Chris Simmons is a trailblazing executive and leadership strategist who made history as the first
black partner elected—through a highly competitive national election—to the Governing Board
of PwC, a Fortune 250 accounting, tax, and consulting firm. He also served as a Regional
Managing Partner, leading more than 3,000 partners and professionals across the firm.

Widely known for delivering precise, actionable guidance – not platitudes – Simmons is respected for
telling the truth people need to hear. He challenges assumptions, cuts through ambiguity, and
offers practical strategies that lead to real results, earning him the nickname “Keeping It Real
Chris.” His credibility, candor, and track record have made him a highly sought-after keynote
speaker for major corporations, law firms, professional associations, and universities.

In his highly interactive sessions, Simmons introduces a powerful new way of thinking about
personal brand, excellence, sponsorship (without asking), relationship-building, and becoming
the kind of leader people want to work for. One of his Harvard MBA professors once remarked
that he understood how to “play the corporate success game” better than anyone she had
taught. Today, Simmons shares those insights both on stage and in his acclaimed book, Nobody
Told You: What Blacks, Asians, and Latinos Must Know to Win At Work, offering hard-won
lessons for professionals navigating today’s workplace—with bonus insights for white men,
white women, and LGBTQ+ professionals as well.