In 2024, the world is abuzz with visionary leaders and innovators who are redefining the boundaries of their industries. Among these trailblazers is Christopher M. Carter, a prominent figure in the SAP ecosystem and the dynamic CEO of Approyo. With his groundbreaking work in cloud computing and digital transformation, Carter is not only leading his company to new heights but also setting a benchmark for success and resilience in the tech world. His journey from tech enthusiast to industry leader makes him one of the most inspiring personalities to follow this year.
Meet the Resilient Leader
Carter feels that he was fortunate to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology, also known as Georgia Tech, where he studied computer science. The resilient leader then channeled that experience into a long-term career within the SAP ecosystem. He has continually expanded his knowledge by exploring cloud computing capabilities from various companies, as well as advancements in artificial intelligence. This expertise enabled him to author four best-selling books designed to educate customers, partners, and staff about these technologies within the SAP framework.
Today, as CEO of Approyo, his responsibilities include guiding the company and driving its successful growth. By asking questions such as, “How can they be successful? What does it take for them to be successful and then to take that knowledge and that information and to help guide them and use it for their betterment?”, Carter takes it upon himself to help customers achieve their own success. He focuses on understanding what it takes for them to be successful and then uses that knowledge to guide and support them. The resilient leader embodies the principle that the ultimate responsibility lies with him. He is committed to leading by example and providing support to both staff and those around him.
Addressing Challenges
Every day presents its own set of difficulties and challenges, according to Carter. The key is how you address them. Some challenges may be short-term, while others could be ongoing. The nature of these challenges can vary—some may affect your customers, others may impact yourself, your organization, or your staff. It’s important to assess each challenge directly, develop a plan to address it, and take steps to support, adjust, and resolve the issue to improve the situation.
Connect Approyo with Industry Leaders
“We are very fortunate to have started with the core of our organization, SAP,” says Carter. Under his wise leadership, Approyo has secured partnerships with them from a license management and implementation standpoint and as a gold partner with their organization. The company offers cloud-based solutions and is in partnership with industry giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and GCP. It also upholds long-standing partnerships with Dell Computers and IBM. In addition to these, Approyo has established strong, ongoing relationships with prominent organizations such as Insight, Ernst & Young, and PwC. These partnerships are maintained on an annual basis, with the company providing and receiving services as part of its comprehensive service offerings.
Motivating a Multi-Generational Team
In his role as a leader, Carter recognizes that different individuals have varied sources of motivation. To effectively inspire and support his team, he understands that a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. Hence, his approach varies depending on the individual he is encouraging. The motivations of the Gen Z and Gen X groups differ from those of older generations. While some people are driven by money, others value time off or thrive on challenges and strong work relationships. To effectively support and guide each person, Carter believes it’s essential to understand their unique motivations and tailor his approach to meet their needs and ensure their success.
Connecting and Growing
Under the reign of Carter, the Approyo team connects with people worldwide through their global marketing efforts. His goal is to educate and guide individuals who are figuring out their next steps. Sharing knowledge is part of that process—yes, it’s a form of sales, but it’s also about leveraging the team’s expertise to help others grow. The resilient leader has authored four best-selling books on Amazon in the “Mastering SAP” series, which provide a foundational understanding of SAP, cloud computing, AI, and security.
Shift in Leadership
According to Carter, he used to be a very family-oriented leader, believing that everyone on his team was there for a reason and hoping they would remain with the team long-term. However, over the years, he has faced disappointment when team members he thought would stay were only interested in short-term gains and eventually left.
The resilient leader has always maintained a policy of not persuading someone to stay if they choose to leave for another opportunity; Carter prefers to wish them well and offer support if needed, but he won’t hold them back for a temporary financial reason. “My leadership style tends to be more along the lines because we have jobs to do, and I expect you to do them. If you do them correctly or in the manner that we as an organization have set up for you, there will be consequences. I fully believe we should support all of our customers and staff independently,” says Carter.
Future Roadmap
Carter’s plans have evolved, reflecting changes in his personal and family goals. He is now exploring new directives, including the possibility of merging Approyo with another company to create a stronger presence in the SAP ecosystem and cloud AI solutions. This move, he believes, would benefit both customers and partners by enhancing service offerings and strengthening industry partnerships.
Key Advice
As CEO of a prominent company, Carter advises, “Ask for help. If you’ve never upgraded a system to a cloud, ask for help. If you’ve never upgraded or migrated your SAP system to an S4 system, ask for help. Do not go it alone. There are too many pains and issues moving forward. Moving forward within our ecosystem from a strategic standpoint, the clean core concept must and should be held as a high mark in your company’s success, and I hope you ask me for that assistance.”
