David Satterwhite, CEO at Chronus on Why Challengers Win the Long Game

On Wisdom From Wizards, we ask top minds in tech one simple question that reveals a deeper truth about how they lead. In this episode, I spoke with David Satterwhite, CEO at Chronus, and posed the question:

Would you rather be a big fish in a small pond — or a challenger in a massive industry?

Without hesitation, David chose the challenger path. And not for ego. For impact.

He shared that while being a dominant player in a niche market can be lucrative, it often lacks the sense of mission that fuels lasting innovation. At Chronus, David is tackling one of the most critical and costly issues facing organizations today: employee disengagement.

“76% of global employees self-report as disengaged,” he said. “And 30% of new hires in the U.S. leave within the first year. That’s not just a talent issue — it’s a productivity crisis.”

For David, the real opportunity lies in solving challenges that affect millions, not just market share. Chronus is addressing this head-on with tools and strategies designed to re-engage teams, reduce churn, and rebuild purpose at work.

It’s a bold mission. And exactly the kind of ambition scaleup CEOs need to tap into.

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