Chris Bentley
The Man Behind The Mic
As I settle into my chair across from Chris Bentley, a man of palpable dynamism, a rugby professional turned entrepreneur & master of ceremonies, and a study in paradoxes, I do so with anticipation and curiosity. A student of philosophy, Chris is one of the most intellectually agile yet emotionally grounded individuals I've had the pleasure of meeting.
His uncanny knack for simultaneously immersing himself in the present moment while never losing sight of the horizon has long captivated my interest, providing the perfect starting point for our chat.
"So, Chris, let's dive in. How do you balance living in the moment while also planning for the future?”
He leans back, his smile widening. "Ah, yes, the quintessential tightrope walk of life. From my days on the rugby pitch, I've understood the inescapable necessity of goal-setting and key performance indicators. Yet, I'm mindful of not becoming ensnared in an overly rigid framework that quashes spontaneity. It's an art, really—immersing oneself fully in the here and now while meticulously sculpting a future that works for you”.
It's a duality that mirrors Chris’s personality: an extrovert with a disdain for conformity. "How does that aversion to being told what to do play into your life?”
"It's a double-edged sword," Chris admits. "On one hand, it gives me an individualistic streak that I think resonates with people. But it can also be an obstacle. To counter that, I've started creating 'handrails'—easy-to-follow steps that reframe and guide me without feeling restrictive. Essentially, I've gamified my life for efficiency.”
The term "handrails" hangs in the air. "You have a knack for reframing things, don't you”
"Absolutely. It's all about framing. Call it a 'KPI,' and I instinctively rebel. Call it a 'handrail,' and suddenly I'm on board. It's a nudge, not a shove.”
I move the conversation towards purpose. "What are your thoughts on the quest for authenticity and fulfilment?”
"I think a lot of people get lost in the 'what' and 'how' of life and lose sight of the 'why,'" he says earnestly. "Why are you doing what you're doing? Are you running towards something meaningful, or are you just running? For me, that quest for authenticity is non-negotiable.”
This commitment to realness informs his philosophy about happiness.
"'Sometimes in the pursuit of happiness, it pays to pause and be happy,'" he quotes. "It's a reminder that happiness isn’t just a destination—it’s part of the journey.” "Would you say your personal growth and learning are also part of that journey for you?” He nods, quoting Muhammad Ali: "'The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.' To me, learning is oxygen. It's essential for growth, for evolving into a more refined version of yourself.” "And outside of work, what fuels you?" I ask? "Family. Relationships. Emotional well-being," he responds instantly. "Life isn't about chasing perpetual happiness; it's about emotional resilience. It’s about the peace of mind that comes from living a life aligned with your values.” In that statement lies an understanding, a will to walk away from paths that don’t align with his ethos. "So, you're not averse to changing direction?” "Not at all. Life’s too short to spend it doing something that doesn’t resonate with your core. I'd rather take calculated risks than remain static, whether it’s in my career or any other aspect of life.” As the conversation winds down, it’s evident that Chris Bentley is not a man of simple dichotomies; he's a dynamic blend of introspection and action, structure and freedom, individuality and communal spirit. "Any parting words for our readers?” "Be open to life’s symphony," Chris muses. "Sometimes it’s a dance, sometimes it’s a battle, but it’s always, always a journey worth embarking upon.” In thanking him for the conversation, one thing is abundantly clear: Chris Bentley is a man in perpetual motion, ever evolving, ever inspiring—both a work in progress and a masterpiece in his own right and it’s irrefutably clear that he offers far more than mere stage presence. A scholar in the craft of life itself, Chris brings a medley of emotional intelligence, authenticity, and keen adaptability to every engagement. It's not just an event—it's an experience when Chris is at the helm. Allow your audience the opportunity to be captivated, educated, and genuinely moved. Engage Chris Bentley for your next event through 360 Speakers and witness firsthand the transformative power of a truly exceptional MC.