Hey! I’m Chris.

Leadership Keynote Speaker, Optimist, Creator of Ripple Effects

I’m on a mission to build a more

HUMAN APPROACH

 

to work that works for

EVERY HUMAN.

I think about life as a series of RIPPLE EFFECT MOMENTS.

Here are a few that shaped mine.

AGE 14

I spent a week building homes for families in rural Nicaragua. It busted open my limited view of the world, and my place in it. I’ve been back eight times since.

Those experiences taught me the power of privilege, gratitude, and how human connection transcends borders, backgrounds and beliefs.

AGE 16

I continued chasing my dream of becoming a professional golfer.

My golf career ended after playing Division I at Davidson College, but the game taught me the value of patience, discipline, and a positive mindset.

AGE 17

In one of my most vulnerable moments, I shared a deeply personal truth with my dad.

His unexpected love and acceptance taught me that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about how we show up for others.

AGE 22

I climbed the corporate ladder fast—from software sales rep to HR executive at a $40M company with 200 employees by the age of 30.

Only to be pushed out after a merger ushered in new leadership. It was the catalyst for me to bring my ideas and leadership philosophy out into the world.

AGE 34

I brought those ideas to the stage for the first time. Ripple Effect Leadership was born.

I gave the opening keynote at an HR conference for 200 people. I’ve since spoken to 10,000+ people at dozens of events and The Ripple Effect continues to reach people all across the world.

AGE 35

I married my husband after moving from NYC to Tampa, FL where we’ve planted our roots.

After fostering dogs for a couple of years, we went to the Humane Society “just to look.” We’re now proud parents to our dog child, Rosco.

What I Stand For

  • Listen First

    Every ripple starts with understanding. I believe leadership begins with listening—not just hearing, but truly making people feel seen and valued.

  • Reserve Judgment

    We’re quick to create stories about other people. I choose curiosity over assumptions and believe that when we pause before we judge, we create space for trust, growth, and deep connection.

  • See the Potential

    People and teams thrive when they feel believed in. I look for what’s possible, not just what’s present, and help others see the strengths and opportunities within themselves.

  • Enjoy the Process

    I’ve learned that growth doesn’t happen overnight. I do my best to embrace the journey, celebrate progress, and find joy in the small moments along the way.

  • Lead with Kindness, Empathy & Vulnerability

    Leadership is about human connection. I believe kindness creates safety, empathy creates understanding, and vulnerability builds the foundation for trust.

About Chris

Chris Rollins helps leaders and teams create transformation through moments that they make matter. His Ripple Effect Leadership™ framework is informed by 15 years of working with big corporates and leading change as a top organizational development exec. He shows organizations that lasting change doesn’t come from strategy and structure alone — it’s built in the accumulation of small, everyday moments that leaders make matter. Whether it’s strengthening trust, boosting sales, or creating a culture of collaboration, Chris helps audiences see how the moments they create today ripple far beyond what they’ll ever know.

For audiences, this is more than inspiration — it’s a shift in perspective. Leaders walk away recognizing that culture, customer experience, and transformation aren’t byproducts of big initiatives; they’re shaped by the energy they create in the small moments.

Chris has partnered with organizations across industries — from Fortune 50 companies to family-run businesses — to help leaders scale trust, fuel transformation, and drive growth. His keynotes consistently earn 99% ratings because they don’t just move people in the moment — they change how people lead, sell, and serve long after he has left the room.

His message is clear and actionable: Make Moments Matter.

A native New Yorker, Chris now lives in Tampa, FL with his partner and rescue dog.