About the Author

Steve Friedman grew up in a loving home of six in Birmingham, Alabama.  At age 11, Friedman and his best friend wrote and published the lone edition of The Belle Meade News, an 8-page newsletter featuring neighborhood blurbs.  It was a strange way for two kids to spend their summer vacation, but they "rented out"  three copies for a quarter each and were pretty pleased with themselves.

In high school, Friedman reveled in the glory of writing for his high school newspaper and publishing a new edition every week.  However, fate would lead Friedman to put his writing passion on hold.  He enrolled in the Business School at The University of Alabama followed by 30 years in various Supply & Trading roles at Shell Oil.

 

As retirement approached, Friedman felt drawn to reconnect to his writing.  This became his vehicle for raw self-discovery and now he shares his reflections in BEYOND INTROVERSION, his memoir, In Search of Courage, and his award-winning leadership book, The Corporate Introvert.

 

Friedman's most recent project has been gathering and sharing essential information for families of Down syndrome and their pursuit of independence. He and his family have shared resources and inspiration through his award-winning book, The Essential Guide for Families with Down Syndrome and the BEYOND DOWN SYNDROME community.

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Steve met his love, Jennifer, in Houston and now reside in wonderfully weird Austin.  Together, they have raised three amazing children, Gwendolyn, Madolyn, and Noah.  They have all traveled the world and enjoy time hanging around the house when they are all together.