Steven-Paul Lapid named 2026 Veteran Leader of Influence

The San Diego Business Journal has recognized retired Navy officer and leadership educator Steven-Paul Lapid as a 2026 Veteran Leader of Influence for his work in leadership development, education and veteran service. The honor highlights his post-military impact through Helm & Horizon, his leadership book, and his continued teaching and advisory roles.

Why it matters: - The recognition spotlights a veteran leader whose influence now extends beyond military service into business leadership, education and professional development. - Lapid’s work through Helm & Horizon and his teaching roles show how veterans are translating military experience into civilian leadership training.

What happened: - The San Diego Business Journal named Steven-Paul Lapid a 2026 Veteran Leader of Influence. - The honor was presented Nov. 5, 2026, at the University Club in San Diego. - Jayson Redmond, editor-in-chief of DODReads, nominated Lapid. - Lapid is a retired U.S. Navy officer, award-winning author and leadership educator.

The details: - Lapid founded Helm & Horizon, a San Diego-based leadership development company, after building his career in the Navy. - He wrote Helm & Horizon: Daily Leadership Principles for the Motivated Sailor, published by Shine Press in November 2025. - The book is in its second printing and has nearly 10,000 copies in print, including corporate bulk orders. - Lapid enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2000 and later earned a commission through the Seaman to Admiral-21 program at the University of Michigan. - He spent 22 years in the Navy and served aboard multiple warships in operational and leadership roles. - After retiring in 2022, Lapid continued serving as a senior military analyst supporting Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. - Lapid teaches "Navigating Your Leadership Journey" at the University of Michigan. - He has also delivered leadership instruction at the University of San Diego's Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps unit. - Helm & Horizon won the 2026 Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal in How to/Business/Self Help. - The book also earned the 2026 Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal in Non-Fiction – Military and the Literary Titan Gold Book Award. - DODReads included the book on its 2026 Leadership Reading List. - Military Review, RealClearDefense and the Australian Naval Institute reviewed the book. - The book is structured around 365 daily leadership principles and moves from self-leadership to team leadership, strategic thinking and legacy.

Between the lines: - Lapid’s recognition reflects a broader interest in veterans who are packaging military lessons for corporate and academic audiences. - The mix of awards, reading-list placement and bulk orders suggests the book has reached both individual readers and organizations looking for leadership content. - His quoted remarks frame leadership as service, accountability and humility rather than rank or authority.

What's next: - Lapid will continue using Helm & Horizon for executive coaching, customized training and speaking engagements. - He is also pursuing further academic work after being admitted to the University of Southern California’s Doctor of Education program in Organizational Change and Leadership. - Lapid lives in La Jolla, California, with his family. - More information is available on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.