Dr. Tony Bridwell
Chief Talent OfficerThe Encompass Group
Dr. Tony Bridwell is an organizational behaviorist with 25-plus years of experience working with global organizations related to employee experience and culture. As Chief Talent Officer for The Encompass Group, a people optimization company, he leads the Firm’s organizational consulting practice and serves as Practice Leader of the E3 Leadership Academy.
Most recently, Dr. Bridwell led the award-winning People Group function of the global tax and technology firm Ryan, LLC as their Chief People Officer. Before his role at Ryan, he was the Chief People Officer for Brinker International and a Senior Partner with the global culture consultancy Culture Partners.
Tony is an accomplished author of eight books including his USA Today National Bestseller, Beyond the Leader, A Fable About the 7 Disciplines that Define an Extraordinary Team. He is an international speaker who has presented in 45 countries and is a sought-after consultant and advisor specializing in purpose and culture. Dr. Bridwell was selected as the 2015 HR Executive of the Year by Dallas HR, won the 2015 Strategic Leadership Award from Strategic Excellence HR, and was most recently recognized as a 2022 top 50 HR Professional in the U.S. by OnCon Icon Awards.
Dr. Bridwell’s academic journey is as diverse as his professional one. Studies in architecture, theology, and business culminated in a Bachelor of Science in Business and HR, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, and a Doctorate in Organizational Intelligence and Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University, where he was recognized for his academic excellence. His commitment to education extends to his role as an adjunct professor at TNU, teaching in the Masters and Doctoral Programs, and at SMU in Dallas, where he has been recognized for his excellence in teaching in the Cox School of Business MBA Program.
Beyond academia, he is deeply involved in various organizations, including the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and his advisory board roles with The Center for Brain Health and the SMU HR Roundtable. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors for Southwest Transplant Alliance. His personal commitment to organ donation as a living organ donor is a testament to his belief in the power of purpose and the potential to save lives through organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
Tony has three grown children and currently resides in Dallas, Texas, with his bride of 30-plus years and their two rescue dogs.
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