Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary: Episode #231 From Rainy-Day Idea to $20M: Chris Schrader’s Race for Change – Part One

Release Date: March 14, 2025

Introduction

In episode #231 of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan engages in a compelling conversation with Chris Schrader, the founder and executive chairman of 24 Hour Race—a global movement dedicated to combating human trafficking. This episode delves into Chris's inspiring journey from a spontaneous idea sparked on a rainy day to building a movement that has raised over $20 million USD in the past decade.

Chris Schrader’s Multicultural Background

Chris Schrader brings a rich multicultural perspective to his endeavors. As a third-generation Hong Konger, his family history is a tapestry of diverse cultural influences.

“I grew up really at the tail end of Hong Kong's colonial era, and I had, for all intents and purposes, a really happy childhood and upbringing.” (05:02)

Born in Hong Kong to parents with deep ties to Indonesia and the Netherlands, Chris’s early life was shaped by a blend of Eastern and Western cultures. This unique upbringing instilled in him a global outlook and a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives.

The Genesis of 24 Hour Race

Chris's journey towards founding 24 Hour Race was profoundly influenced by a personal loss. While attending boarding school in the UK, the passing of a childhood friend due to a rare congenital illness ignited a passion for philanthropy.

“I figured, what's something I could do that would encourage people with resources, with money to join that fight?” (07:24)

On a cold, rainy day, Chris proposed an ambitious idea to his friends: to walk across England to raise awareness and funds for rare diseases. Despite initial skepticism, the endeavor proved successful, raising approximately $200,000 HKD. This experience planted the seed for what would become an enduring mission of protest through physical and mental endurance.

From Walking Across England to an Endurance Movement

Building on the success of the initial walk, Chris and his friend Charles sought to create more challenging and impactful events. This led to the inception of the 24 Hour Race, a relay-style endurance race encompassing running, swimming, and rowing over 150 kilometers within a 24-hour period.

“We began that journey, I believe, in May 2010. I was 16 and my friend Charles was 16, and through again, wonderful support from friends, family and community, we managed to complete that in 23 hours and 57 minutes.” (07:24)

The first event was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, far exceeding expectations and laying the foundation for a scalable and replicable model. By empowering students to organize and lead their own races, 24 Hour Race transformed from a one-time event into a global movement.

Transformation to a Movement Against Human Trafficking

Initially focused on raising funds for rare diseases, Chris strategically pivoted the mission of 24 Hour Race towards combating human trafficking. This shift was influenced by a teacher involved in anti-trafficking efforts, who introduced Chris to the severe and often overlooked issue of child trafficking in South Asia.

“I knew from my two expedition expeditions with Charles that when things were really tough, it was our respective causes that gave us the energy to carry on.” (12:22)

Recognizing the universal relevance and urgency of human trafficking, Chris redefined the race’s mission to harness youthful energy and endurance towards fighting modern slavery. This change resonated deeply with students, fueling the movement’s rapid expansion.

Impact and Fundraising Achievements

Over the past decade, 24 Hour Race has grown exponentially, now operating in 25 cities worldwide with over a thousand directors and hundreds of thousands of participants. The movement has successfully raised approximately $150 million HKD (roughly $20 million USD) to support various anti-trafficking initiatives globally.

“Our main strength was that hundreds of thousands, I believe over a million people have directly participated in 24 hour race events.” (17:07)

Chris emphasizes that beyond fundraising, the true impact lies in awareness and advocacy. By creating life-defining experiences for young people, the movement fosters a deep, lasting commitment to social change.

Allocation of Funds and Strategic Approach

24 Hour Race ensures that 80-90% of every dollar raised is directed towards charitable activities, primarily through partnerships with organizations like A21. This strategic allocation underscores a commitment to efficiency and transparency.

“We work closely with them ([A21]) to identify projects that we think will resonate with students, that will encourage them to engage with the cause and fund it.” (20:25)

Moreover, the movement integrates educational initiatives, encouraging student leaders to engage directly with NGO partners to understand the impact of their contributions. This hands-on approach cultivates a sense of responsibility and informed advocacy among participants.

Lessons and Philosophy

Chris attributes the success of 24 Hour Race to its student-driven model and the intrinsic motivation of young people to push their limits for meaningful causes. He believes that empowering students to lead and make informed decisions about their philanthropic efforts fosters a generation of conscientious changemakers.

“Our view of the 24 hours, for example, we were very clear with the student directors is our audience doesn't need to really know anything or care about human trafficking at all.” (21:36)

This philosophy emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, making significant social impact achievable for participants regardless of their athletic prowess or prior knowledge of the cause.

Conclusion and Tease for Part Two

In the final segments of part one, Vince Chan summarizes Chris's journey, highlighting the transformative power of endurance and purposeful action. Chris's experiences underscore the importance of leadership, team building, and strategic philanthropy.

“I'm no longer operationally involved in the race. I sit on the board. Our CEO Daniel is fantastic.” (17:19)

Looking ahead, episode #232 promises to explore Chris's leadership approach, drawing parallels between leading expeditions and managing business teams. Listeners can expect insights into how survival skills translate into effective corporate strategies and heartfelt advice for balancing personal and professional ambitions.

Key Takeaways:

• 24 Hour Race evolved from a spontaneous walk to a global movement tackling human trafficking.
• Youth empowerment and student leadership are central to the movement’s success.
• Strategic fundraising and transparent allocation of funds ensure impactful philanthropy.
• Awareness and advocacy among young participants create lasting social change beyond financial contributions.

Notable Quotes:

• “I've been guided by countless role models, emerging stronger, better, and happier at every critical juncture.” – Vince Chan (00:13)
• “It’s a life-defining moment through the race.” – Chris Schrader (17:19)
• “Our job is to win you over in a positive way, but we also respect that.” – Chris Schrader (21:36)

For those inspired by Chris Schrader’s story and eager to learn more about effective leadership strategies, stay tuned for part two of this episode, where deeper insights into leveraging outdoor challenges for corporate success will be unveiled.

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