MEET THE SPEAKER
Chris Elmore
Fintech and Beyond
As the first employee of AvidXchange, a publicly traded company now valued at over $1.4 billion, Chris has been at the forefront of revolutionizing financial technology. Serving as the Strategic Partner in Mergers and Acquisitions, he has played a pivotal role in AvidXchange’s meteoric rise, helping the company streamline operations for over 8,000 clients and 825,000 suppliers, processing $180 billion in spend management annually. His knack for innovation, particularly in automating time-consuming processes, has turned AvidXchange into a powerhouse that continues to grow exponentially.
Outside of fintech, Chris is an educator, teaching Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UNC Charlotte and Queens University of Charlotte. He’s also an accomplished author of 12 books and a sought-after speaker known for his engaging storytelling and practical insights.
Beyond the boardroom and classroom, Chris is a musician, playing in local bands and even fronting the Hairband Ukulele—an act that brings 80s metal to life with a unique twist. His love for music and community shines through in everything he does, from leading worship at his local church to mentoring startup founders in the Charlotte area.
Don’t miss the chance to be inspired by Chris Elmore’s session, where his blend of experience, wit, and wisdom will equip you with actionable strategies to drive innovation in your organization.
For more about Chris, visit www.thechriselmore.com
Session
Driving Radical Innovation: Strategies for Long-Term Growth and Resilience
Case Studies of Successful Innovations: The session is based on real-world examples that have successfully driven radical innovation. Attendees will gain tangible insights and actionable takeaways.
Stories and Real Examples as the Foundation: This session is grounded in real-world stories and examples that have successfully navigated the complexities of radical innovation. By basing the discussion on actual case studies, attendees will not only hear about successful strategies but also understand the context and challenges these companies faced.
Tools and Frameworks: In this session, I will be introducing and utilizing the Convergence Theory of Entrepreneurship (CTE) to help attendees understand the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that come with driving innovation. CTE provides a comprehensive framework that acknowledges the complexity of entrepreneurial success, emphasizing that no single factor guarantees success. Instead, it highlights the importance of integrating multiple elements to create a cohesive and sustainable strategy. By using this theory, attendees will gain insights into how to balance these diverse factors, manage uncertainties, and avoid common pitfalls.
Tailored Advice for Various Industries and Projects: This session isn’t just about providing one-size-fits-all solutions; it’s about offering insights that can be adapted to the specific needs of different industries and even different projects within the same company. Whether you’re working in tech, healthcare, manufacturing, or any other sector, the strategies and frameworks discussed will be versatile and customizable to fit your unique context.
