David Steward

In recent years, WWT has grown into a technology powerhouse, reported in some sources to have more than $20 billion in annual revenue and employ thousands of staff.

Leadership, Philosophy & Influence

Steward has frequently emphasized the role of faith, values, and servant leadership in his approach to business. He has spoken about integrating integrity, employee development, and culture into corporate operations.

Under his leadership, WWT has also prioritized diversity and inclusion, and has been recognized as one of the largest African-American–owned businesses in the U.S.

He serves on numerous boards and civic institutions, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Centene Corporation, Webster University, and the University of Missouri.

Steward is also a published author. His book Doing Business by the Good Book (co-written with Robert L. Shook) explores principles of business grounded in biblical values.

He has received numerous awards: Entrepreneur of the Year, honors from Ebony magazine, Horatio Alger Award, and others recognizing his business leadership and community impact.

Historical Milestones & Context

David Steward’s ascent coincides with major shifts in technology, government procurement, corporate outsourcing, and minority business development in America.

• The 1990s boom in enterprise IT, networking, and systems integration created opportunities for firms that could reliably deliver infrastructure and software solutions. Steward positioned WWT to serve both private and public sectors.

• Government set-aside and minority contracting programs opened pathways for minority-owned firms; Steward leveraged those frameworks ethically to win contracts and scale.

• The dot-com bust, the early 2000s tech crash, and subsequent recessions challenged many tech firms; Steward navigated WWT through adversity via diversification and strong leadership.

• The evolving emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion in corporate America further raised the visibility and significance of successful minority-led enterprises like WWT.

In this context, Steward’s story is not just about building a company, but about creating a model for how values, leadership, and opportunity can combine.

Legacy and Influence

David Steward’s impact extends beyond financial success:

1. Role Model in Minority Business Leadership
   Steward represents what is possible for African-American entrepreneurs in technology sectors often underrepresented in leadership.

2. Integration of Faith, Values, and Business
   His insistence that business be conducted ethically has inspired leaders seeking to marry profit and principles.

3. Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
   WWT’s success demonstrates the business case for inclusion, and Steward’s voice helps shift the narrative in corporate America.

4. Philanthropic and Community Engagement
   He invests in education, cultural initiatives, and institutions—amplifying opportunity in underserved communities.

5. Institutional Influence
   Through board positions, advisory roles, and institutional support, he helps shape policies, business education, and civic infrastructure.

6. Inspirational Narrative
   His life—from modest beginnings to corporate leadership—serves as a compelling story of perseverance, vision, and stewardship (in the literal as well as moral sense).

Personality and Talents

David Steward is often described as humble, principled, visionary, and disciplined. He does not seek excessive spotlight, preferring that his work and results speak.

Key strengths and character traits include:

• Resilience: He endured adversity (financial stress, setbacks) and persisted.

• Sales & Relationship Acumen: Early in his career, he built skills that translated into enterprise technology sales and client trust.

• Values-driven leadership: He integrates faith, ethics, and mission into strategic decisions.

• Strategic foresight: He anticipated technology trends and diversified WWT at key points.

• Mentorship & community orientation: He supports others, lifts up communities, and believes in collective success.

Steward is often quoted emphasizing that his mission is to “leave footprints, not fingerprints” — meaning lasting positive impact over transient recognition.

Selected Quotes by David Steward

Here are several quotes and paraphrased insights that reflect his mindset and values:

“The adversities I encountered during my youth served as my training ground for hard times I eventually faced as a struggling entrepreneur.” “I vividly remember segregation — separate schools, sitting in the balcony at the movie theater, being barred from the public swimming pool.” “Profit is secondary. Mission is primary.” (often quoted in profiles) “We’re here to leave footprints, not fingerprints.” (his guiding principle)

Though Steward is more often quoted in business profiles than in books of quotations, these lines help show how his life and philosophy interlock.

Lessons from David Steward

From his life and achievements, we can draw several lessons:

1. Start small, but stay consistent
   Steward built his business incrementally, even during periods of financial strain.

2. Embrace values as a strategic differentiator
   Integrity, faith, and mission can strengthen culture, brand, and long-term trust.

3. Use adversity as training
   Early hardships sharpened his resolve, adaptability, and toughness.

4. Leverage diversity and minority-owned status responsibly
   Steward used set-aside and contracting opportunities, but always by delivering performance and value.

5. Reinvest in people and communities
   His philanthropic focus shows that success is more meaningful when shared.

6. Think beyond wealth to legacy
   Steward’s goal is not only to build a company, but to leave institutions, values, and systems that outlast him.

Conclusion

David Steward stands as a powerful example of business leadership grounded in purpose. From humble origins in Missouri, he ascended through garment sweat equity, sales jobs, and entrepreneurial risk to build World Wide Technology, one of America’s major tech firms. Stepping beyond profit, he integrates faith, mentorship, inclusion, and civic investment into his work.

In an era when questions about business ethics, equity, and legacy matter deeply, Steward’s life offers a blueprint: build with integrity, serve communities, lift others, and measure success not only by revenue but by impact.