Stephen Krempl is an international trainer, global keynote speaker, bestselling author, and corporate communications coach. He has worked with thousands of leaders in over 30+ countries. His career spans 25 years in Fortune 200 companies, Starbucks Coffee Company (CLO), Yum! Brands (VP of Yum University and Global Learning), PepsiCo Restaurants International and Motorola. He helps leaders stand out and get noticed in their corporations even in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. He has authored nine books including his latest, Positively Negative – How To Turn Negative Messages Into Positive Ones.
Stephen Krempl, Corporate Communications Coach
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life so we can get to know you better.
Hello, I'm Stephen Krempl. I am from Singapore, where the Krempl name is quite unique. Coincidentally, we were the only family with that name in the country. My heritage is a blend of Hungarian and Malaysian roots. My father, of Hungarian descent, was a classical musician, while my mother was born in Labuan, Malaysia. They met while performing on stage. Interestingly, I met my wife, with whom I've shared 38 wonderful years, on stage during a theatrical production as well.
Together, we have three daughters and are proud grandparents to three grandchildren. Our journey has taken us to various parts of the United States, including Dallas, TX; Louisville, KY; Seattle, WA; and our current home in Nashville, TN. Aside from my passion for writing, having authored nine books, my wife and I share a love for cruising, embarking on at least one cruise adventure each year.
What is your business name, and how do you help your clients?
My company, Krempl Communication's International, specializes in helping mid-level managers and executives excel in the corporate world by enhancing their visibility and memorability to senior management. It sounds simple, but you know simple is not necessarily easy. Therefore, we help our participants achieve this through a range of resources, including in-person training, online programs, and coaching that we offer globally. I have the privilege of traveling to various regions like Asia, Africa, and, of course, the US to deliver these programs and talks.
What kind of audience do you target your business towards?
Our business primarily targets two key audiences: multinational corporations and universities. In the corporate sphere, we work with potential leaders, DEI groups, and specific categories of staff, such as Engineers, IT professionals, and more. Our goal is to equip them with the skills to communicate confidently, build personal connections, and stand out within their organizations, especially to senior management. As for universities and colleges, we prepare students for internships and graduation, helping them transition effectively into the work world with the same core concepts.
Tell us a little about the 5% Rule.
The 5% Rule is a fundamental philosophy crucial for success in most organizations. It revolves around the concept that 95% of the time, you can be yourself and behave as usual." However, during the critical 5% moments, which occur when you're in the presence of leaders at least two levels above you or higher, it's essential to adapt your communication and behavior slightly.
Some may argue that this isn't being authentic, but it's like how we adjust our behavior in different contexts. We act differently at work, with friends, at family gatherings, and in places of worship. Similarly, it's natural to adapt when interacting with senior leaders, just as you do with your peers or staff. If people grasp this concept, I believe it will eliminate 50% of their uncertainty regarding how to interact with diverse audiences, making them more effective.
You have written serval books. You mention which ones are your favorite and why.
Great question: if I had to pick my favorite books among the ones I've written, three come to mind it would be: 5% Zone: Visibility Strategies that Get You Recognized and Rewarded in any Organization and my latest WSJ number 1 anthology, 'Expert Resilience,' which introduces the 95/5 Rule. These two books encapsulate the core concepts, stories, and tools individuals need to enhance their visibility within organizations. In our training programs, we often emphasize the key ideas with two simple lines: “If you are not Visible, you are Invisible” and “If you are not Memorable, you are Forgettable.”
The third book I'd also like to mention is 'Positively Negative: How to Turn Negative Messages Into Positive Ones.' This book teaches how to communicate messages neutrally or positively, especially in those critical 5% situations. It's invaluable, particularly in larger organizations, where maintaining a positive image is essential, even when addressing less favorable topics or updates.
What are your current goals for your business?
"Our business currently has two primary goals. Firstly, we aim to ensure that individuals within various corporations recognize that succeeding in the work world extends beyond just hard work, intelligence, and innovative ideas. While these traits are essential foundations, what truly sets individuals apart is their ability to excel in the crucial 5% moments. Secondly, we are committed to encouraging universities and colleges to integrate these concepts and skills into their curriculum. By equipping student interns and future graduates with the knowledge and proficiency in these areas, we believe they will gain a deeper understanding of the real-world dynamics and how they can make an immediate impact within organizations."
If you could change one thing about what you noticed in your line of work, what would it be and why?
In my work as a trainer, facilitator, and coach for organizations, one significant change I'd advocate for is a shift in mindset. Many individuals in corporations often wait for their organizations to develop them. However, I believe it's crucial for professionals to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset. Like successful entrepreneurs, they should proactively seek their own growth opportunities, challenge themselves, and stay ahead of the curve by being open to change. I've noticed that many leaders who follow this approach tend to advance faster within their organizations. While some leaders may already adopt this mindset, they don't always communicate it to others. This can leave colleagues wondering why specific individuals are improving significantly. Encouraging a culture of continuous self-development and open communication about personal growth can benefit everyone in the industry.
In what ways can an individual improve themselves?
In today's information-rich environment, self-improvement is accessible through numerous avenues. The key is to identify your areas for improvement and then seek specific assistance, online information, tools or programs whether on AI or project management.
At our organization, we offer an app called W3 (Winning in the Work World) to support individuals in their self-improvement journey. This app is available to program attendees and anyone else who is interested. It reinforces the 5% concepts, provides tools for concise communication, offers examples of impactful questions, and includes a list of positive words. These resources are designed to empower individuals to seize the vital 5% opportunities for their own personal and professional growth."
Thank you for your time. Do you have any last words?
I want to express my gratitude for this opportunity. To conclude, I'd like to leave you with one last thought: in the world of opportunities, it's often the 5% moments that truly matter. When you know how to be appropriately visible and memorable in those critical instances, that's when the doors to success swing wide open.
