“Our privileges are not for our pleasure, but for our purpose.” -Chris Brady
There is no one in the world quite like Life CEO and Creative Director, Chris Brady. Not only does Brady run a multi-million dollar company in Cary, North Carolina, but he also serves as the Executive Publisher of Obstaclés Press and is a New York Times best-selling author in which he’s sold over a million copies of his books in 6 different languages. Additionally, Brady is a sought-after speaker, humorist, businessman, husband to leadership speaker and author, Terri Brady and is a father to four incredible children. Life World Headquarters employee, Renée Turner, said it best in a recent statement, “When I grow up, I want to be Chris Brady.”
Though Brady’s public successes make him a hero to many, he would tell you that these achievements aren’t his source of fulfillment in life. He states: “It was only in serving something larger than myself that I found true happiness.” Chris Brady truly lives a life of service and embodies the Bible verse, “to whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48), in the way that he lives his life.
“I have had the pleasure of a 30 plus year relationship with Chris Brady and one of the many benefits of that relationship is that I have had a front row seat to watch him lead and grow in all areas of his life. He does so with purpose, passion and an incredible hunger. As the CEO of Life, he has the incredible ability to take complicated issues, navigate through the noise, and provide clear direction and solutions. I’m looking forward to the next 30 years.” –Rob Hallstrand (COO of Life)
Chris Brady brings such a unique perspective to his role as CEO and Creative Director of Life. That is why we are excited to feature his interview today. Enjoy!
(The italicized responses are quoted directly from Chris Brady)
What is your favorite part of being the CEO and Creative Director of Life?
I am blessed to be trusted with doing this work, and I don’t take a single moment of it for granted. I know that there are thousands and thousands of people out there who stake their reputation on us delivering what we say we will, and that drives me! But by far the biggest blessing that I walk away with is seeing lives transformed by our message. When I receive those emails or letters describing broken marriages that got fixed, addictions that got kicked, friendships repaired, attitudes improved, and even children who grow and learn from our materials, it makes all the effort worth it! It’s the difference that our company makes in people’s lives that is my favorite part of what I do, and I think it is the same for our incredible Life employees, as well.
What do you look for and what are you learning as CEO that translates into giving Life Members and customers a competitive advantage in our industry?
First and foremost is life changing products. We are committed to providing educational, informational, and service products that truly make a difference in the lives of our customers. Whether it’s helping them get out of debt, grow professionally, or improve themselves personally, our materials and events have to be truly transformational. We are always looking for ways to add more and more value to what we provide.
If there was one product created by Life that you believe every person in the world should have, what would it be and why?
It would have to be our #1 seller, the Financial Fitness pack. Getting on top of personal finances relieves so much stress and opens so many doors that it really is a great place to start. Besides, often when people go through the program they fall in love with learning again, and that begins a whole new process of growth and discovery as they dive into many of our other products to improve other areas of their lives.
How did your experiences as a Life Member in the field prepare you to transition and lead a multi-million dollar company on the corporate side.
There is no question that this is one of my secret weapons. I spent twenty years doing exactly what our Life Members do in the field, so I would like to think I have a pretty good window into the difficulties and opposition they face in merchandising our products and building teams of people to do the same. Let’s face it, sales of any kind is hard, and it takes a big dream and strong tenacity to succeed. It is not theory to me; I’ve lived it. So I am driven to work hard on the company side to do everything we can to smooth the way for our Life Members in the field. It’s hard enough for them to do what they do without a company throwing obstacles into their path.
On the other hand, I also won big in the field, so I know what it feels like to push through and make it to a high level. This is equally important. I have heard of many founders of companies and corporate executives who claim some amount of field experience, but there are very few who ever truly made it big in the field. Because I was blessed to do so, I think that perspective helps a lot, too. Because I really believe in this business and the possibilities of the great things that can happen for those who give it their all and stay the course.
What has been the biggest turning point/shift in growth since the company has launched?
Intel corporation had a momentous shift in their corporate history when they launched something called “Operation Crush.” Basically, it was a shift in their messaging. They didn’t have to make a single change to their product or technology, they merely had to represent their product in the right way to their customers to win back market share that Motorola was taking away from them. As a result of that tweak in messaging and the subsequent push with their customers, they landed the IBM PC contract and went on to dominate the world (and still do) in microprocessor sales. Similarly, we have this past year undergone a seismic shift in our messaging, focusing in on our best-selling brand – the Financial Fitness suite of products. This messaging has hockey-sticked our growth and launched us into the next major shift, which is our new “Life 2.0” compensation plan that we’re rolling out this Fall.
How important is the Life on Life Initiative and how did you come up with the idea?
The Life on Life initiative is as important as it gets! It basically turns our Life Members loose in their local communities to make a difference anywhere and everywhere they see a real human need. The terminology was borrowed from ministry, but it is also a nice pun on our corporate name. “Life on Life” means that we give of the very time of our life to another precious human being to try to help them with something they cannot do themselves. At the corporate level we have zeroed in on illiteracy as the root of many societal ills, and are donating $1 of every Total Personal Development subscription to helping to fund literacy efforts in various areas of the markets in which we operate. We at the company also allow any employee two paid hours per week to dedicate to this cause and use it to instruct and teach those who cannot read. But things really get crazy with the Life Members in the field who have used this program to do all sorts of great things in their local communities such as neighborhood cleanups, graffiti scrubs, work at soup kitchens, serve at orphanages, host fund-raisers, honor veterans, and help with urban housing projects. What has already been accomplished in just a short amount of time is staggering, and best of all, it’s only the beginning! At Life we are all about making a difference, and the Life on Life Initiative is doing just that in so many ways.
Okay, now for a fun one! What super power do you wish you had?
Ha! That’s a good one, and actually one that my kids ask me all the time. So I’ve got a ready answer: I wish I could teleport, because I love to travel and there is so much beauty and so many interesting people to meet, cultures to experience, and history to study, but only so much time.
What is one of your most embarrassing moments?
When I walked through a pane glass window in the world headquarters lobby of my division at General Motors after returning from grad school. It wasn’t exactly a great demonstration of the value of the scholarship they had given me!
What is your favorite quote?
It’s attributed to D.L. Moody, and it says, “Our greatest fear should not be that we won’t succeed, but that we will succeed at something that doesn’t matter.”
Who inspires you?
Anyone who decides to live a life that doesn’t revolve around themselves, who stands for what they believe in, and sacrifices their personal comfort for a positive, meaningful mission they believe in.
When you get a little free time, how do you like to use it?
Two ways: Spending time with my incredible wife and kids, and reading. But there’s always motorized adventure, too. That’s always good to clear the cobwebs out of my brain.
What one question or statement would you like everyone who reads this to consider?
20 Years from now, what will you wish you had done today?
Lloyd Weiler says
Chris is the man, love the energy and living life to the fullest!! When I grow up……..
Glen Ewald says
Thank you Chris for all you have done for Life Leadership. I believe the greatest turning point in the growth of Life Leadership is when you were appointed CEO with your creativity and determination to make this company the best company for changing lives in the world.
Glen Ewald (The Rising, part of Patriot Revolution)
Orrin Woodward says
Excellent interview Kristen! Just reading Chris’s answers makes me inspired to build LIFE even bigger! thanks, Orrin
Alberto says
A nice one! I love read about him, thank you Chris for inspire us.
Alberto from Haiti
Jim Storhok says
Great interview!
Elizabeth Sieracki says
Thank you Chris Brady! You are just a straight up cool Dude.
I think everyone loves the FFP but aside from that I really enjoy the “On the Edge” packs 1 and 2. Chris Swanson cuts to the chase with his stories and clear message about important topics.
Thanks Kristen- great interview!
Leah says
I agree…what an excellent interview! Chris is so special to all of us; I love that he thinks and feels, works and serves people with a breadth of understanding that is absolutely rare! On top of that, he seems a true Renaissance Man…with so many interests and an insightful grasp on all of it. It is incredibly inspiring! Between the work he does as CEO and the inspiration he provides with his story, we are blessed beyond measure……beyond millions!
Shannon Gray says
I can’t pick a favorite!!! I LOVE them all!! I have grown in so many areas of my life thru each subscription!!
CJ Calvert says
Great interview of Chris Brady – a remarkable man leading a remarkable company.
Elaine Lacey says
What an awesome interview, sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure that Life Leadership and it’s awesome leaders are real. I am so inspired and Blessed to be mentored by such driven yet authentic human beings! Thanks to Chris and Orrin and all our leaders that sacrifice personally for the benefit of others ❤️
David Bjork says
Great interview! Thanks for all you do to make Life Leadership great, Chris! Your leadership has improved many lives.
Jenevive says
What I love the most and what has served me so well, is being exposed to a group of people who read and had a strong sense of faith. Never before had I seen a group of men and women do what Life does. They entered in my life when I desperately prayed for a change. And I got it. I thank God for Life, the products, the community and the leaders who to this day influence my personal life. <3
Peggi Kern says
I am so thankful you chose to interview Chris Brady! His role as CEO of LIFE Leadership has provided the behind the scenes direction and innovation that will take this company to a million homes!
Malissa Betz says
The Financial Fitness Pack is a high favorite of mine because it gives others what we didn’t have when we got started, a crystal clear step by step systematic way to get out of debt and how to stay out of it. It also offers the why it happened in the first place. We didn’t know what all this “paid programming” was doing to us until Life opened up our eyes and ears to what we were experiencing. We didn’t know how detrimental it was on our young children either. They are walking thru this world now with eyes wide open because of the Life Leadership information they listen to. The effect this will have on their future makes me excited to see their path in this life unfold. God has the perfect plan and we are excited to walk it alongside the most amazing people in the world, Life Leadership Members and Customers.
Sonya Strawn says
What an inspiring article! Thank you for your forward thinking and LOVE for Life Leadership.
The product that changed my life was the LIFE monthly subscriptions. I was in NEED of personal growth material for a recent divorce and an only child who was going through a very HARD time not liking me- and two, soon to be, step daughters.
The content, events and association transformed all the above.
THANK YOU doesn’t even come close to what I feel.
Jeanne Fritch says
I wanna be like Chris!
Tina Abernathy says
Great article about a very genuine man.
Chris took 15-20 minutes out of his already crazy busy day to allow our daughter, who is a college sophomore and had to interview a CEO or COO for her business class to interview him. He has a servants heart and we are blessed to be in the fight for freedom with him.
Thanks
sheila La duke says
Great interview. It’s great to hear their story.
Melissa Stinson says
Reading this just reassures me that I am in the right business with the right people. I love being excited about life & LIFE!
Turhan Berne says
Impressive interview! I am always privileged to be a part of Life Leadership with Chris Brady as CEO!!
Jerry Bruin says
Mr. Brady. Thanks for the work you have done in the office. The leadership products and training materials are awesome. I knew I was missing something in my life and when I was introduced to Life Leadership my whole life changed.
Anthony Nieto says
Great interview! We are truly blessed to be led by Chris as CEO.
Todd Shrier says
Chris embodies the true servant leader that our company and country needs. No sound bites, no promises made that can’t be fulfilled. Success breeds success which Chris has accomplished and is paying it forward to all of us.
Thank you
Martha Andrus says
Have loved seeing this company develop through the years, and Chris has become the right person to lead us on to an explosive future. His gifts and vision are amazing.
Andrea Beson says
Thank you Chris and all of Life. Great interview! Life has changed so many areas of my life but the biggest win was after our first month of listening, reading and associating it saved our marriage!!!! I can’t even think about where I would be right now without Life Leadership. Thank you for all you and Terri do!!!!!!
Robby Palmer says
Excellent article Kristen!
I can vouch for Chris myself, as I’ve had the chance to work with him as a personal mentor in the field. He is incredible! He is everything you described here, and I promise I will keep following this man! His heart is right! He truly cares, and he’s proven that over and over to me. I wish every day to be a little bit more like Chris Brady!
Kirk says
Amen and amen! What a great interview!! I love Chris’s driving force of selfless service to a cause way bigger than himself! Thanks for being a leader worth following!! Kb
Susan E Peterson says
Excellent interview Kristen and of course, Chris is his usual awesome self!!!! Thank you Orrin & Chris and all LIFE leaders for what you have done, are doing, and will be doing!!! So proud to be a member of LIFE Leaderhsip!!! #loveLIFELeadership
Dana Blakely says
I’ve been looking forward to this article! Great interview Kristen! We are so blessed to have Chris as our CEO because of his time working in the field and developing Life Leadership. He is always coming out with great ideas to help move this company forward! I can’t wait to see what Life will hold for my family and everyone else in the next 20 years! Thanks for all you guys do!
Cathy K says
Great article!
One of my highest compliments about a person is to say they are a “good man” or a “good woman” because to achieve this status is to embody all that it is: godly, honest, upright, wholesome and true. I can say without question or hesitation Chris Brady is the epitome of a good man!
And he leads with excellence an amazing company!!
claver conquergood says
Thanks Chris for all you do and your genius input to this incredible business opportunity. The world needs what LIFE LEADERSHIP has and there is no doubt in our minds as to where this company is headed!. Julie and i have the speed of trust with anything that you and the other members of the policy council do. Thanks a million, and on to a million!!!
Ryan Blakely says
Awesome interview Kristen!!! This is a very motivating interview as well. Who wouldn’t want to be part of a company with somebody with the character and integrity like Chris Brady at the helm. Fired Up!!
Elaine Mallios says
Truly an inspiring person! I can’t believe the amount of dedication and sacrifice! We are so lucky to have Chris Brady at the helm. Thank You Mr. Brady!
Bill Schmidt says
Great great interview! Chris is a amazing servant leader!!
Probably one of the best CEO’s Around because he was in the field for 20 plus years! He knows what the business and the community builders needs! He has been there and done it!
We truly are blessed, even more inspired after that to take it to the next level:)!!
One million people and beyond!!
Thanks
Bill
Kirstine Openshaw says
What a fantastic post and interview! Very motivating and shows the true passion of Life Leadership for helping others and being the best company out there!
Keri Storhok says
The Financial Fitness Program has completely changed the way we handle our money and has really improved our finances by changing our thinking and helping us pay off all of our debt outside of our mortgage. I also love the AGO subscription because the books I’ve read and audios I’ve listened to have strengthened my faith journey. And lastly, the marriage and parenting packs and all of the related books have really helped me strive to become a better wife and have helped me with the ever-challenging role of parenting. I can never get enough of these books. there is always so much to learn!
Ben Alexander says
Chris Brady has been highly blessed with specific talents that he is using in God’s glory to bring more love, compassion and success to ordinary people all over the world.
Working with Orrin Woodward these men have created a clear path for success, not just monetarily, but also in every area of our lives that matter outside of finances.
The ripple effect of LIFE is profound, and even after 4 years we are really just getting started.
Thanks Chris, for all you do!
Rebecca High says
When I read about Chris Brady, and listen to stories from Terri about her life experiences, I cry….not because I’m overly emotional, in menopause, or anything like that….I cry because Chris and Terri have no idea how they have personally touched my heart, and they don’t even know me! But I feel I know them, no I don’t know them personally, but just reading, listening, and implementing the information, and associating with such a wonderful group of people, I feel like I’m part of the Brady Bunch….the Big Brady Bunch!! And if God so wills it, maybe he might bless this single, 52 year old with a man just like (or close to it) Chris!!
Sabra Barnett says
We were privileged to meet Chris & Orrin in the late 90’s and we have watched them grow into the outstanding, world-class leaders that they are. We are so proud of the men of faith that they have become also. We joined Life Leadership when the company launched and have always subscribed to everything they offer. We are amazed at the quality of the material and the wisdom of our leaders. One of the things that has always meant a lot to both Huey and myself is how kind they have been to us by taking a few minutes to talk, listen, & encourage. In our mid/late 70’s, we are not energetic young members of the community. However, we are energetic old members and we still have dreams and goals. We know our final destination but “until then” we keep learning and serving. We have been in this industry for 38 years. We are so thankful that we kept the faith that God was leading us. We are definitely at the right place at the right time and we expect great things to happen!!!
Chris Brady says
Thank you everyone for your warm regards. It’s truly an honor to serve you!
CB
frantz VAL says
it’s such a blessing to have such people teaching us how to look for excellence, how to be blessed and be a blessing in people’s life.
Frantz VAL
Team One Mission
HAITI
Larry Cheatham says
What a fantastic interview. I thank God for men like Chris Brady. At a time where character based leadership is lacking in the corporate board rooms around the world Chris Brady answers the call and shows much of the world what character based leadership and excellence look like! It is clear to me that he has been called for a moment such as this.
Larry Cheatham
St. Louis Missouri
Lin Johnson says
I am always blown away at the dedication, great work ethic, and amazing great attitudes of Chris and Terri Brady and Orrin and Laurie Woodward.
We love and admire them all so much and strive to be more like them every day. They continually put forth a great example for us all to follow.
Thank you Chris for the example you set and for your dedication to be someone true to the role that God has placed upon your heart.
Nathan says
There are few times in my life that you say wow. Here is one of those times when a person you respect greatly pores their heart out and asks you to pursue, be intentional and give a way to have my own moon shot.
Thank you for your humble servant heart Chris Brady.
bill lewis says
Great article…Chris is the real deal. Very few leaders that you meet that actually are as good as advertised. Even rarer is someone better then advertised. With Chris as CEO the sky is the limit for Life Leadership.
Kelli Sager says
Great article! Thanks for being a man of character and leading Life Leadership! I love this company!
george guzzardo says
I’ve known Chris for over twenty years. You’re not going to outwork Chris. He works hard mentally. He’s always doing research, bench marking, and coming up with ideas for new innovation that will make LIFE Leadership the model leadership company for the twenty – first century. He gives everyone more confidence when he’s in the room. He shares a big vision along with the other co – founders on where our company is heading. It’s a blessing to have him as a partner. George Guzzardo
Douglas Sutton says
There are certainly no few challenges throughout life, but the resounding point is to achieve excellence, something not achieved in a vacuum, without a dream, desire, or representative mentorship!
Lifeleadership provides the association and tools which bolster personal paradigm shifts, and Chris Brady has been an exceptionally honorable Life Coach!
Barbara LeBoff says
Chris Brady is extremely intelligent, highly focused with a great sense of where LIFE needs to go, and very capable of taking it there. His sense of humor when speaking is captivating and one of the reasons I listen to his CD’s first of the many. We are so blessed by God to have such Godly men as Chris and Orrin leading the way.
Blaine Terrill says
Another phenomenal article Kristen! I truly appreciate Chris’ answer regarding his inspiration….my favorite Life Product….such a tough question. I have favorites for each 8 F category, but I will break it down to favorite book to promote: LeaderShift: Time for Americans to Finally Stand Up and Lead, and favorite audio teaching to promote: State of The Union For The 8 Fs by Matt Mielke. I believe the hidden gem of our product offerings are the Mental Fitness Challenge, and AGO subscription series. Really the greatest benefit personally has been associating with a Compensated Community of ambitious entrepreneurs building their purpose on business with integrity. Never before has the world experienced such a community of aspiring servant leaders with their priorities in order! #lovelifeleadership #StealthCIA
Murray Mason says
I am truly inspired by this man. I had the privilege of associating with Chris close to 20 years ago. Even at that point in my life i aspired to be the man he represented. 1 year ago when learning that Chris was associated with the Life Leadership organization, I remembered what he stood for as a man and his presence was one of the deciding factors in my choice to be a part of Life Leadership. For me it was a chance in a lifetime to be involved in a business, with a couple of men that i knew wouldn’t steer me wrong. Thanks for everything you do Chris Brady!!
The me, 20 Years from now, smiles every day in knowing that i have associated with Life Leadership and that I am out there every day investing in others and bringing solutions to their problems.
Sincerely,
Murray Mason
John Mossner says
So thankful to be led by such a great person and leader! Thanks for all you do, Chris!
Alex Stiehl says
Fantastic interview! Chris has been amazing at leading the Life Leadership company all the way from his CEO role to speaking on stage to personally responding to forum post! What other CEO or top business expert can you get a personal response from and feel valued by other than Mr Brady?! You rock Chris!
Robby Palmer says
Awesome read! I love this guy and what he stands for! On a personal level, he helped me even spiritually and in the faith department. Let Alone gaining my financial freedom. Thanks for all you do!