Chris McKee

December 14, 2017

Growing With Purpose Podcast: Chris McKee

Today on the Growing With Purpose podcast, Paul Spiegelman interviews Chris McKee, Founder & Managing Partner of Venturity. Looking back on his life, Chris never imagined himself becoming an entrepreneur. In fact, his dream growing up was to become an accountant and sit in a cubicle doing reconciliations. What changed? This episode, Chris shares the invaluable lessons he learned while fishing with his grandfather, how he unlearned his authoritative leadership style, and his journey to becoming a purpose-driven leader. Tune into Chris's story here.

Show Notes 

Chris McKee Growing with Purpose Podcast

[1:23] My Dream to Become an Accountant

[12:32] Life Lessons From Fishing with My Grandfather 

[14:20] Unwiring My Old Leadership Style

[20:05] "Dad, You Can't Quit!" 

[25:41] Rebuilding Trust

[28:43] Asking My Employees: How Can We Help You in Your Career and in Life? 

[41:14] The Most Important Qualities of A Leader

Selected Links from the Episode

Book that Influenced Chris's Leadership Style: A Lapsed Anarchist's Approach to Managing Ourselves (Zingerman's Guide to Good Learning) by Ari Weinzweig

 


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About Chris McKee

Chris founded Venturity in 2001 after holding accounting leadership roles with several different organizations in the Dallas – Ft. Worth business community. The firm grew out of a perceived need among small and growing companies for an alternative to a traditional in-house Controller and related department. Prior to forming Venturity, Chris spent several years as a consultant, performing interim CFO and finance duties at several Dallas-area firms. In addition, he held controllership positions at Busybody Fitness Warehouse, a 90-store fitness retailer, as well as USCardioVascular, a physician practice management company. Chris began his career with Arthur Andersen and Company in 1989, focusing primarily on the retail, distribution and manufacturing industries throughout his tenure. His clients included Zale Corporation, the world’s largest retailer of fine jewelry, and Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, whose TGI Friday’s concept included over 500 worldwide locations. Chris earned his Bachelor of Accountancy from the University of Mississippi in 1989, but his real passion is growing and developing his team through training and education. Outside of Venturity, Chris has been active with and served on the board of several not for profit organizations, including the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas, Education is Freedom and as Board President for the Dallas chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO). He currently serves as chair of the Finance Committee of the board of The Notre Dame School of Dallas. He has also served on for profit boards, including Texas Air Composites. He lives in Dallas with his wife Lori and their three children.