Meet Dr Chris Whitaker

Chris uses is his strong academic background to positively assess and maximise the difference that can be made working in partnership with clients.

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Who is Chris Whitaker?

Chris Whitaker has worked in roles for many years across the charity and sports sectors with a track record in relationship management, strategic thinking and leadership.  

His breadth and depth of knowledge, acquired over more than 10 years of professional experience, as well as his own lived experience of disability make him a perfect source of advice and support for any organisation and situation.

Chris has a degree in Law from Warwick, a Masters in Criminology from Cambridge, and a PhD in Law from the University of Sheffield.

Always learning, Chris has recently completed his Executive MBA from Cambridge Judge Business School (in 2025). He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Sheffield in 2025 for his services to disability sport and in recognition of his career success to date.

He is currently studying with Henley Business School, working towards the triple-accredited Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching.

This extraordinary combination will help Chris give our clients the edge over their competitors.

Chris has worked in roles across the third (charity) sector and the public sector for many years.  He also has commercial experience developed through his various professional roles and is regarded as a leading disability expert.

In July 2025, Chris joined Lucy Cavendish College (Cambridge) as a Development Officer (Special Projects). He plays a key part in implementing the College’s fundraising strategy, with a particular focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, areas that are central to Lucy Cavendish’s mission and values.

The primary interest Chris has is in making the biggest positive impact he can using his skills in any given situation.  He combines emotional intelligence with incisive analytical abilities to quickly identifies where he can make a difference.  He is interested in working with organisations and individuals to help them maximise their potential.

Fairness, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to do his best for people.

Chris Whitaker, wearing glasses and a navy shirt, sits at a desk in his home office, smiling at the camera. With a purple advantage notebook beside his laptop, shelves full of books can be seen in the background.

Why work with Chris?

Chris is an accomplished and dependable professional who has a powerful combination of professional knowledge, lived experience and technical understanding that makes an impact wherever he goes.

At the heart of the approach Chris uses is his combination of excellent people skills and a strong academic background, ensuring that he can quickly positively assess and maximise the difference that can be made working in partnership with clients.

Chris’ Superpowers

Listening

Listening is an underrated skill, particularly as much of our communication is non-verbal. Chris is adept at creating safe spaces to ensure that people are heard.

Innovation

Chris is known for his ability to see different perspectives and finding unique solutions and approaches. He is a trusted advisor who helps solve complex issues.

Coaching

Simply put, Chris gets the best from everyone and every situation he works in and with.  He is likes nothing more than to help people be the best version of themselves.

Research

Chris is exceptionally well read as a result of his educational background which has given him a wide range of expertise in various fields including law, business and policy.

Fun Facts about Chris Whitaker

01/

Ahead of his PhD exam, Chris used hypnotherapy to help him to perform to his best. It worked.

04/

Chris can be often found working alongside his cat, Safia.  One of her favourite places to sleep is Chris’ desk!

02/

He lives on tea and has been known to drink up to 8 cups a day.

05/

Chris loves snooker and enjoys going to the World Championships at the Crucible in Sheffield every year.

03/

Chris is a keen supporter of Sheffield Wednesday Football Club.

06/

A regular media contributor on disability topics. He lists being a guest on BBC Women’s Hour as his most notable appearance.