Hi, I’m Chris Hallsey — speaker, former executive, and founder of the Whatever It Takes Foundation.
I speak about resilience, hope, and living a life of significance — not as a concept, but as something I’ve had to learn personally. Some of the deepest lessons I’ve ever received came from my son, Tyler.
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During Tyler’s cancer journey, I watched him face pain and uncertainty with an attitude that still inspires me every day. He showed me what real courage looks like — the kind that doesn’t pretend life is easy, but refuses to let hardship steal your joy, your faith, or your purpose. Tyler taught me that even when we can’t choose what happens to us, we can choose how we respond… and what kind of person we become in the process.
Before stepping into speaking, I spent years in executive leadership. I know the demands of leading teams, building culture, and performing under pressure — and I also know that lasting change doesn’t come from hype. It comes from identity, alignment, and practical tools people can apply when life gets hard.
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Today, through my speaking and Tyler’s Foundation, my mission is simple: to help people rise through adversity, live with integrity, and create impact that lasts.
If you’re looking for a message that is real, hopeful, and practical — one that connects deeply and stays with people long after the event — I’d be honored to speak to your audience.
My books
These books were born from a journey I never wanted, but wouldn’t trade for the lessons it gave. If you’re facing something hard, I hope these pages bring you strength, perspective, and hope.
WHATEVER IT TAKES
This memoir was written during and after Tyler Hallsey’s battle with terminal cancer and tells the true story of a brave young boy who inspired thousands with his courage, faith, wisdom, and extraordinary perspective on life.Told from the viewpoint of Tyler’s father, the pages reveal hard-won lessons and enduring principles for overcoming adversity—and finding hope even in the hardest seasons.
The Message
In this unforgettable keynote, Chris challenges audiences to stop living beneath their potential and start living with greater purpose, courage, and alignment.
With humor, audience participation, and deeply moving storytelling, Chris shares the life-changing lessons he learned while walking alongside his 13-year-old son Tyler during a 17-month battle with terminal brain cancer—a journey filled with pain, faith, hope, and extraordinary perspective.
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At the heart of the message is a simple but life-altering truth: you are more than you think you are.
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Audiences walk away equipped with practical tools and a renewed mindset around:
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Uncommon self-belief (breaking mental baggage and false assumptions)
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Undying hope (especially when life feels heavy and unfair)
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Living aligned with what matters most
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Raising the bar and rejecting “can’t”
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Becoming the person they truly want to become
This keynote is a call to live boldly, with confidence and meaning—so when life gets hard, you can still declare: “My life is amazing.”
APPEARANCES
