Chris Salis: Should SAP Experts Stand Out from the Crowd?
My career path has been undeniably shaped by my father. Our dinner table was often a forum for discussions on leadership, people management, and strategic boardroom decisions. His insights offered me invaluable exposure to the intricacies of executive leadership, guiding me on my journey to becoming an SAP expert.
However, my passion for technology was ignited during my time at Purdue University, an environment brimming with technological innovation. It was here that I fell in love with the endless possibilities of tech. A pivotal moment for me was participating in a project sponsored by Melinda Gates, which explored the intersection of computer interfaces and human interaction. Although our ideas to make interfaces more social didn’t fully materialize due to the technological constraints of the time, it provided me with a glimpse into the transformative potential of technology across all aspects of life.
This revelation propelled me into a career in the software industry, driven by the belief that technology could revolutionize our world. Since then, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to leveraging technology to drive innovation and positive change.
Embracing my uniqueness has always been my strength. From excelling in business school and tech-related studies to thriving in advanced technology sectors without a computer science degree, I have never viewed my differences as a disadvantage. Rather than feeling marginalized or concealing what made me unique, I chose to harness my differences as strengths.
I bring a unique perspective that can enhance the collective insight of any group I’m part of. If I withhold my viewpoint, the group loses the benefit of a broader perspective.
My father had a plaque in his office that I always admired. It read, “When two people in business always agree, one of them is unnecessary.” This saying became a guiding principle for me after he passed away and I placed the plaque in my own office. I strive to embody this philosophy personally and foster teams that embrace diverse viewpoints. It’s not the easiest path, but it leads to superior results.
Reflecting on my time at SAP, one of the highlights has been the warm welcome from the SAP community. It felt like joining a family, with many reaching out to offer kind words and share their excitement about my arrival.
I was also incredibly impressed by SAP’s global operations. Unlike other companies with international teams, SAP exemplifies a seamlessly integrated and universally inclusive approach. While US-based companies often have a US-centric view, even when serving global customers, SAP embraces a truly global and inclusive perspective in its operations.
Read More About Chris Salis and His SAP Expertise:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissalis
https://chrissalis96.medium.com/christopher-salis-former-global-vice-president-sap-b62e644da663
https://sites.google.com/view/chris-salis-guides-others/Chris-Salis
https://vocal.media/motivation/christopher-salis-biography-work-and-sap-experience