Chris Salis’ Shift: SAP Success to Startup Empowerment

Foundation Years: Building the Basics

My professional story began with Adecco Employment Services, where I managed IT Procurement. It wasn’t just about contracts or sourcing; it was about understanding how technology enables business outcomes — a perspective that shaped every role that followed.

Next came Gap Inc. and later eBay, where I focused on Strategic Sourcing and Operational Excellence. These roles taught me the power of process the ability to drive results through systems. I also learned the importance of collaboration: behind every successful initiative is a team that believes in the mission.

The Business Objects Transformation

My time at Business Objects marked a turning point. I started as a Senior Manager of Procurement and Strategic Sourcing, but through dedication and curiosity. I advanced to Senior Director of Global Go-To-Market Process and Project Management and later to Executive Director.

Here, Chris Salis, SAP, developed a deep appreciation for Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies, how products find their audience, how markets are shaped, and how execution makes the difference between potential and performance. I led global initiatives that drove revenue and operational excellence, helping businesses to scale efficiently.

Leading Innovation at SAP

Then came SAP, over my 8 years at SAP, I served as Global Vice President, responsible for innovation in sales and business development of new product units.

In 2010, I led the unit responsible for SAP’s first SaaS sales, a monumental shift for the company and enterprise software. But my proudest achievement at SAP wasn’t launching a product. It was building a team.

I, Chris Salis, SAP, formed and led a 25-member unit during my final two years, which became one of SAP’s most successful. For SAP’s new product lines, driving consistent, measurable results. This experience taught me about empowering people, creating clarity of purpose, and building a culture where innovation can thrive.

Why I Moved Into Startups

After nearly two decades in corporate leadership, to bringing my experience to the startup world. Why? Because startups are where ideas become impact. They are the engines of innovation, but they often lack the structure, mentorship, and GTM rigor that larger enterprises take for granted.

As a startup advisor, I, Chris Salis, SAP, now help founders:

• Design effective GTM strategies

• Build operational excellence

• Scale sustainably without sacrificing agility

• Navigate leadership and team dynamics

And as a parent, I’ve found that leadership lessons apply everywhere from boardrooms to bedtime stories. Parenthood has taught me empathy, patience, and the importance of being present — qualities every leader needs.

What Drives Me Today to Move on the Path

People often ask what drives me after years of corporate success. The answer is simple: empowering others. Whether it’s helping a founder secure their first major customer, guiding a team through a pivotal product launch, or mentoring young leaders, I find purpose in enabling others to succeed.

I also remain deeply committed to ethical leadership. In an era where shortcuts can be tempting, I believe integrity and transparency are non-negotiable. Long-term success is built on trust, not tricks.

Turning Challenges Into Lasting Impact

Few of us begin our careers as entrepreneurs. Becoming an entrepreneur, like building a business, is a journey of personal and professional growth. No one can do it alone. We all need guidance, mentorship, and inspiration.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to take the next right step — with integrity, curiosity, and the willingness to learn.

I continue to learn every day, and I invite you to do the same. Because at the heart of success is not just what you achieve, but who you become along the way.

Chris Salis: Expert Insights to Empower Decisions

https://christophersalis.mystrikingly.com/blog/christopher-salis-on-crawling-back-when-you-re-stuck  

https://www.f6s.com/member/chrissalis   

https://chrissalis.com/ 

https://chrissalis.com/about-chris-salis/ 

https://about.me/chris_salis 

https://christophersalis.bravesites.com/