Transforming Networking in Financial Services: Chris Cherry’s Future-Proof Vision (Ep. 18)

6d ago • 43 mins

Building meaningful connections in the finance world doesn’t need to be confined to stuffy hotel ballrooms.

In this episode of PRess Play: The StreeCred Podcast, hosts Elena Krasnow and Jimmy Moock are joined by Chris Cherry, head of strategic partnerships at Future Proof, for a powerful discussion about how she is redefining networking with her team through unconventional experiences and the company’s proprietary Breakthru technology.

Chris discusses her surprising career transition, her role in reimagining events across the wealth and asset management community and how Future Proof is facilitating unforgettable experiences like zip-lining and falconry.

They discuss:

the role of Breakthru Meetings, Talks and Experiences in enhancing event impact
Chris’ career journey from dental hygienist to a leader in strategic partnerships
the vibrant atmosphere and networking opportunities at the Future Proof Festival
Chris’ favorite moments from this year’s event
details about the upcoming Future Proof Citywide event in Miami
and more!

Learn about the lore behind the event series that is changing how our industry approaches networking for good.

Topics:

(0:56) Host Elena Krasnow introduces Chris Cherry

(2:59) What’s for lunch?

(5:21) A quick stroll down food truck memory lane

(6:10) Chris’ transition from dental hygienist to public relations professional

(7:00) Chris’ first panel at Future Proof Festival

(7:40) When Chris and Matt Middelton collide

(8:08) Emotional intelligence and reading the room

(10:40) How Future Proof is selling itself

(12:24) When you’re comfortable, business gets done

(14:00) The story of Future Proof and its Breakthru networking technology

(16:38) The launch of Breakthru Talks

(17:21) Fly fishing and falconry

(19:00) Future-proofing networking

(22:22) Matt’s vision for putting the advisor in the driver’s seat

(24:47) Breakthru listing

(26:15) Chris shares a few favorite moments

(28:33) “I’ll never miss it again”

(30:40) Future Proof Citywide teaser

(34:00) Building a successful outdoor event

(36:00) Love for Paula

(37:10) Time for our play segment!

(37:30) Paddle boarding, tennis and bartending

(38:00) Chris’ cosmopolitan with a twist

(40:00) Moment of gratitude

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About our Guest:

Chris joined the award-winning Future Proof team in 2023 as head of strategic partnerships. Future Proof organizes a variety of events throughout the calendar year, all of which leverage cutting-edge event technology to connect people across the financial services industry. With pioneering formats such as outdoor festivals and curated retreats, Future Proof is reimagining the next era of finance events. And, the proof is in the pudding as Future Proof just earned a world-class NPS score of 74.

Chris was recruited to be a key driver behind what could be described as Future Proof’s most innovative product, Breakthru, which consists of three distinct programs across Future Proof’s events. These include the Breakthru Meetings Program, Breakthru Talks and Breakthru Experiences. At this year’s Future Proof Festival, the technology helped facilitate over 30,000 one-to-one meetings, 166 peer-to-peer roundtables and 55 unique experiences.

Previously, Chris spent seven years as chief engagement officer at JConnelly, a financial services communications and marketing firm. She is an expert at driving successful partnerships on a large scale and has a deep understanding of the role technology plays in accentuating in-person connections.