Lead Like Jesus is honored to announce the appointment of Steve Rubado as its new President and CEO. This ushers in a bold new chapter for the global leadership ministry, which recently celebrated its 25-year legacy of inspiring and equipping leaders in spiritual formation, discipleship, and effectiveness. The Lead Like Jesus community enthusiastically welcomes Steve with hopeful anticipation of what God has in store for the ministry.
Steve brings a dynamic blend of leadership experience, spiritual depth, and a passion for transformation that will help guide the ministry into the future. With over two decades of equipping leaders in more than 35 countries, Steve embodies the heart of servant leadership and the mission of Lead Like Jesus.
“Steve doesn’t just teach leadership—he lives it,” said Ken Blanchard, co-founder of Lead Like Jesus. “His deep commitment to Jesus, his ability to develop leaders of character, and his global experience make him the ideal person to carry this mission forward. We are ecstatic about what lies ahead with Steve at the helm.”
Steve believes that organizations rise and fall on their leadership. He is deeply committed to raising up leaders who combine competence with character and consistently lead with a mission-first, people-always mindset. More than that, he has authentically lived out the Lead Like Jesus message in his own life—as a husband, father, and leader—modeling the way of Jesus at home and in the workplace. His excitement for the vision—to see everyone, everywhere impacted by someone who leads like Jesus—is both personal and profound.
“My life was changed by this ministry,” Steve shared. “To now be entrusted with leading it is an honor and privilege that I do not take lightly. I believe God is preparing us for an even greater season of influence, and I can’t wait to see what He will do through this incredible community.”
Steve follows Rick Pickering, who retired from the role in late 2024. With this transition, Lead Like Jesus enters a new era filled with vision, purpose, and tremendous momentum.
