Chris Harris is keynote speaker and executive coach who has worked with audiences from over 60 countries. He is the author of 10 books, has been inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and is a member of the Forbes Council.
Company: Chris Harris, LLC
Could you share the journey that led you to where you are today, and what originally sparked your passion for this field?
Chris Harris: I am a keynote speaker specializing in enhancing sales and leadership performance through mindset, self-motivation, and refining one’s perspective. Many years ago, I spoke to middle school, high school, and college audiences as a volunteer for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), where I developed my passion for public speaking.
Was there a specific turning point or ‘aha’ moment that shaped your approach or fueled the creation of your product/strategy?
Chris Harris: Over the years, I have spoke on many topics, but I have always been the most passionate when speaking about mindset. One day, I decided to focus 100% on my passion–and have only been speaking on topics surrounding mental toughness ever since. When we choose a niche we become highly specialized–and that eventually leads to professional fulfillment.
What were some of the biggest hurdles you faced in establishing your authority, and how did you navigate those challenges?
Chris Harris: The biggest challenge has been building my brand around my name, Chris Harris, because there are many famous people with the same name on the worldwide web. When an event planner considers someone for a keynote speaker at their corporate event, they almost always Google the speaker to gather social proof and verify credibility. When this happens, landing on the first page of Google is vital for being selected, but it is also very challenging when there are 30 famous people with your exact name. This has been a challenge that I have addressed by constantly keeping my name in the public eye.
What is the core problem your solution addresses, and why do you believe your approach is uniquely effective?
Chris Harris: Leaders want to communicate and influence more effectively, while sellers aim to meet and exceed their revenue targets. When I speak to audiences of leaders and sales professionals, I teach them proven principles for achieving their targets and surpassing their limits by transforming their mindset. The best part is that I teach them to accomplish this by using the tools they already possess. Once you understand the fundamental principles for achieving mental toughness and changing your perspective, you will never forget.
Could you share a compelling example or case study that illustrates how your product/strategy delivers results?
Chris Harris: I spoke to a technology sales organization that followed my methodology, and within 12 months, they experienced a 120% increase in sales revenue. Within the first few weeks of receiving my training, they had achieved a total return on investment (ROI) for what they paid for my services. I shared my expertise, and they did the work.
What sets you apart from others in your industry, and how do you maintain a competitive edge?
Chris Harris: Everything I teach I have experienced firsthand. I teach from my successes and my failures, and my audiences connect with that. I speak from my heart, my passion, and my disappointments. I don’t use PowerPoint presentations, and I don’t stand behind podiums. I strive to maintain authenticity, staying with the audience every step of the way. Also, it is never my objective to motivate others. Instead, my goal is to give them the tools to self-motivate from within.
Where do you see your industry heading in the next few years, and what emerging trends should our audience pay attention to?
Chris Harris: The need for passionate keynote speakers who are specialists will steadily increase over the next few years, so I’m excited about the trajectory of my profession. I think the audience should ask themselves, “In my profession, what is the biggest problem I solve, and why does it need to be solved?” Nothing great happens professionally until these questions can be answered from the heart.
Are there any must-have tools, resources, or habits that have significantly contributed to your success?
Chris Harris: I am a firm believer in Kaizen, which means I am a continuous, lifelong learner. By continually striving to know more and be more, I maintain my focus on the journey rather than the destination. This has led to a career of fulfillment that I am proud to have achieved.
In your experience, which metrics or indicators best reflect meaningful progress and success in your line of work?
Chris Harris: As a keynote speaker, it’s all about the feedback, the referrals, and the members of the audience who go out of their way to tell you about the improvements they have made as a result of applying the principles I taught to their lives or careers. It’s very fulfilling to know we are making a difference in our work, and speaking is no different.
What upcoming projects, initiatives, or developments are you most excited about, and how do they tie into your long-term vision?
Chris Harris: I am about to release my 10th book, “7 Rivals for Success,” which teaches audiences how to overcome fear, doubt, the past, idleness, adversity, distractions, and mindset. This book is the culmination of 25 years of teaching military and special forces globally as a private contractor. It is filled with practical wisdom and insights that can be applied to sales, leadership, and life.
If you could leave our audience with one final piece of advice, what would it be? And where can they learn more about you or connect further?
Chris Harris: The best advice I can give someone is to learn how to motivate yourself. When we are self-motivated, there is very little we cannot achieve, making it an invaluable skill to possess.
