Alex Willis, CEO, Leadership Surge

Alex Willis understands the trade industry’s underlying challenges in profitability, performance, labor and productivity and how it has the potential to derail growth. As the CEO of Leadership Surge, Willis provides a leadership development program that trains employees in the trade industry to become frontline leaders, helping push companies forward through future challenges. As Willis competed as a walk-on player for the Florida Gators at the University of Florida and member of the 1996 National Championship football team, he always felt fulfilled working as a team player. Through his hard work and dedication, he received a full scholarship and was elected team captain in 2000. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under Coach Tony Dungy. Following his career with the Buccaneers, Alex received a master’s degree in entertainment business from Full Sail University, earning Salutatorian of his class. Willis’ passion for people lead him to a successful career in financial services, pharmaceutical sales and business development. At Northwestern Mutual, Alex ranked 3rd in sales production for the Southern Region. He ranked 5th in the nation for Eli Lilly in marketing total portfolio sales. He successfully raised over $1.5 million for startup companies and has been instrumental in creating strategy and vision for leadership within these companies. After identifying a need for frontline leadership in the trade industry, Alex has spent the last 15 years working with companies to improve leadership culture. Leadership Surge values people over process and focuses on a holistic, strengths-based approach to leadership. He has worked directly with more than 1200 foreman leaders, helping them improve in areas such as: effective communication, performance coaching, work-life balance, stress management, generational leadership, critical thinking and time management.