Chris Barton: Shazam Founder
Chris Barton is Shazam’s co-founder and an innovation speaker who helps leaders and teams challenge assumptions, think creatively, and persevere through the obstacles of entrepreneurship.
Quick Facts:
- Co-founder of Shazam, the music recognition service acquired by Apple.
- Career experience at Google and Dropbox.
- Explores innovation, entrepreneurship, and creative problem-solving.
- Shares a personal perspective on dyslexia and thinking differently.
Formats:
- Keynote presentations.
Audiences:
- Business leaders, entrepreneurs, technology professionals, innovation teams, and corporate audiences.
Outcomes:
- Recognize assumptions that may limit creative problem-solving.
- Understand the role of persistence and experimentation in developing ideas.
- Appreciate how different thinking styles can contribute to innovation.
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- **US Fee range: On Request
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Boldly Challenging Thinking
The truth is that anyone can create game-changing innovations, and these can redefine any part of an organization – from products to business models to processes.
We can learn from the unorthodox thinking found at disruptive startups. Immersive conviction and unexpected perspectives are common at these maverick companies. This thinking has roots in defiance and leads to incredible hidden opportunities.
Start from Zero
Five Unexpected Methods of Disruptive Thinking
Chris Barton has identified five ways of thinking that are the foundation of game-changing innovation. He calls them “Start from Zero”. They are fundamentally different than the way our brains are wired to think, and each has a clear methodology.
The first one is thinking from “basic truths”, known by scientists as “first principles thinking”. Aristotle called these “the first basis from which a thing is known.” Building on these fundamental truths is how Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Leonardo Da Vinci came up with their breakthrough ideas.
Why doesn’t everyone do this? Elon Musk says, “It’s mentally easier to reason by analogy rather than from first principles.” By default, people approach problems from the basis of established processes. Our brains are wired this way. As a result, new ideas often generate only slight improvements.
Thinking from basic truths can be employed anytime creative thought is used. The result can be dramatic breakthroughs in products, business models, and business processes.
This is just one of the five unique ways of thinking that drive breakout innovation from Chris Barton. This is the thinking that led to Shazam.
Unleash the game-changing possibilities at your organization. Disrupt your thinking. Supercharge innovation.
Talent Short Bio
Chris Barton is the co-founder of Shazam, the pioneering music recognition service acquired by Apple. His entrepreneurial journey offers lessons in creative problem-solving, persistence, and turning an ambitious idea into a widely adopted technology.
Barton’s career also includes work at Google and Dropbox, bringing perspectives from both entrepreneurial ventures and established technology companies. He draws on these experiences to explore how organizations challenge assumptions, navigate uncertainty, and turn ideas into action.
His experience with dyslexia adds a personal dimension to his approach. Barton discusses how thinking differently can reveal possibilities that conventional approaches overlook.
As a keynote speaker, he shares the decisions and setbacks behind Shazam’s development, encouraging business leaders, entrepreneurs, and teams to question familiar answers, recognize individual strengths, and maintain momentum when pursuing something new.
Videos
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Overview of User Reviews for Chris's Keynote Speaking Engagements
Chris is highly praised for his inspirational and engaging speaking style, captivating audiences with personal stories and insightful lessons on innovation, entrepreneurship, and business strategy. Reviewers appreciate his genuine delivery and the compelling messages he shares, which resonate well with diverse audiences. Many noted that his insights provide fresh perspectives that attendees find valuable and memorable.
Strengths:
- Inspiring and genuine delivery
- Engaging storytelling that captivates audiences
- Valuable insights on innovation and business strategy
- Strong connection with attendees, leaving a lasting impact
Weaknesses:
- No significant weaknesses were mentioned in the reviews.
Overall, Chris's keynote speeches are well-received, making him a sought-after speaker for various events, particularly among business leaders and organizations.
Talent FAQ's
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Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
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Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
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Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
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Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude travel and accommodation where required.