About the Speaker

Extended Bio:

Christopher Novak is a professional speaker who has inspired thousands of people nationally and internationally with his, Conquering Adversity, message.  Based on his first book, this powerful, true-life presentation focuses on the hero inside each of us and what it takes to rise above change, challenge and adversity in our professional and personal lives. 

Chris is also the author of two leadership development books, 4 Circles of Good Business (Core Concepts, Inc.; 2006) and, Lead Like a Pirate (Cornerstone Leadership Institute; 2007) and more than two dozen articles in publications that include HR Magazine, Newsweek, Smithsonian’s Air & Space, CUPA-HR Journal and many more. 

Chris is a seasoned human resources executive whose former positions included senior level positions with Cornell University and Syracuse China Company.  In 2001, he started his own professional development company, The Summit Team, focusing on leadership training and executive coaching.  His clients have included industry giants like Hess Corporation, Lane Construction, Jackson Hewitt Tax Services and Syracuse University as well as regional businesses who seek out his innovative and creative training style. 

He has a bachelors’ degree in aeronautics-mathematics from Miami University and a masters’ degree in business management from the State University of New York.  Chris resides in upstate New York.