The High Energy creator

Who knows business

& Turns Events

into Experiences

LET'S DO THIS.

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.

  • KEYNOTE SPEAKER

    GET FIRED UP. GET FOCUSED. GET MOVING.

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

    • Leadership from the GROUND UP (without being “ground-up”)
    • Art of the Pivot: Life doesn’t move in 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.

    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

    UNMATCHED CLARITY…IN ONE AFTERNOON.

    Chris helps leaders refine their vision and foster collaboration within organizations, bringing a unique blend of creative thinking and strategic experience to every session. 

    • 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

    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.

  • EMCEE

    ENGAGED AUDIENCES. BIG ADVENTURES.

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

    • Innovation / Pitch Showcases
    • Economic Development Events
    • Non-Profit Fund Raisers
    • Public Entertainment Events
    • What do you have in mind?

    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.
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

LET'S GET TO WORK.

BIG PICTURE VISION WITH HANDS-ON EXECUTION

Keynote Speaker / EMCEE / FACILITATOR

Chris McAdoo brings a compelling energy everywhere he goes, shaped by his background as an entrepreneur, creative professional, speaker, and strategic executive.

As the Founder of Fighting Shape Impact Company, Chris works with founders, executives, and teams to sharpen their story, align their strategy, and deliver on the promises they make. A former Chief Experience Officer at the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, he’s advised hundreds of growth-stage companies and led programs like The Works Startup Accelerator, Inflection Point Capital, and BrandCamp.

Chris is also the host of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, where he captures real stories of makers, innovators, and leaders shaping the Southeast. A seasoned entrepreneur himself, he has built and grown companies, including one acquired by a leading advertising agency, and brings firsthand insight into the challenges of scaling and leading through change.

An accomplished artist and storyteller, Chris brings energy, humor, and authenticity to every stage - reminding audiences that clarity is a muscle, leadership is a practice, and every great team needs to stay ready to move fast and build things.

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)