prosperity."
Most Requested Programs
Harness the Power of Ethical Leadership
Earn Trust, Win Loyalty, and Drive Productivity
The survival of any enterprise depends on commitment and trust. The cost of employee disengagement, dissatisfaction, and turnover is staggering – not only in dollars and cents but also in the corrosive effect on work environment and customer experience. Damage to brand dilution from bad press and dissatisfied clients may be even worse.
This program will focus on identifying and developing the qualities that define an ethical leader. Attendees will come away with raised awareness and a practical action plan for leveraging inspired leadership to create a vibrant culture that will naturally enhance:
- Morale
- Public trust
- Engagement
- Initiative
- Success according to every metric
Grapple with the Gray
Transform Company Culture by Conquering the Enemies of Ethics
Why do scandals happen?
Why do we eagerly cut corners and seek short-cuts?
How can we guard against unconscious bias to make the right decisions?
In this program, attendees will identify the three enemies of ethics and come away with concrete action steps to combat each of them. Developing an ethical outlook is the key to anticipate and prevent crises while producing more collaborative and productive interactions. By examining real and hypothetical scenarios, participants will engage in a series of practical thought exercises through which they will gain an appreciation for how to:
- Manage risk by eliminating the causes of a toxic workplace
- Recognize ethical issues and resolve ethical dilemmas
- Promote a culture of loyalty and commitment that drives productivity and profitability
Create a Company Culture Built on Diversity, Ethics, and Inclusion
Promote a Spirit of Partnership and Mutual Respect
Why do so many DEI programs fail? Because, according to research, focusing on differences actually increases divisiveness.
Diversity and inclusion should define every community, for they are critical elements of successful decision-making and growth mindset. So how do we avoid the pitfalls that give DEI a bad name and channel the potential to create a healthy work culture?
That’s the topic of this presentation. Attendees will learn strategies to:
- Foster civility and collaboration by bridging differences
- Create a cohesive community by aligning diverse talents
- Build a society greater than the sum of its parts
Tales of the Hitchhiking Rabbi
This specialty program serves as an entertaining keynote to open or close your conference or corporate event. It also provides an inspiring companion piece to any one of my deep-dive presentations.
Attendee comments:
"Rabbi Goldson related his fascinating life's journey with the humor and eloquence of a modern-day Mark Twain. His presentation left me feeling inspired to contemplate and develop my own life's story with deeper interest and renewed vigor.”
"So genuine! So engaging! Storytelling at its best, where, at each turn, you learn to glean the profound from even the tiniest failures and successes."
"Yonason Goldson's one man show was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride around the world! With every tale of hitchhiking escapades and daring risks, I felt as if I was right there beside him, thumb outstretched, waiting for the next adventure. His knack for storytelling is more than professional, it draws you in. If you're looking for a masterclass in storytelling with a dash of wanderlust, Yonason is your guide. Bravo!"
Testimonials
“It was a pleasure having Yonason as a guest speaker to our Strategy Team Listening Session! It was absolutely fantastic the way he used ancient and contemporary stories to demonstrate that good ethics is good business. My favorite part was this: Culture is the single most determining factor in building a successful enterprise. When that culture is built on a foundation of ethics, diversity and inclusion become a natural feature of the community. Looking forward to having you back!" -Emma Lumpkins, Senior Director, DEI, Schnuck Markets, Inc.
“We were privileged to listen to Yonason for our team meeting. EXCELLENT presentation! It surpassed even my lofty expectations. Thank you, Yonason!” - Kristin Bolton, Vice President, Fidelity National Title Insurance Company
“Yonason was witty, entertaining, and thought-provoking. It was nice to have a different viewpoint on a topic that is critical, not just to our profession, but to our everyday lives.” - Chief Neal Rossow, retired, Director of Professional Development, Michigan Association of Police Chiefs
“Yonason's keynote on ethics was one of the best presentations on the subject I have attended [and] extremely pertinent. He was interactive and funny during his presentation, which always helps keep attention of conference participants!” - Gina Wilson Schenk, MSW, LCSW, Executive Director, Indiana Association of Behavioral Consultants
“Yonason achieved the rare feat of making ethics about more than just ‘doing the right thing’ - he was effective at engaging the virtual audience with thought provoking prompts and layering in his clever but professional sense of humor… [His insights] stuck with our audience as simple and memorable reference points for incorporating into their everyday approach. Interacting with Yonason leading up to and during the presentation solidified he lives out what speaks; my organization also made an extraordinary request of Yonason long after he fulfilled our engagement, which he handled with grace and consideration. I greatly appreciated working with Yonason and recommend all interested in his area of expertise reach out to him.” - Phillip Bastow, Institute of Internal Auditors, Kansas City