Chris Adams, Speaker | Advisor, Strategic Storyteller

Chris Adams

Express your brand's vision succinctly and nail your investment pitches with Chris Adams, strategic storyteller, CEO whisperer, and investment advisor.

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Chris Adams | Speaker Biography

Chief Vision Officer at Participant Media, contributing to critically acclaimed films

Played key role in developing "An Inconvenient Truth," winning an Academy Award

Led media initiatives for major companies like Amazon, Facebook, HBO, Comcast

Chris Adams is an internationally recognised pioneer in new media and a media, entertainment, and technology executive with over 20 years of experience. He has successfully created partnerships, programs, and revenue-generating initiatives throughout his career to benefit brands, their customers, and users worldwide. In 2003, Adams joined eBay's Jeff Skoll as the Chief Vision Officer to contribute to the development of ParticipantMedia.com. During his tenure, the company released several critically acclaimed movies, including Syriana, North Country, Good Night and Good Luck, The Soloist, and the documentary Murderball. These films received a remarkable 11 Academy Award nominations in 2005. Additionally, Adams played a significant role in developing the award-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth, which was created in collaboration with former Vice President Al Gore. This documentary won an Academy Award for Best Documentary and contributed to Gore being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Following his time at ParticipantMedia.com, Adams has led media initiatives for major companies such as Amazon, Facebook, HBO, and Comcast. In late 2022, he moved from Brisbane, Australia, to Eugene, Oregon. Chris was born and raised in Pennsylvania and holds a double major in English Literature and Mass Communications from the University of Denver. He further pursued his academic pursuits by obtaining an MFA from USC's School of Film and TV and an MFA/PhD with honours from USC's School of Professional Writing, completing both degrees concurrently.

Entrepreneur

Why Should You Book Chris Adams?

Chris brings a wealth of over 20 years of experience in media, entertainment, and technology, offering unparalleled insights into creating successful partnerships and revenue-generating initiatives. His pivotal role in developing Oscar-winning and critically acclaimed projects, including "An Inconvenient Truth," showcases his ability to drive impactful media narratives. Booking Chris as a speaker provides your team or business with the opportunity to learn from a visionary leader who has shaped global media landscapes and can inspire innovative strategies for success.

Featured Sessions

Star Wars For Startups: You Are Luke

Star Wars is Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey”, complete with the naive Hero seeking adventure and faraway quests. Still, when tragedy strikes, he finds a Mentor, sidekicks, a Co-Founder, a Guardian and a journey of discovery that will both challenge and inspire but ultimately results in Growth, a Shot at Glory and not only overcoming obstacles and “enemies” (i.e. Your competitors) but a win that allows him/her to fight another day. The entrepreneurial journey is just like Star Wars (particularly the original trilogy) in that it sets the stage for all that is to come. Note: This same paradigm can also apply to Rey, her journey, and the post-original trilogy, starting with “The Force Awakens.”

Pitching Is Poetry: Maximum Effect With Minimum Words

Imagine you're in a relationship with someone you love. You just adore them and want to let them know how you feel. Chances are if you say: “Honey, I love you,” they will probably say: “Awww, how nice, I love you too.” You have a little kiss, maybe a hug, and that’s it. On your way, the day resumes. But if you say: “Darling, my love for you/Is like the last drop/Of morning dew/Caressing the petals/Of the roses we planted/Together last Spring.” It's a whole different ballgame. If it's unrequited love or a bit of nooky or a “stop-the-world” moment you are after, it's a good chance that’s a good start. In his talk, Chris Adams, who has a Master of Fine Arts in Professional Writing focused on Poetry, shows how the heart and soul of poetry are minimum words for maximum impact, just like pitching. No one likes “death by powerpoint” or you rattling incessantly about stuff that doesn’t matter. Learn to say less, mean more and get the results you are after (plus how to write killer love notes).

Debunking And Demystifying Innovation And Disruption

Everyone is talking about Innovation and Disruption like we talked about “Lean and Agile.” There is lots of jargon and books and podcasts, but what does it mean? If You have ever tried to take an 8-year-old to the dentist or motivate yourself to put on your gym gear while lying in bed, you are already up to your eyeballs in Innovation and Disruption. In his talk, Chris Adams shares stories from the trenches—from Amazon and Facebook to being a single dad raising a teenager—that connect audiences to the foundations of growth from a very human, very relatable point of view. There are no charts or graphs, no quotes from Joe Rogan or Elon, just relevant stories—some funny, some tragic, some bizarre—that ground Innovation and Disruption in our everyday lives and bring them into the workplace.

Capital Raising: Look Them In The Eye, Tell A Great Story And Ask For Money

Yes, capital raising is hard. But it all starts with your story. Nail that, and you will be on the right track. But then it’s all about asking for money. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Founders struggle not only with HOW to ask but WHO to ask and, if you are not willing to ask ANYONE (including friends, family and your weird, rich uncle or mate from college who sold two companies, but you don’t want to be rejected), then you are in trouble. In his talk, Chris Adams breaks down capital raising into bite-sized chunks: Your Story, Your Confidence and Your Ask. It all goes back to what your dad or mum taught you: manners, etiquette, confidence and respect.

Pitch Like You’re In A Pub

Chris Adams' talk, "Pitch Like You’re In A Pub," emphasizes the importance of casual, engaging storytelling in pitches, making complex ideas accessible and memorable as if chatting with a friend.

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