Stephen Hecht MBA

Stephen Hecht is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Peacemaker of Million Peacemakers, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming conflict into connection through practical peacemaking tools and education. Over the past decade, Million Peacemakers has helped train more than 2.5 million people in over 100 countries using the Nonflict® way, impacting millions of lives worldwide.

A lifelong entrepreneur and business leader, Stephen spent more than 35 years in business before devoting himself full-time as a volunteer to advancing peace education globally. He joined YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) in 1989 and has served in numerous international leadership roles, including Chair of the YPO Impact Networks Council, helping unite leaders around peace, sustainability, social impact, and human connection.

In 2016, Stephen co-authored the international bestselling book Nonflict: The Art of Everyday Peacemaking with Dr. Amir Kfir. The book introduces a simple yet powerful three-step framework that empowers individuals, families, organizations, and communities to transform conflict into understanding and collaboration.

Stephen’s work has taken him from family businesses and boardrooms to refugee camps, schools, prisons, reconciliation villages, and international leadership forums. Million Peacemakers now collaborates with leading global organizations including JA Worldwide, the YMCA, and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to help equip 250 million youth as peacemakers, making their impact virtually unstoppable.

For his leadership and impact, Stephen and Million Peacemakers have received numerous recognitions, including the YMCA Peace Medal and the Canada Award for Business Excellence presented by the Prime Minister of Canada.

Stephen lives in Montreal, Canada, with his wife Naomi and remains committed to the vision that peace is not the absence of conflict — it is the ability to navigate it constructively.