#401: SPOTLIGHT: Chris Sleat
#401: Chris Sleat
September 24, 2024
A Backbeat of Community
Question for Chris:
Does one particular travel experience come to mind (whether travel for work or vacation) that had a substantial and LASTING impact on your life?
Chris' Response:
I can’t surf every day (I surf in a surfski: long, skinny kayak). I guess I could, but I like waves that fit me. I don’t get to pick when they will be big but not crushing, so when I’m in the right spot, and they are right, I just go. I never thought I’d surf in Vegas.
The consumer electronics show of 2015 (or ‘16) taught me how. We thought we had a direction for our education company, but it was in an industry I knew nothing about. So I flew to Las Vegas after reading about and looking at pictures of all of the C suites of every robotics company I wanted to meet, and figured I’d go talk to them. I saw surf’s up and was taking the opportunity.
No one would talk with me or even let me near these folks. Then I saw one of the CEOs walking with a hot dog when I was leaving his company’s private side room. (Yep, I had looked at his Linkedin profile a lot). So I stopped him and gave this befuddled exec. the reason why robots need to be in schools.
I did this kind of meet-cute 12 more times, embarrassing myself and the execs and it was wonderful. 6 were top customers within 2 years and that first fellow made our company. One of the harder to convince executives was Taryn Sullivan, who later became my business partner and a transformative friend, and the person who introduced me to PIP.
I had created businesses for 20 years at that point, but that one meeting in a city I don’t much care for, stripped what was my last vestige of second guessing and helped me to just jump in as soon as I see the wave or potential colleague or potential friend.
I suspect Chris would love all direct responses from you. I find it incredibly encouraging when I hear from any of you after I share my thoughts. It is powerful for me. I assume many others have a similar experience. So here is Chris' email… pip
Amanda's thought…
Chris, I love the analogy of "surf's up" and applying that to the practice of seizing the moment in life when an opportunity presents itself, despite any second-guessing oneself or limiting thoughts. I'm reminded of the power of jumping in, as I'll never know the outcome or the people I'll meet while riding the wave. Thank you for sharing about this impactful trip, Chris. And love the pic!
- AP