Chris is not your ordinary entrepreneur. As the founder of runZero, a cyber asset management company, he has seen remarkable success in his career.

With six acquisitions under his belt and even an IPO, Chris has become a respected figure in the industry. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing for him. In fact, one of his greatest challenges came right after college, at the start of his career.

And today he takes us back to 1997.

During those early days, Chris faced a critical situation that could make or break his business. The entire company relied heavily on a key encryption licence that was on the verge of being withdrawn. The catch? It would take a year to replace it properly, but they had less than a month to find a solution.

Not only that but the whole situation was complicated by the US government’s approach to exporting any encryption for reasons of national security. This led to a very unique set of legal agreements and risks!

Fortunately for Chris, he had a remarkable CEO who served as a great role model. This leader remained calm under pressure, was willing to take risks, and lived by the mantra, “There’s always one move left.” Inspired by his CEO’s approach, Chris knew he had to find that one move left to make, no matter how challenging the situation seemed.

Having a passion for your work

In the face of adversity, Chris decided to step back and reassess the situation with a fresh perspective. He understood that finding a solution required technical expertise and a creative mindset. He dove into the problem, exploring every possible avenue, and collaborating with his team to develop innovative ideas.

Days turned into nights as Chris worked to secure the future of his company.. Against all odds, he found a strategic solution that allowed them to navigate the licensing crisis within the tight timeframe. He managed to shift the time scale of the problem, build on their existing credibility and relationships and block their competitors in one fell swoop.

In this episode, we talk about:

  • Making bold moves and taking risks in business;
  • Where hard work and resilience can take you;
  • Why taking a step back and reassessing situations with a fresh perspective is essential.

Chris’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals alike. It exemplifies the power of perseverance, strategic thinking, and the willingness to embrace challenges head-on. 

Tune in to this episode to hear firsthand how Chris transformed a seemingly impossible challenge into an opportunity for growth and how his strategic decisions propelled him to where he is today.

Discover how you too can navigate obstacles, make bold moves, and achieve your own version of success.