Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Chris Schrader: Turning a Modest Charity into an 8-Figure Marathon for Change – Part One
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Chris Schrader, Founder and Executive Chairman of 24 Hour Race

Introduction

In this compelling first part of the two-part episode, Vince Chan welcomes Chris Schrader, a dynamic leader whose journey from a personal crusade to founding a globally recognized movement against human trafficking is both inspiring and instructive. The discussion delves into the genesis and evolution of the 24 Hour Race, highlighting its transformation from a modest charity event into an influential 8-figure marathon-driven movement.

Guest Background

Vince Chan provides listeners with background information on Chris Schrader, emphasizing his multicultural roots and diverse experiences that shaped his leadership approach.

Chris Schrader elaborates on his heritage, sharing:

“I'm a third generation Hong Konger. My grandparents moved here in 1960...” [05:54]

He describes his upbringing in Hong Kong, his education in the UK, and how these experiences fostered his passion for leadership and social causes.

The Genesis of 24 Hour Race

The conversation transitions to the pivotal moment that sparked the creation of the 24 Hour Race. Vince and Chris reflect on their initial meeting in 2016 and how their shared vision evolved over the years.

Chris Schrader recounts a defining event from his boarding school days:

“One of the more defining events in my life happened, and that was the passing away of a childhood friend...” [08:16]

This personal loss motivated Chris to create a meaningful way to honor his friend, leading to their first expedition—walking across England to raise awareness and funds for rare diseases.

From Charity Walk to Endurance Marathon

Building on their initial success, Chris and his friend Charles sought to amplify their impact. They transitioned from a walk to a more demanding endurance event:

“We ended up developing a run, swim, and row of 150km, which we aimed to complete within 24 hours.” [13:14]

This ambitious goal marked the birth of the 24 Hour Race, a relay-style event designed to be accessible yet challenging, encouraging participants to push their physical and mental limits while supporting a noble cause.

Transforming the Race into a Movement Against Human Trafficking

A significant turning point in the conversation is Chris's decision to pivot the race's focus to combating human trafficking. Influenced by a teacher passionate about the cause, Chris recognized the urgent need to address modern slavery beyond popular perceptions.

“I assumed it was Liam Neeson style Taken… rather than what we know of the issue as today.” [14:29]

“The 24 Hour Race, the first event took place in 2010 and was originally supposed to be a one-off event...” [14:29]

Chris explains how the race quickly gained traction, transforming into a student-driven movement that now spans 25 cities worldwide, engaging over a million participants and raising approximately US$20 million.

Impact and Achievements

The discussion highlights the substantial impact of the 24 Hour Race, not just in fundraising but in fostering awareness and advocacy among young people. Chris emphasizes the ripple effect of the movement:

“Hundreds of thousands, I believe over a million people have directly participated in 24 hour race events...” [19:12]

He shares a powerful example of how participation influenced a law firm's policies on human trafficking, illustrating the broader societal changes enabled by the movement.

Fundraising and Fund Allocation

When addressing financials, Chris provides transparency on how funds are utilized:

“When we raise a dollar, 80 to 90 cents of that will go towards charitable activities...” [22:17]

He discusses the partnership with A21, a global NGO combating human trafficking, and the rigorous process student directors undergo to ensure funds are allocated effectively. This approach not only ensures financial efficiency but also educates young leaders on responsible philanthropy.

Lessons and Reflections

Chris shares invaluable lessons learned from scaling the 24 Hour Race:

“Our main strength was that hundreds of thousands, I believe over a million people have directly participated...” [19:12]

He reflects on the unexpected longevity and success of the movement, attributing it to understanding the desires of young people for independent and challenging opportunities. Chris underscores the importance of creating memorable experiences that inspire lasting advocacy and action.

Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

As the episode wraps up, Vince summarizes the profound journey of Chris Schrader and the 24 Hour Race. He teases the next episode, which will delve deeper into Chris’s leadership strategies, drawing parallels between leading expeditions and managing business teams. Listeners can look forward to insights on translating wilderness survival lessons into corporate leadership and balancing personal and professional aspirations.

“In the next episode, releasing tomorrow, we'll dive deeper into Chris leadership approach...” [26:42]

Notable Quotes

• Chris Schrader [08:16]: “…this began my journey of protest, a type of protest that is pushing yourself physically and mentally for causes that you deeply care about.”
• Chris Schrader [14:29]: “The first event took place in 2010 and was originally supposed to be a one-off event.”
• Chris Schrader [19:12]: “Hundreds of thousands, I believe over a million people have directly participated in 24 hour race events.”
• Chris Schrader [22:17]: “When we raise a dollar, 80 to 90 cents of that will go towards charitable activities.”
• Vince Chan [26:42]: “In the next episode, releasing tomorrow, we'll dive deeper into Chris leadership approach…”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Chief Change Officer offers a deep dive into how passion, resilience, and strategic leadership can transform a simple charitable act into a global movement effecting real change. Chris Schrader’s story serves as a testament to the power of human intelligence and the impact of fostering independent, responsible young leaders dedicated to meaningful causes.

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