Chris Golis

Chris Golis is one of Australia’s leading authorities on practical emotional intelligence. An author, professional speaker, and workshop leader, he has trained over 5,000 people since 1990, equipping leaders, managers, and teams with the skills to connect, influence, and perform.

Before his career in professional training, Chris built a distinguished career in financial services and venture capital. He started the Financial Services division at Bankers Trust, launched major investment products, and managed funds exceeding $500 million. As Executive Chairman of Nanyang Ventures (1995–2006), he oversaw institutional private equity funds worth over $140 million and successfully grew numerous companies, delivering significant capital gains for their owners.

Chris has served as director or chairman of more than 30 public and VC-backed private companies. His academic credentials include a Natural Sciences and Economics degree from Cambridge (Sidney Sussex College) and a Master’s from London Business School (with distinction). He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Senior Fellow of FINSIA.

An accomplished author, Chris’s books—including Enterprise and Venture Capital, Empathy Selling, and The Humm Handbook—have become reference works in business, venture capital, and emotional intelligence. His seminars and training programs have reached clients worldwide, from PwC and Citicorp Asia to the Singapore Venture Capital Association.

Chris brings a rare combination of technical expertise, business acumen, and emotional intelligence to every speaking or training engagement, making complex concepts practical, relatable, and actionable.