Stephen Richards Covey was an influential American educator, author, businessman, and speaker, celebrated for his seminal work, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. His other notable books include First Things First, Principle-Centered Leadership, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, The 8th Habit, and The Leader In Me: How Schools and Parents Around the World Are Inspiring Greatness, One Child at a Time. In 1996, Time magazine recognized him as one of the 25 most influential people.

Covey's approach ignored trends and pop psychology, focusing instead on timeless principles such as fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity. His work has empowered and inspired readers for over 30 years, playing a pivotal role in transforming the lives of millions across various age groups and professions. Covey emphasized the importance of leading oneself, influencing, engaging, and collaborating with others, and continuously improving and renewing one's capabilities for sustained success.

He served as a professor at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University until his passing in 2012, due to complications from a bicycle accident. Covey's legacy continues through his books, courses, and the ongoing work of FranklinCovey, the company he co-founded, which is dedicated to developing leaders, cultivating high-trust cultures, and enhancing personal and organizational effectiveness.