The High Energy Emcee

Who knows business

& Turns Events

into Experiences

LET’S GOOOOOOO.

Chris McAdoo has inspired countless audiences with his unique blend of creativity, storytelling, and dynamic delivery. Known for his energetic approach, Chris creates memorable and impactful experiences, fighting “business as usual” tooth and nail, and encouraging entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders of all kinds to think creatively, take care of their people (and themselves), and to create and share value on the biggest scale possible.

  • EMCEE

    Chris is a true force of nature on stage - amplifying your voices, inspiring audiences, and ensuring every event resonates with humor, purpose, and connection. 

    Chris McAdoo holding a microphone and speaking on a stage with a large screen behind him. Four people are seated on stage, three women and one man, looking at his display or listening attentively.

  • KEYNOTE SPEAKER

    Chris’s impactful, energetic speaking style and practical advice make him a favorite at events focused on empowering community leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.

    Chris McAdoo standing on the knoxville museum of art stage surrounded by his abstract paintings and colorful lights. Several audience members are seated in front of him, and a ceiling with a decorative sphere is visible above.

  • FACILITATOR

    Chris helps entrepreneurs refine their vision and fosters collaboration within organizations, bringing a unique blend of creative thinking and strategic experience to every facilitation. 

    Chris McAdoo speaking to a group of entrepreneurs in the Spark Cleantech Accelerator - seated in a U-shaped conference room. The participants are listening and have laptops and notebooks in front of them.
Chris McAdoo with entrepreneurs standing on stage with black curtain backdrop, smiling for a photo, with microphones and a sign that says 'Made For Knoxville' to the left.

“The world doesn’t need more perfect plans. We need more leaders willing to improvise, adapt, and say yes to new ideas.”

If your team is ready to move from stuck to unstoppable, let’s GET TO WORK.

…chris mcadoo

BIG PICTURE VISION WITH HANDS-ON EXECUTION

Move fast and fix things.

Chris McAdoo brings a compelling energy everywhere he goes, shaped by his extensive background as an entrepreneur, creative professional, and strategic executive. He serves as Chief Experience Officer at Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, where he focuses on helping growth-stage companies and leads The WORKS and Inflection Point Capital business accelerators. Additionally, Chris hosts the "Big Ideas Welcome" podcast, featuring in-depth conversations with makers, change-makers, and leaders that make "big ideas" come to life.

Also an accomplished painter and printmaker, his work is included in a variety of private and public collections around the country.

EMCEE

• Innovation / Pitch Showcases
• Economic Development
• Fund Raisers
• I dunno. What do you have in mind?

• Leadership from the GROUND UP (without being “ground-up”)
• Art of the Pivot: Entrepreneurship is never a straight line, and Chris learned that the hard way…through a near-death experience that brought newfound (and life-changing) clarity to a self-described workaholic.
• Leading with Heart ( your “why”) AND with Head (Your “how”)
• Original keynotes tailored to your event theme and specific needs.

Keynote Speaker

Facilitation / interactive workshops

• Mission, Vision and Values
• Brand Strategy
• Investor Pitch Deck Review
• Go-to-Market Strategy
• Five Stages of Customer Experience
• Team and board alignment
• Presentation training
• Workshops tailored to your needs

Fill out the form below and lets make it hap’n cap’n.

OR you can reach out to Chris directly at chris@chrismcadoo.com

in action:

Chris speaks on the power of the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center Community at Pecha Kucha Knoxville Volume 50. 20 slides/20 seconds each. 6 min and 40 seconds of “ALL-IN”.

Interviewing the founders of ONRISE on stage at Startup Day 2024.

“The Art of the Pivot” - Keynote address to the Maker City Summit 2020 (virtual)