I’m Ric Steel. I bring more than 20,000 performances and hundreds of lectures to conversations about artificial intelligence, resilience, purpose, and authentic performance. Through stories, practical ideas, and live music, I help audiences discover new possibilities—and what they can do with them.
Book directly with me. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, and open to last-minute engagements, subject to availability.
Theme music originally written and sung by Ric Steel — “The difference is making a difference”
Choose an outcome below to see the talks that best fit your audience and goals.
Choose a conversation that fits your audience—from AI and human judgment to personal resilience, discovering your gifts, and bringing your authentic self to the stage.
Human judgment, responsibility, and the possibilities of artificial intelligence.
An everyday-language exploration of AI, human judgment, and the questions we should be asking about the technology shaping our lives.
A Musician’s Journey from 300 Injections a Month to Medication-Free Living
Ric’s personal story of rebuilding his life through severe illness, perseverance, and a renewed sense of purpose.
An authentic performer finds themselves before they ever find the spotlight.
Authenticity, show flow, and audience connection—lessons from more than 20,000 performances.
Stumbling Is Part of Stepping Up!
What almost stopped me taught me how to go forward.
Discover What You Have—and How to Make a Difference With It.
Discover your abilities, develop them, and put them to work in service of others.
An Ancient Book. A Modern Investigation. My Interpretation.
An invitation to explore a mysterious manuscript, the questions it raises, and Ric’s interpretation of its meaning.
“I am invited back repeatedly to speak and perform for major cruise lines around the world. Their well-traveled, discerning audiences are accustomed to accomplished speakers and performers, and they value substance, authenticity, and a genuine connection. Those return invitations are a meaningful measure of the trust I have earned.” Ric Steel
My lectures typically include live vocal and guitar performances, selected to reinforce the message of the talk. All performances are presented at an appropriate volume for the audience and setting.
I don’t have to be the headliner to make a difference. My purpose is to serve your audience and help your event succeed:
An orchestra or band can be arranged when needed, but most engagements require only me, my guitar, and my backing tracks:
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Performance footage from a live concert engagement.
When you book me, you work directly with me. There is no agency commission or middleman. We can have a telephone conversation or Zoom meeting before the event to discuss your audience, your goals, and how I can best serve the program.
Based in Memphis, Tennessee, I welcome last-minute inquiries when another speaker or performer becomes unavailable. If my schedule and travel connections allow, I’m happy to get on a plane and be where I’m needed as quickly as possible.
I devote all of my income to Angels to Mankind, the nonprofit charity I founded. Payments for my speaking and musical engagements should be made payable to Angels to Mankind. You will still work directly with me to plan your event.
I’m always on call and accustomed to stepping in for engagements around the world, with my passport and visas in hand. If you need someone tomorrow—or your plans have changed unexpectedly—call or text me directly. If my schedule and travel arrangements allow, I’m happy to help.
All engagements are subject to availability, travel arrangements, and destination entry requirements.