Testimonials

Rachael Miller

Chris’ presentation was extremely relevant! Our campus has a big emphasis on Classroom to Career activities (i.e. skill building, experiential learning) and finding spaces to be a leader is a big part of that. We asked Chris to explore Leadership through the lens of skill development and career exploration and he did a fantastic job of that! His topic really motivated students to see leadership in an authentic and tangible way. Chris had a very interactive session that was engaging and fun for students. His energy and personality draws students in and they just love him! He also gives them a lot to think about and challenges them to take action.

Jacque Dahl

Chris takes great care in providing groups what they need and what they ask for. His repertoire is deep and his ability to read a room is incredible. We asked Chris to deliver six sessions over two days. Each session built upon the other, not in an obvious way, but in a way that naturally moved our participants to plan and take action on things that are challenging them. This was the first time that I felt like a speaker was there to meet our group where they were at and not to deliver a flashy one-off message. If you are looking for someone to help foster growth and conversation in your group, Chris is your guy. He is truly gifted at leading groups through tough conversations and giving them practical steps to take to overcome barriers so that the conversation leads to action, and not excuses.

Student

Loved it! Chris did an awesome job. I thought the message was brought home, allowing me to reflect about my life, dreams, and influences. He connected with us and was very informative. Thanks for challenging how I think and giving me the tools to reach higher.

Ashley

"The presentations provided by Christopher Collins are phenomenal. He is able to engage students in an interactive presentation that allows them to view leadership in a different light. The students continue to talk about the presentation and their experience months afterward!"

Keyta

“I feel that his delivery was lively and engaging. He had a way of pulling us in and keeping us interested. I was inspired to learn about my strengths and weaknesses and how to improve on them.”

Kyle

“For the first time ever I actually remembered what a speaker said after they were done talking!! Chris’ presentation helped my attitude towards school change for the better.”

Laramie

"I want to give you a HUGE thank you and shout-out. Your evaluations were off the charts – literally. There were a couple of students who weren’t content to give you a 5 (the top choice). They rated you at a 6!! With all the positive feedback, we will definitely find a way to partner again in the future."

Melissa

"Chris kept me completely interested, he was so engaging, wonderful sense of humor. Really down to earth, very outgoing and relatable to us (students). He’s freaking hilarious! I would love to see him again, he made it interesting and enjoyable"

Khadijah Nuriddin

"I sat in on 2 of your workshops today. You really inspired me to be a better mentor and expect more from my mentors. I will be sharing H.A.R.M with every student leader I know. Thank You for taking the time out to join PBL national fall leadership conference."

Julie LeBlanc

"Chris used a high level of audience participation, props, and high energy. The presentation was among the most engaging I have seen in a long time- excellent! I observed Chris mingling with the students prior to the presentation, and (he) was very willing to stay after the presentation to talk with students and continue the conversations. I know my students were appreciative of his willingness to do this. (Chris’ message was) very relevant- students often struggle with how to feel empowered to create change, and the presentation directly addressed this."

Patrice Abner

The presentation exceeded my expectations because this was my first time hiring a keynote speaker for the leadership conference and I was able to see a change in the conversation after the keynote this year from before. Students were more engaged and ready to learn because of the encouraging and upbeat message they received that day. I would recommend this presentation to my colleagues because Chris is personable, easy to work with and flexible. I would also recommend this presentation because the content is applicable to any campus around the U.S"

Nathan

"One thing I will always remember from Stay in H.A.R.M's way is how to set W.O.W. goals! I am surrounding myself with people who will help me become successful and complete my W.O.W. goals. The information was relevant and can be applied to every club on campus. If the clubs that attended spread the knowledge, the overall quality of the University of Portland community will be better."

Nikhil

Chris’ presentation was extremely relevant! Our campus has a big emphasis on Classroom to Career activities (i.e. skill building, experiential learning) and finding spaces to be a leader is a big part of that. We asked Chris to explore Leadership through the lens of skill development and career exploration and he did a fantastic job of that! His topic really motivated students to see leadership in an authentic and tangible way. Chris had a very interactive session that was engaging and fun for students. His energy and personality draws students in and they just love him! He also gives them a lot to think about and challenges them to take action.

Joshua

"I will never forget the HARM acronym, the title alone really grabbed my attention. I will be more focused on quality over quantity and have more focused efforts in my orgs. I realized that I don't have to be a 'superman' student leader, but do what I can and do it in excellence! This was what our exhausted leadership needed to hear."

Rayna Dubose

​“I THOUGHT YOUR PRESENTATION WAS AMAZING!.... When I walked into the classroom and listened and observed you in your zone the first thing I thought was man this makes me want to go back to school, and have you as a teacher! I've heard a lot of speakers in the past 2 years and you are the ONLY one that actually caught my attention. I had fun and at the same time I was learning. I could also tell that you enjoy what you do as well.”

Director

“(Chris) presented a great blend of professionalism & approachability…that’s fairly rare. I was present for the presentation done by Chris last year & I loved it. I was eager for this year’s presentation, and I was pleased that the material was different but equally informative and interactive.”

Roland Nunez

"Chris was friendly, easy to work with, and well-prepared for an engaging presentation. Students had great things to say about the speaker after the fact. I would definitely recommend him!"

Shemika

"[Chris was] full of positive energy, engaging and interactive. Your presentation gave me the motivation to keep striving for excellence and to become better leaders. It was like you were speaking directly to me, because it seems like the week before I wanted to just give up... you just reassure me that in life there will be obstacles but I already have what it takes to overcome them!"

Josh

"In previous years, we have had a comedian at this time in the camp. We wanted to replace that with a speaker that would leave the students with a takeaway to help them better transition to college and learn what it will take to be successful as they start college. I believe we got that and more with Chris. He provided great content in a fun and engaging way. Many of our Eagle Camp leaders were hesitant when I told them that this year we would be having a speaker instead of the comedian, but after the presentation, they all said this was one of their favorite things at Eagle Camp. Chris had everyone’s attention at the beginning and had the students wanting more as he ended. I hope that I am able to use Chris again!"