Lavar Matthews

Speaker and Consultant

About Lavar Matthews

Lavar Matthews is a decorated U.S. Army veteran, Columbia University-trained human capital strategist, and nationally recognized speaker on inclusive leadership, organizational transformation, and personal development. With a dynamic background that spans nearly a decade in military leadership, groundbreaking academic research, entrepreneurship, and authorship, Lavar brings unmatched authenticity and purpose to every stage and workshop he steps onto.

Key Highlights

9 Years Active Duty Army Leadership
Columbia University Graduation Speaker | M.S. in Human Capital Management
TEDx Wilmington Speaker | “Power, Purpose, and Transition”
Author | Approaching the Red Carpet, Vol. 2 (Amazon Bestseller)
Owner | Club Z! Tutoring of Newark, DE
Leadership & Equity Contributor | Urban League of Young Professionals
2025 Delaware Business Times 40 Under 40 Honoree

Signature Speaking Topics

From Mission-Ready to Culture Driven: Redefining Leadership through Inclusion

A powerful journey from military service to community activism, Lavar explores how trauma, resilience, and values-based leadership lay the foundation for inclusive, people-first organizational cultures.

Power and Equity in the Workplace

Based on his academic work and Columbia University address, Lavar unpacks the forces that shape power dynamics and how intentional leadership can dismantle inequity and cultivate trust, purpose, and belonging.

The Leadership Transition: How to Thrive After High-Performance Roles

For veterans, athletes, or executives stepping into new arenas, Lavar offers practical frameworks and real-world insights into sustaining excellence during transition.

Command Presence with Compassion: The Future of Leadership

How to lead with conviction and authenticity in a hybrid, post-pandemic, multigenerational workforce.

Workshops and Training Offerings

Inclusive Leadership Labs (Half-day / Full-day)
Organizational Trust & Culture Change Sessions
Culture, Inclusion, and Leadership Development Bootcamps
Veteran-to-Workforce Transition Coaching for Leaders

Notable Engagements

viewed over 150K times

TEDx Wilmington
Delaware State University Community Impact Series (hosted Lt. Col. Theresa Claiborne)
Columbia University SPS Power and Equity in Work Settings
Columbia University SPS Commencement Address
(over 3,000 in attendance)

Columbia Graduation Remarks

Booking & Contact

Bring Lavar Matthews to Your Organization

Whether you’re developing the next generation of leaders, tackling culture change, or equipping executives with modern inclusive tools, Lavar Matthews will engage, educate, and empower your team.