Christopher Salis: My Journey of Growth, and Transformation

In today’s world, where careers twist and turn in ways we never expect, the real story isn’t about where you end up, it's about what shapes you along the way. I’m Christopher Salis, an SAP consultant and startup advisor motivating startups to grow and lead. In life, if there's one thing I’ve learned in my career, it’s that growth is never a straight path. It is the mixture of mixed emotions and collection of lessons, risks, and moments that shape who you become.

Today, I’m proud to be known as a business strategist, startup advisor, and former Global Vice President at SAP.  My journey didn’t start with those titles; it started with curiosity and a fascination for how technology could change the way people live and work. Let's start with what I have learnt throughout the journey.

Where It All Began: Career Journey Started

After earning my degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, I, Christopher Salis began my professional journey at Adecco Employment Services. It was my first real exposure to how global systems work procurement, partnerships, and the complex web of operations that power organizations.

Christopher Salis started as an IT Procurement Manager, moved up to Senior IT Buyer, and eventually became Strategic Sourcing Manager. During that time, I learned one of the most valuable lessons of my life: real progress happens when you learn to connect business needs with human needs.That mindset carried me forward.

The Road to Innovation: Next level of My Journey

After Adecco, I took on roles at Gap Inc. and eBay, where I focused on strategic sourcing and operational excellence. I was always driven by the question: “How can we make business smarter, faster, and more meaningful?”

My desire to find that answer led me to Business Objects, an SAP company. There, Christopher Salis grew from Senior Manager of Strategic Sourcing to Executive Director and Chief of Staff in the CEO’s Office.

Those years were transformative. I learned the art of leading teams, managing billion-dollar forecasts, and building strategies that didn’t just look good on paper — they delivered results. It was during this period that I realized something powerful: innovation isn’t about technology alone; it’s about people and purpose.

My Defining Chapter  SAP : Major Career Turn

In 2010, I joined SAP as Vice President and Head of Global Sales for Line of Business Solutions for Procurement. That was the moment everything changed.

I stepped into a company known for its legacy and potential. I always thought to have the career that makes me sure and a future-proof. My mission was clear: to bring agility, vision, and innovation into SAP’s DNA.

We launched new B2B and SaaS business models that completely transformed how SAP delivered value to customers. We cut the average time to revenue from 12 months to 90 days.  Turned products that had zero revenue into multimillion-dollar successes, one even hitting $41 million.

My Goal was Not Numbers: Journey stage to Inspire and Aspire

Leading a global team of innovators, we didn’t just drive performance; we built a culture where creativity and accountability worked hand in hand. During this time, I also had the privilege of helping shape the strategy that led to SAP’s $4.3 billion acquisition of Ariba, a milestone that still stands as one of the defining moves in SAP’s modern history.

Through it all, I learned that leadership isn’t about authority — it’s about clarity, compassion, and courage.

From Corporate Leadership to Startup Mentorship

After leaving SAP, I knew my purpose was evolving. I wanted to take everything I’d learned — the systems, the failures, the breakthroughs — and use it to help others grow.

That’s when I began advising startups and consulting entrepreneurs who were just starting their journeys. Many of them had great ideas but struggled to build sustainable systems. I helped them leverage SAP principles, track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and make data-driven decisions that turned ideas into scalable businesses.

Christopher Salis also started Catapuult Consulting, where we help companies master procurement strategy, digital transformation, and operational efficiency. The goal has always been the same to help leaders build businesses that last.

Purpose Beyond Profit : Learning Lessons

In 2022, I co-founded the Secure Our Schools Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing school safety through technology. We focus on active shooter prevention, emergency response, and comprehensive incident management.

This initiative has impacted over 250,000 students across the U.S. — and it reminds me daily that innovation is at its best when it serves humanity.

Outside of work, I’m deeply passionate about helping people plan for their families’ futures. Thus, guiding them through the often-overwhelming processes of life insurance, wills, and financial security. Because leadership, to me, extends beyond business it’s about building a life that gives others strength.

Lead. Transform. Inspire.

My name is Christopher Salis, and every chapter of my career from Adecco to SAP to startups and nonprofits. It has been about one thing: helping people and businesses grow.

Because at the end of the day, leadership isn’t about how far you go; it’s about how many people you bring along with you. And that, to me, is the true meaning of success.