River City 6: Christopher Slater
Center Sphere (www.centersphere.com) is an organization of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through forming and fostering relationships. The organization offers a systematic referral process along with a unique digital referral dashboard that allows members to make contacts, track activity and produce results. Christopher Slater is the Chief Operating Officer of Center Sphere.
Tell us a little about your organization. – Our members are active business leaders in the community, motivated not only to grow their business and contacts, but yours as well. Center Sphere members meet weekly and take the time to get to know one another in a more social, personal atmosphere.
How did you get started in the organization? – I initially joined Center Sphere as a means to grow our business with 316 Strategy Group, a full-service business and digital strategy firm dedicated to serving start-ups, non-profits and companies of all sizes across all digital platforms. The work I do with 316SG and my passion for connecting people, businesses and business owners fits seamlessly with Center Sphere’s mission of helping professionals to connect and grow their businesses. There is nothing better than helping others to achieve.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I’m so fortunate with both Center Sphere and 316 Strategy Group to be able to express myself, but more importantly, help others to do the same. Some of the greatest challenges I face is helping others to break down those creative barriers they may face either as a result of their own blocks or those of their industry. The status quo is never good enough!
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Throughout my career, I have had countless talented men and women work for me and alongside me. To see their growth and success over the years is, by far, what I consider to be among my greatest professional achievements.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife, Tacy, is a medical social worker with Nebraska Medicine’s Specialty Care Clinic and has dedicated more than 20 years to serving individuals affected by HIV. Our daughter, Autumn, is a sophomore studying psychology at UNO and son, Bennett, is a high school sophomore and a varsity athlete in soccer and football. I am so incredibly proud of all three of them and grateful that they put up with my shenanigans!
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – One that certainly stands out is when I was blessed with the opportunity to donate a kidney to my uncle ten years ago. It was an experience that provided me a different set of lenses with which to view the world.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Proverbs 27:17 says “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another…” Surround yourself with those who challenge you and make you better.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – There are two that are close my heart, Chariots 4 Hope and Rejuvenating Women.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Omaha has FAR too many outstanding restaurants to choose just one! I do find myself in coffee shops quite a bit, and my home away from home is Stories Coffeehouse at 180th and Pacific–there is no other place like it. If you see me there, which is highly likely, sit down and enjoy a cup with me!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Please feel free to call me at (402) 881-2811 or email me at either Christopher@CenterSphere.com or cslater@316StrategyGroup.com.