Three Takeaways from Our Interview with Chris Riggio
Every once in a while, you get to interview someone who doesn’t just talk about high performance. They live it. That’s my friend Chris Riggio. I have known Chris for years, and he’s one of those rare leaders who brings as much energy to a soccer field or hiking trail as he does to a boardroom.
Chris is the Chief Revenue Officer at LegitScript, where he leads global teams across sales, marketing, and customer success. He’s spent over 25 years driving growth across fintech and financial services, with a leadership style rooted in teamwork, accountability, and enthusiasm. Our conversation covered a lot of ground from the power of good information to the art of recovery, but three ideas really stood out.
1. Energy Is a Skill, Not a Trait
Chris radiates energy. But it’s not accidental. It’s intentional. He treats his energy the way a professional treats capital: as something to invest, not waste. His routines around movement, recovery (an hour a day!), and mindset create a steady rhythm that fuels his performance at work and in life.
He shared how soccer and hiking aren’t just hobbies. They’re part of his operating system. They sharpen focus, improve mood, and create space for reflection. For Chris, movement drives momentum.
Spark: Sustainable success requires sustainable energy. Treat energy like a resource: Protect it, renew it, and invest it wisely.
2. Great Teams Start with Trust and Accountability
Chris has led big, complex, global teams and yet his formula for success is simple. He builds trust first, and accountability second. “Trust gives you speed,” he said. When people feel seen, supported, and responsible, they don’t need micromanagement — they move.
He also emphasized cross-functional collaboration by aligning sales, marketing, and service around shared goals. It’s a reminder that the best leaders aren’t just managing tasks; they’re orchestrating connection.
Spark: The strongest teams aren’t built on titles or tactics. They’re built on trust, purpose, and shared accountability.
3. The Power of a Misogi
One of my favorite moments came when Chris brought up the concept of a misogi which is a Japanese practice that roughly means “a cleansing challenge.” A definition of a misogi is a once-a-year test that pushes you beyond your perceived limits, forcing growth through discomfort.
Chris’s take was perfect: “You can’t find out who you are if you never get uncomfortable.” Whether it’s a grueling hike, a stretch project at work, or an uncomfortable conversation, these moments define us.
Spark: Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone. It happens at the edge of what you think you can do.
Chris reminded us that leadership and life share the same principles: manage your energy, empower your team, and challenge yourself regularly. Whether on the mountain trail or in the meeting room, that’s how you invest well and live well.
Invest well. Be well.