Chris Adams - The man behind the experience

In an exclusive interview with Esquire, entrepreneur and businessman Chris Adams talks about the successes and failures, as equally important, to criticism and work ethic and how he constantly strives to be the best version of yourself...

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Born in Florida, USA, Chris Adams has always been passionate about the intersection of hospitality and entertainment. Chris, a true entrepreneur at heart and a dedicated businessman, spent his formative years in the hospitality industry working his way up The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. He went on to establish Ellis Adams Group (EAG), an international hospitality consulting firm that he leads as CEO. The group focuses on all aspects of businesses, including building brands, concept and design development, training, management, revenue generation, and profit margin increases. The hospitality firm’s current project list is dynamic and constantly growing, with over 100 active ventures underway around the globe. Esquire spoke exclusively to Chris, our cover star, about his international business dealings, journey to success, and how he constantly strives to be the best version of himself both personally and professionally.

INTERVIEW:

What factor has been the main contributor to your success so far?

Releasing myself from the fear of failing.  I was always told you can never truly talk about success if you have never failed, failing doesn’t make you a failure.  Those times a project didn’t work out the way I intended, I consider training grounds for what was to come.  Ensuring that I surround myself with amazing individuals, and always believing leadership matters.  It is my job as the leader of my organization, to maximize and expose the greatness that each of my team members have.  It’s my job to fuel their passions, and make them better than they realized they could be. I have a rule that says “Always do the right thing”.  That isn’t always the most popular decision, or make everyone happy, or might even cost money, but I believe you will always be rewarded for doing the right thing.

Do you consider yourself an example to follow? Why?

If I am an example to follow, I would hope it would be for the work ethic I have always displayed, as well as my heart to see others succeed.  This world we are fortunate enough to live in, is even smaller now than ever before thanks to social media.  Building strong relationships is more important than ever.

If there was an opportunity to go back 10 years ago, what would you change in your life?

I have really spent a great deal of time focusing on becoming the best version of me.  Personal health will translate into professional health.  Going back 10 years and doing this earlier would be at the top of my list.

They say that you should try everything in life. Are there things you will never try?

I am a firm believer in making mistakes.  As a brand in an ever changing world, we need to be pushing ourselves and organizations at a rapid rate.  Mistakes mean we are pushing and staying away from complacency.  Ongoing mistakes are choices and have become habits that need to be broken.  So go out and try things.  Focus what you are doing on things you believe in and are passionate about.  Make mistakes, learn from them, and take on the world.

Who of the greats would you like to meet in business?

If we are strictly talking business, there are a number of individuals for different reasons.  I am a big reader, I follow the guide of my leadership mentor Brian Sanders who says “leaders are readers”.  When you look at all of the great leaders throughout history, it really turns into a lengthy list of individuals whose brain I’d love to pick and simply ask questions.

How do you perceive criticism in your line of work?

I don’t think anyone enjoys hearing criticism, but the reality is, criticism many times means you are going against the grain.  As humans, change is not enjoyable for most.  If I am pushing the envelope and cultivating an environment that promotes expressing your creativity and passion, then I can deal with criticism.  The older I get the more I really reflect and take time to understand the perspective of others, what place are they coming from and why.  The ability to learn from that criticism can be invaluable information if you listen to the heart of the message.

What question would you like to answer yourself, but you never get asked?

When everything seems to be going wrong and you feel as though each day takes you farther away from your goals, how do you know you should keep pursuing and not give up?  The reality is, most people want to talk about your success without getting a better understanding of the journey.  Everyone wants the shiny toy at the end, but few are willing to go through what it takes to get there.  Having a better understanding of that journey could be extremely beneficial to those pursuing their dreams and trying to achieve those lofty goals.

Chris Adams @chrisadam_eag

PHOTOGRAPHER: X @shootwithx

PHOTOGRAPHY ASST: Jon Stawrosky @fromjonwithlove

PRODUCTION/CREATIVE DIRECTION: Burgerrock Media and Emily Blair Media @burgerrockmedia @emilyblairmedia @emilyblairmarcus

STYLING: Poshenko @posshenko

HMUA: Juliana Valencia @jujuvee81

PR: Irma Peñuñuri @burgerrock

CLOTHING CREDITS:

Sunglasses: Trading Looks @tradinglooks

Bomber Jacket: Ellis Anthony @ellisanthonyofficial

Hat: Keith and James @keithandjames

Leather Jacket: Off White

Sunglasses (in photos with hat on): Vintage Frames @vintageframes

All Suits: Troy Anthony @troyanthonyclothing

Shirt (in photo sitting at computer desk): Givenchy

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