Chris O'Neill

Senior Innovation Specialist

Professional Overview
Chris O'Neill is a seasoned innovation and entrepreneurship specialist with a proven track record of driving transformative change and growth. With expertise spanning public speaking, training, and senior-level consulting, he brings a unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on execution to his work.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Senior Innovation Specialist at Creative HQ, Chris is responsible for spearheading innovative projects, designing and delivering impactful training programs, and fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation. His ability to identify emerging trends, ideate novel solutions, and empower cross-functional teams has been instrumental in driving sustainable growth and transformative impact.

In addition to his role at Creative HQ, Chris is the Owner of Little Green Dog, a boutique consultancy focused on supporting socially-conscious startups and social enterprises. In this capacity, he leverages his expertise in venture management, public speaking, and business development to help clients navigate the complexities of the entrepreneurial landscape.

Career Progression
Prior to his current roles, Chris held senior positions at The Ākina Foundation, where he made significant contributions as both a Senior Consultant and Venture Manager. In these roles, he played a pivotal part in guiding early-stage organizations towards success, facilitating strategic partnerships, and fostering a thriving ecosystem for social innovation.

Earlier in his career, Chris served as the Board Chair at Arts Wellington, where he demonstrated his leadership skills and commitment to community-driven initiatives.

Academic Background
Chris holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from a prestigious university, with a specialization in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. His academic achievements are complemented by his extensive professional development in design thinking, lean startup methodologies, and impact investment strategies.

Areas of Expertise

• Startup and social enterprise acceleration

• Innovation strategy and program design

• Public speaking and facilitation

• Venture management and business development

• Impact investment and social impact measurement

Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Chris has spearheaded numerous high-profile initiatives that have left a lasting impact on the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. As a Senior Consultant at The Ākina Foundation, he led the development of a groundbreaking accelerator program that supported over 50 early-stage ventures, resulting in the creation of hundreds of jobs and the mobilization of significant investment capital.

As a public speaker and trainer, Chris has inspired and empowered thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators, sharing his expertise and insights on topics ranging from lean startup methodologies to social impact frameworks.

Conclusion
With his dynamic blend of strategic vision, entrepreneurial acumen, and a deep commitment to driving positive change, Chris O'Neill is poised to continue making a lasting impact on the innovation landscape. As he navigates his current roles and explores new avenues for growth, he remains dedicated to fostering a culture of creativity, empowering social entrepreneurs, and catalyzing transformative solutions to global challenges.