I want to tell my story in a simple and honest way. When people search for Chris Salis SAP, they often want to know how my career unfolded and what guided my decisions. This journey is not just about titles or numbers. It is about learning, adapting, and staying grounded while working in a fast-changing world.
I did not plan every step. I focused on doing my best work wherever I was. Over time, those small efforts added up and opened doors I never expected.
My professional journey started after I completed my degree at Purdue University. I joined Adecco Employment Services and stepped into procurement roles that demanded structure and precision. I managed suppliers, negotiated contracts, and supported global operations.
These early years taught me discipline. I learned how systems affect people and how decisions ripple across organizations. This foundation helped me think clearly and act responsibly later in my career.
After Adecco, I moved on to roles at Gap and eBay. Each company had its own pace and culture. At Gap, I learned about sourcing strategy. At eBay, I worked on operational excellence and process improvement.
These experiences pushed me to think beyond routine tasks. I learned how scale works. I learned how to improve efficiency without losing human connection. These lessons shaped my leadership style.
Joining Business Objects marked a major shift for me. I moved into senior leadership and worked closely with executive teams. I helped manage global go-to-market processes and supported the Office of the CEO.
This phase taught me how strategy becomes execution. I learned how leaders balance vision with reality. I also learned how trust and communication drive performance at the highest levels.
When Business Objects became part of SAP, I stepped into a new chapter. Becoming Chris Salis SAP meant working at a global scale. I took on leadership roles across procurement solutions and sales.
I focused on building clarity in complex systems. We introduced SaaS models and shortened time to revenue. We transformed products that once generated nothing into strong revenue drivers.
As a global vice president, my goal was simple. Help teams move faster with confidence. We reduced innovation cycles dramatically. We launched sourcing solutions that became market leaders.
One of the most impactful moments was shaping strategies that supported the Ariba acquisition. This move helped SAP grow SaaS revenue and strengthen its digital future.
Leadership is about people. I invested in teams that trusted one another. I encouraged open discussion and shared accountability. When people feel respected, they perform better.
Being Chris Salis SAP means leading with clarity and empathy. Results come when teams understand why their work matters.
Beyond enterprise leadership, I became a startup advisor and strategy consultant. Startups move fast and face constant uncertainty. My role is to bring focus and structure.
I help founders think clearly about growth, revenue, and long term value. Watching early ideas grow into sustainable businesses keeps me energized and curious.
Later in my journey, I co-founded Secure Our Schools Foundation. This work focuses on school safety and emergency preparedness. Technology can protect lives when applied with care.
This chapter reminds me that experience carries responsibility. Success means little if it does not contribute to safer and stronger communities.
When people think about Chris Salis SAP, I hope they see a story of steady growth. I did not chase shortcuts. I focused on learning, adapting, and helping others succeed.
Every role taught me something valuable. Every challenge sharpened my perspective. I continue to learn every day.
My journey shows that careers are built step by step. Focus on value. Stay curious. Treat people with respect. If you do that, opportunities will find you. That belief continues to guide me forward as Chris Salis SAP.