Talent

Chris Clews

Wait...80s pop culture can teach us about business?

Chris Clews

Travels From

Deerfield Beach, FL

Topics

Growth, Marketing, Leadership, Communication

Social Media

Profile

Chris Clews is a speaker and author of the book series "What 80s Pop Culture Teaches Us About Today’s Workplace" . He grew up in Reisterstown, MD and is the quintessential child of the 80s. Growing up in the 80s and with over 20 years in corporate marketing he knew two things very well – 80s pop culture and business. So he combined the two and created “What 80s Pop Culture Teaches Us About Today’s Workplace.”

Yes, believe it or not, 80s pop culture and particularly the great movies that defined the decade can teach us lessons for our workplace, our business, our careers and our lives. For example:

  • Learn what The Goonies teaches us about inclusion.
  • Hear what Ferris Bueller teaches us about work-life balance.
  • Find out how the four kids in Stand by Me taught us that there really are no stupid questions.
  • See how Axel Foley from Beverly Hills Cop taught us how your best resource is you.
  • Find out how The Outsiders taught us that it’s never too late to “create you”

A graduate of Elon University in North Carolina, Chris has over 22 years of marketing experience building brands, leading brands through transition and spearheading sports sponsorships with NCAA Basketball, PGA, MLB, International Soccer and the UFC.

“I’m super passionate about my content and even more passionate about the attendees and the people that hire me to speak. I love this stuff. My number one priority is to make you look good – to your company, your leadership team, the client and the attendees. And it doesn’t stop at the presentation. I’m always excited to hang out before or after the keynote – attend a happy hour, dinner, breakfast, attend the entire conference – whatever you need, I’m in.” – Chris Clews

He’s also passionate about animal rescue and donates a portion of the proceeds from his book and speaking engagements to the SPCA International and lives by the quote from the poet laureate Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Click here for a printable sheet with all of my information

Website

Topics

Leadership

Learn how two greasers - Johnny Cade and Ponyboy from The Outsiders - teach us about the importance of keeping our moral and ethical leadership compass intact when the business/workplace is facing challenges; See how Prince Akeem from Coming To America can teach us the difference between earned and unearned leadership; Learn the true meaning of leadership, what you can do to boost the self-confidence of your team members and the distinct difference between those that rule and those that lead through the actions of the musical and pop culture icon, Prince; see how Axel Foley from Beverly Hills Cop taught us the importance of protecting your team; and many more leadership lessons from 80 pop culture.

Workplace Culture

Learn how Jeff Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High taught us two very valuable lessons for the culture in our workplace: (1) That it is ok to say “I don’t know”. In fact, it is a sign of confidence, strength and leadership rather than a sign of vulnerability or weakness. (2) A “bogus” environment creates a lack of trust, an eroding belief in the system and the loss of your best people. Strive to make your place of business the greatest and coolest place to work; Learn how we can turn the old adage of work-life balance for ourselves into a righteous and selfless act - a la Ferris Bueller - by building our time off plans to include a friend or workplace "Cameron" who needs it more than we do; See what Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid taught us about how to manage our stress in the workplace and also how the ability to be efficient in the workplace is absolutely a superpower; Or how E.T. teaches us about social responsibility and how to “be good”; and so many more lessons from 80s pop culture.

Marketing and Sales

See how lovable knucklehead and family man, Clark Griswold, teaches us the importance of knowing your audience and the consequences if you don’t; Learn how Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride taught us about message and brand consistency; Find out how Del Griffith from Planes, Trains and Automobiles taught us that every great company needs a great salesperson; Learn the importance of brands staying true to who they are and what can happen when they forget who they are through the story of a nerdy wannabe popular kid, Ronald Miller, in Can’t Buy Me Love; and more marketing and sales lessons from 80s pop culture.

Inclusion

How two characters from The Goonies (Chunk and Sloth) teach us the importance of inclusion in the workplace and that ultimately our teams and our companies are stronger when we embrace everyone.; see how The Frog Brothers from The Lost Boys teach us that problem solvers don’t come in a one size fits all package; Learn how a goofy greenskeeper from Caddyshack taught us to expand our workplace circle of trust because solutions can come from anyone; Find out how five kids stuck in Saturday detention in The Breakfast Club taught us that the most successful teams appreciate, embrace and value each other’s differences; and more workplace lessons from 80s pop culture.

Books

What 80s Pop Culture Teaches Us About Today's Workplace

"What 80s Pop Culture Teaches Us About Today's Workplace" finds the unexpected business lessons in ten of the classic 80s movies that defined a generation.

What '80s Pop Culture Teaches Us About Today's Workplace: 10 More Iconic Movies, Even More Totally Awesome Business Lessons

Discover dozens of relatable, unique and fun workplace lessons with a side of nostalgia. You'll never look at these movies and their characters the same as you did before.

Videos

"One of the last presentations of the conference was ‘Laugh & Learn: What 80’s Pop Culture Teaches Us About Today’s Workplace by Chris Clews’. I never thought I'd see the Goonies referenced at a professional conference, but it was a fantastic way to discuss diversity and inclusion! Well done! "

Elizabeth Lust, Ph.D

Industrial/Organizational Consultant

"Chris's energy and relatable style combined with his fun and unique content will keep any audience engaged. Who would have thought we could learn so many valuable business and life lessons from 80s pop culture. He should be on your stage at your next event."

Andy Ellen

President, North Carolina Retail Merchants Association

“Chris has found a way to extract business wisdom out of the ’80s movies and songs many of us hold so dear…”

Karen Jones

Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

…never would have thought ’80s movies could teach me something about our workplaces and organization. Chris Clews has found a new way to interpret these iconic films.”

Dan Leonard

President, Margaritaville Hospitality Group

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