Doug Sterbenz

Doug Sterbenz is a leadership coach, public speaker, and author based in Topeka, Kansas. He is the founder of Present To Win Leaders, where he focuses on executive coaching and leadership development. His book, Must Be Present to Win, published in May 2018, emphasizes the importance of being fully engaged—physically, mentally, and emotionally—in leadership roles to foster effective business practices and organizational success.

Prior to his coaching career, Sterbenz served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Westar Energy, the largest electric provider in Kansas, from 1997 until his retirement in 2015. His extensive experience in leadership roles has shaped his approach to coaching, where he advocates for a people-centered focus in business management. He has also been recognized for his contributions to safety in the workplace, being named one of the 50 People Who Most Influenced Health and Safety in 2014-2015 by EHS Today.

Sterbenz holds a degree from Kansas State University, where he was later inducted into the College of Engineering Hall of Fame for his professional achievements. He is actively involved in community service, having served on the board of the American Red Cross for over a decade.123