Be Kris with a K

My barista spelled my name wrong today.

“Kris” instead of “Chris.”

I stared at that cup for 11 minutes.

I’m a Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at a Series C SaaS company. I’ve closed deals worth more than this entire coffee shop’s annual revenue. And a 19-year-old in a green apron just rewrote my identity in Sharpie.

At first I was angry.

Then I was something else.

Curious.

Because here’s what I realized: For 43 years, I’ve been Chris. Chris with the spreadsheets. Chris with the quarterly reviews. Chris who says “let’s circle back” when he means “no.”

But Kris? Kris with a K?

Kris is unburdened.

Kris doesn’t reply-all. Kris doesn’t wear a Patagonia vest ironically. Kris takes the meeting walking.

I didn’t correct her.

I tipped $20 on a $6 latte and I walked out a new man.

I’m changing my LinkedIn tonight.

Be Kris.