Taylor Steadman is a dynamic and empathetic leader with a unique blend of technical expertise and entrepreneurial vision. With a background in mathematics and a Master’s degree in Measurement and Evaluation from American University, Taylor has honed a multifaceted skill set that spans a wide array of industries, including artificial intelligence, transportation, and logistics. As a seasoned CEO and a collaborative leader, she excels in driving sustainable growth and delivering impactful results through innovative problem-solving and design thinking methodologies.
Taylor’s professional journey is marked by a series of entrepreneurial successes, most notably as the Founder and Leader of WildFire Coffee Company. Established with a mission to provide sustainably sourced coffee while supporting communities affected by natural disasters, Taylor led the company from conceptualization to execution, overseeing all aspects of the business. Through innovative branding, product sourcing, and mentoring team members, she significantly increased brand recognition and customer engagement, positioning WildFire Coffee as a socially responsible and impactful brand.
In addition to WildFire Coffee, Taylor founded Dream Logistics, LLC, a custom solutions warehouse that quickly scaled to become a prominent logistics company specializing in the distribution of intermodal goods. Under her leadership, Dream Logistics played a critical role in responding to the market demand for COVID-19 coolers, showcasing Taylor’s ability to identify and capitalize on market needs. The company’s growth from a standalone warehouse to a large-scale logistics operation is a testament to her strategic vision, operational efficiency, and ability to cultivate a positive and collaborative company culture.
Taylor’s expertise extends beyond entrepreneurship into the realm of national security and defense. As a Design Thinking Practitioner at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, she applied design and systems thinking to address mission-focused, human-centered challenges. In this role, Taylor engaged in all stages of the design thinking process, from empathizing and defining problems to prototyping and testing solutions. Her work in this area involved developing UI/UX concepts, conducting user research, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions for classified projects.
Taylor’s commitment to innovation is further exemplified by her work as an Analyst and Researcher in the field of computer vision and artificial intelligence at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Here, she assessed algorithm model performance for military applications, enabling rapid deployment of AI technologies in operational settings.
Beyond her professional achievements, Taylor is deeply passionate about giving back to the community. As the Head Coach of the U20 Women’s National Ball Hockey Team, she led the team to compete in the World Championships in the Czech Republic in 2023, with plans to compete in Slovakia in 2025. Taylor also serves as a Board Member for the United Women’s Ball Hockey Foundation, reflecting a commitment to fostering leadership and development in young athletes.
Taylor’s academic achievements are equally impressive, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Castleton University, where she graduated with a 3.93 GPA and was recognized with honors such as Sigma Zeta Honor Society membership and First Team All-Conference recipient in hockey. Her academic foundation in mathematics, coupled with her technical skills in areas such as programming, statistics, and data analysis, underpins her ability to approach complex problems with a strategic and analytical mindset.
As Taylor Steadman transitions from solo ownership to a more collaborative setting, she brings a wealth of experience, a proven track record of success, and a passion for driving meaningful impact. Whether as an advisor, thought leader, or facilitator of collaboration, Taylor is poised to leverage her expertise to help organizations achieve their goals while making a positive difference in the world.
Character: Taylor Steadman exemplifies dynamic and empathetic leadership, grounded in a deep commitment to social impact and sustainability. Her entrepreneurial journey reflects a strong ethical foundation and dedication to mentoring and empowering teams.
Knowledge: With a background in mathematics and a Master’s in Measurement and Evaluation, Taylor combines technical expertise with a keen understanding of design thinking and innovation. Her diverse experience spans artificial intelligence, logistics, and national security, showcasing a broad and adaptable skill set.
Strategic: Taylor’s strategic acumen is evident in her successful ventures, including WildFire Coffee and Dream Logistics, where she demonstrated the ability to identify market needs and drive scalable growth. Her approach integrates operational efficiency with visionary leadership to achieve impactful results.
Communication: An effective communicator, Taylor excels in facilitating collaboration and driving consensus through design thinking and stakeholder engagement. Her leadership in various roles, including as a coach and board member, highlights her ability to articulate vision and foster teamwork.
