“I Turn the Light On for Others.”

Chris Jenkins is a visionary leader and lifelong mentor whose career spans over three decades at the intersection of financial services, education, and the arts. Guided by his personal mission, “I turn the light on for others,” Chris has built an enduring legacy of empowering individuals and organizations to reach new levels of clarity, purpose, and growth. With a rare blend of analytical precision, creative insight, and human empathy, he has become a trusted advisor to executives, financial professionals, and leadership teams across the nation. His journey reflects not only professional excellence but also a deep commitment to helping others see their own potential illuminated.

From his earliest days in performance and education to his leadership in corporate development, Chris’s professional evolution is characterized by transformation—of people, teams, and systems. He began his career with Northwestern Mutual, where he first discovered his talent for helping others achieve success through structure, focus, and meaningful connection. His time as a Special Agent introduced him to the profound human element behind financial security—the emotions, hopes, and ambitions that drive clients and advisors alike. This early exposure laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to the art of leadership development and practice management.

After earning a master’s degree in Music Performance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a degree in Developmental and Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Chris’s understanding of human behavior became integral to his professional philosophy. His background in music performance—marked by fellowships at the Aspen Music Festival and performances with the Juilliard School of Music, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and numerous other esteemed ensembles—instilled in him a discipline and sensitivity that continue to inform his approach to leadership. Just as in music, he views organizational harmony as something achieved through collaboration, empathy, and an understanding of each individual’s unique role within the whole.

Transitioning from the stage to the corporate sphere, Chris joined Securian Financial Group, where he spent 14 years directing professional development programs that shaped the next generation of financial leaders. His work revolutionized classroom and online learning experiences, integrating technology, psychology, and performance insights to create a culture of continuous improvement. At Securian, Chris was not merely an instructor; he was a catalyst for change, transforming how professionals approached their careers and clients.

Chris’s leadership continued to flourish at U.S. Bank, where he served as Vice President and Professional Development Manager within Wealth Management. Here, he oversaw the Private Client Reserve’s professional development strategy, cultivating high-performing client teams across the organization. His focus on clarity, communication, and alignment between personal values and organizational mission became hallmarks of his management style. Under his guidance, professionals were not only trained but truly developed—empowered to think strategically, act ethically, and lead authentically.

At Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., Chris took on the role of Vice President of Practice Management, leading a team dedicated to coaching, consulting, and strategic growth for independent financial advisors. In this capacity, he managed initiatives that combined business efficiency, technology integration, and succession planning, driving measurable impact for both advisors and their clients. His ability to merge business systems with human insight made him an invaluable thought leader in the evolving financial landscape. Through Cambridge’s mission of Rep-Advisor insight and service, Chris advanced programs that supported complex client needs with precision and care.

In 2018, Chris founded Jenkins Consults, a leadership and advisory practice built upon decades of experience and a passion for helping professionals achieve clarity and growth. Through his consultancy, he has coached leaders in wealth management, practice management, and executive development, providing customized strategies to enhance team dynamics, culture, and profitability. His clients regard him as both a coach and a partner—someone who listens deeply, asks the right questions, and challenges them to grow beyond their comfort zones.

Within the boardroom, Chris serves on the Board of Directors for Sons of Norway, contributing to the organization’s Leadership Development, Benefit/Product Marketing, and Finance Committees. His governance experience reflects a commitment to community impact, organizational accountability, and cultural enrichment. Internationally minded.

Chris’s personal interests—gardening, walking, reading, history, and travel—mirror his professional philosophy: growth through curiosity, reflection, and exploration. Whether nurturing a garden or a leadership team, he applies patience, structure, and a deep respect for natural development. His curiosity drives him to continually seek new knowledge, while his sense of adventure keeps him open to fresh ideas and innovative solutions.

Above all, Chris Jenkins is a lifelong learner and teacher whose influence extends far beyond his professional titles. He exemplifies the rare combination of strategic insight and human understanding that defines great leaders. Through every role, from financial advisor to educator to board member, he remains steadfast in his mission—to turn the light on for others, guiding them toward clarity, confidence, and lasting success.

Character:
Chris’s integrity, empathy, and unwavering authenticity define his approach to leadership. He believes that character is the cornerstone of influence and that trust must be earned through consistency and care. His colleagues describe him as a grounded leader who embodies humility, curiosity, and compassion in every interaction.

Knowledge:
With over 30 years of professional experience across financial services, education, and leadership development, Chris brings a wealth of insight grounded in both theory and practice. His expertise in practice management and organizational growth reflects a lifelong commitment to learning and innovation. He integrates his academic and artistic background to bring a multidimensional understanding of human motivation and performance.

Strategic:
Chris possesses an exceptional ability to translate complex ideas into actionable strategies that drive growth and cultural alignment. He understands that sustainable success requires not only systems and processes but also emotional intelligence and team synergy. His vision consistently positions organizations for long-term impact by aligning mission, leadership, and performance.

Communication:
A skilled communicator and former professional performer, Chris commands presence with clarity, empathy, and purpose. His communication style fosters understanding and connection, whether addressing a boardroom, coaching an executive, or mentoring an advisor. Through active listening and articulate expression, he builds bridges that empower collaboration and shared success.