Chris Clews

With global clients like VISA and DHL, Chris Clews delivers powerful ’80s pop culture insights that transform workplace culture, leadership, and engagement strategies.

Request price and availability Request price and availability

USA

Top rated!

6 Client reviews

Non-binding request for Chris Clews

Call us

+1 347 223 5128 +44 20 3744 5675

"Like it was totally rad dude! Chris presented an abridged version of “What the 80’s can teach us about business” during our annual Learning Festival to a virtual crowd of about 200 attendees. It was amazing as his use of 80’s icons blended with his energetic and enthusiastic delivery made for an extremely effective presentation. Here are what the attendees had say. “Loved the 80s presentation!”; “Very inspiring and relatable especially in these times; “This was probably my favorite LF webinar so far :)” I would work with Chris Clews anytime and look forward to introducing him to a larger crowd for future Visa events. Thank you Chris!”

John Knauff

Director, Visa University Marketing Learning Visa Inc.

Read all reviews

Book Chris

Non-binding request for Chris Clews

Call us

+1 347 223 5128 +44 20 3744 5675

Why book Chris Clews for your next event

Chris Clews has spoken for organizations like VISA, DHL, Penn Medicine, and Duke Health, consistently delivering high-energy, engaging, and impactful keynotes tailored to inspire employees, leaders, and corporate cultures across industries.
As the author of The Ultimate Series on Essential Work & Life Lessons from ’80s Pop Culture, Chris transforms nostalgic stories into practical business strategies, helping organizations strengthen leadership, teamwork, innovation, and culture with entertaining, actionable insights.
Recognized worldwide, Chris has been featured in Entrepreneur.com, Esquire UK, FOX, NBC, and CBS. His message combines credibility and charisma, ensuring organizations book a keynote speaker whose influence resonates both in media and corporate environments.

Non-binding request for Chris Clews

Unlocking Leadership Lessons Through ’80s Pop Culture

Blending 20+ years of corporate leadership with unforgettable ’80s pop culture lessons, this dynamic keynote speaker delivers entertaining, actionable insights on leadership, teamwork, and culture. Trusted by global brands and featured in top media, he inspires organizations to think differently, engage employees, and drive lasting workplace transformation.

Keynote Speaker Chris Clews is internationally recognized for combining the nostalgia of ’80s pop culture with more than two decades of corporate leadership experience to deliver powerful lessons for today’s workplace. With his unique ability to connect iconic movies, music, and characters of the ’80s to modern business challenges, he offers organizations a fresh perspective on leadership, teamwork, resilience, and innovation.

What sets Chris apart is his rare mix of entertainment and real-world expertise. Before stepping onto keynote stages, he spent over 20 years in senior marketing roles, giving him a firsthand understanding of corporate dynamics. He has since shared his insights with leading companies and institutions including VISA, DHL, Duke Health, and Penn Medicine. His acclaimed book series, The Ultimate Series on Essential Work & Life Lessons from ’80s Pop Culture, further cements his reputation as an authority on bridging culture and business.

Chris has been featured in Entrepreneur.com, Esquire UK, FOX, NBC, and CBS, underscoring the global relevance of his message. His keynotes are engaging, memorable, and filled with practical takeaways that inspire organizations to think creatively, engage employees, and foster stronger cultures.

If you want a keynote that entertains, inspires, and delivers actionable strategies, Book Chris Clews for your event and bring the lessons of ’80s pop culture into your workplace transformation.

Customer Reviews

John Knauff Director, Visa University Marketing Learning Visa Inc.

"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 at Educational Testing Service

"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 and General Counsel, North Carolina Retail Merchants Association

"Chris captivated our group of students, faculty and staff with his enthusiastic presentation focused on 80s pop culture and workplace topics that resonated with attendees no matter their age or level of professional experience. An engaging, insightful, fun and useful experience that we didn't want to end.

Evan Kropp Ph.D., Director of Online Graduate Programs at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Mass Communications

“Back by popular demand, Chris delivered a captivating conversation around the life and work lessons we can learn from ‘80s pop culture. With enthusiasm, passion and deep knowledge, Chris connected the iconic era to great wisdom! He was upbeat, fun and inspirational and the audience raved about his engaging storytelling, relatable anecdotes and seamless delivery. Great job, Chris!”

Young Un Cho Senior Consultant, Talent Management and Leadership Development Penn Medicine Academy

"Chris absolutely lit up the room with his passion, insight, and heart. His ability to connect real leadership lessons through ‘80s pop culture made it not only memorable, but deeply meaningful. He left us thinking, laughing, and reflecting – and that’s a rare gift. Grateful to have Chris in our corner and can’t wait to do it again."

Kelly Grawbosky, CCM Managing Director, Florida Chapter of the Club Management Association of America

Keynotes

Keynote by Chris Clews:

Everything We Need To Know (For Life and Work), Can Be Learned From ‘80s Pop Culture.

Chris can customize the lessons to your needs or theme and include ’80s pop culture lessons that fit your business, workplace, conference or event. Below are just a few of the workplace and life lessons from ’80s pop culture that he can integrate into presentations:

LIFE
Find out how John McClane in Die Hard teaches us about the best way to face challenges. See how a high school teacher named John Keating in Dead Poets Society showed us how to advocate for what we believe in. Learn how a bouncer (Patrick Swayze) in Road House teaches about keeping things simple. Hear how Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) from Trading Places teaches us the difference between confidence and arrogance, and so many more!

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. See how Prince Akeem from Coming To America can teach us the difference between earned and unearned leadership. Learn the distinct difference between those that rule and those that lead through the actions of the musical and pop culture icon, Prince, and many more leadership lessons.

WORKPLACE CULTURE
Learn how Jeff Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High taught us that it is ok to say “I don’t know”. See how we can turn the old adage of work-life balance for ourselves into a righteous and selfless act – a la Ferris Bueller. Find out what Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid taught us about how to manage our stress in the workplace. Learn what the Ghostbusters taught us about embracing risk, and many more workplace culture lessons.

MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS AND SALES
See how lovable knucklehead, Clark Griswold in Christmas Vacation, teaches us the importance of knowing your audience. 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. See how Lloyd Dobler from Say Anything shows us how to create a unique and memorable brand, and more marketing, sales and communications lessons.

INCLUSION AND TEAMWORK
See how two characters from The Goonies (Chunk and Sloth) teach us the importance of inclusion in the workplace. See how The Frog Brothers from The Lost Boys teach us that problem solvers don’t come in a one size fits all package. Find out how five kids stuck in Saturday detention in The Breakfast Club taught us how to appreciate, embrace and value each other’s differences, and more workplace inclusion lessons.