About
LinkedIn Profile
Chris Payne
Strategic HR Executive
People-first CHRO bridging strategy execution and people strategy across startups, Fortune 100 companies, and federally regulated industries.
Where Strategy Meets People
Chris operates at the rare intersection of operational excellence and human resources leadership. While most HR leaders focus on policy and most COOs focus on process, he ensures structure and empathy coexist. His approach builds sustainable growth not just on systems, but on people who know how to use them.
With 15+ years shaping workforce strategy, culture transformation, and organizational scalability, Chris connects people strategy directly to business performance through measurable results in revenue growth, retention, and risk mitigation.
Proven Impact by the Numbers
800%
Revenue Growth
Deployed infrastructure fueling massive expansion in 18 months
570
Team Scale
Grew organization from 41 to 570 employees
<5%
Turnover Rate
Maintained voluntary turnover below industry standards
$72M
Revenue Support
Supported through 45+ workforce transitions
5x
ROI Achievement
AI-powered tools delivering exceptional returns
45%
Faster Hiring
Reduced time-to-fill through optimized processes
Elevate Beyond LLC
Strategic Advisory
Advising boards, CEOs, and high-growth organizations on talent strategy, organizational design, and governance excellence
Transformation Leadership
Leading large-scale workforce transformations, M&A integrations, and HRIS automation initiatives
AI Innovation
Developed Ascent Coachâ„¢ and DoersSecret Planner, reducing manual HR work by 50%
Leadership Development Excellence
Chris Payne's holistic approach to leadership development empowers organizations to thrive through strategic clarity and human-centered systems.
The OWN Framework
A leadership and operational system designed to help organizations Orient, Work, and Navigate with clarity. This framework has reduced manual HR tasks by 50% and improved retention by 30% by integrating data-driven decisions with mindful leadership.
Edge Membership
This membership provides access to AI-powered tools and micro-learning modules. It's crafted to strengthen leaders' focus and enhance daily leadership discipline, ensuring continuous growth and adaptability.
Next-Level Leadership Lab
A comprehensive program with three tiers, Foundation, Ascent, and Mastery, that guides leaders from personal self-awareness to enterprise-level strategic alignment. It's a modern roadmap for sustainable growth.
BLB Resources Transformation
CHRO & Acting COO
1
Startup Phase
Joined small startup with 41 employees, establishing foundational HR infrastructure
2
Rapid Expansion
Scaled to 570 employees across multiple states as federal contractor
3
Operational Excellence
Reduced onboarding time 40%, recruiting costs 25%, maintained <5% turnover
4
Crisis Leadership
Led through CEO absence, COVID-19 transformation, and orderly wind-down
Compliance & Risk Excellence
OFCCP Compliance
Achieved full compliance with zero findings across federal contractor operations, demonstrating meticulous attention to regulatory requirements
DEI Integration
Integrated diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives throughout organizational culture and hiring practices
Risk Mitigation
Delivered EBITDA-aligned results anchored in regulatory compliance, trust, and transparency across all operations
Career Foundation
Stanley Associates
Led complex reorganizations and Lean Six Sigma-driven HR initiatives, building expertise in operational efficiency and workforce optimization.
Hertz Corporation
Managed union integrations and large-scale HR transformations, developing skills in stakeholder management and change leadership.
Across all roles, Chris earned a reputation for enhancing engagement, mitigating risk, and delivering results that align people strategy with business performance.
Education & Credentials
Executive MBA
Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business
International Business
Oxford University Global Program
SPHR & SHRM-SCP
Senior Professional in Human Resources
Certified Coach
High-Performance Coaching Certification
Beyond the Resume
Known for empathy and operational discipline, Chris empowers teams and clarifies the "why" behind business strategy. He builds organizations where performance and purpose reinforce each other.
He continues offering Elevate Beyond leadership courses as a passion-driven side project focused on mindful leadership and personal growth. Outside work, he explores innovations at the intersection of AI, leadership, and psychology while supporting community initiatives that foster entrepreneurial growth and workforce development.
Location: Castle Pines, CO