Director of Global Learning, Subject Matter Expert

Chris Nekvinda, PhD

Ph.D. - Organizational Design & Management

Biography

Chris Nekvinda is the Director of Global Learning at Cannon, where he oversees consulting, instructional design, content creation, and organizational change initiatives. He has over 15 years of experience improving performance and efficiency in financial services operations, technology, wealth management and corporate banking.

Professional Expertise and Industry Impact

Chris has designed and implemented sales and management processes globally for major banks including National City and PNC. These processes were successfully executed across more than 40 countries and in 11 languages. In addition, he pioneered Cannon's social learning platform and cryptocurrency/digital asset curriculum. As a seasoned blockchain strategist, Chris bridges traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi).

Educational Background and Professional Credentials

Chris earned his PhD from Capella University, with his dissertation focused on models for developing performance support systems for just-in-time social learning. He holds a Master's degree in Organizational Design and Management from the University of Phoenix and has a Bachelor's degree in Theatre from Slippery Rock University.

Chris serves on the CWS® Board of Standards and is a frequent speaker on learning innovation, blockchain/cryptocurrency, and practical wisdom for financial professionals.

Resources from Chris Nekvinda, PhD

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Personal Trust and Estate Planning

In The Press: Millions in crypto wealth at risk of vanishing when holders die. Here's how to protect it

Other

In The Press: Retiring in the Age of AI: How To Protect Your Nest Egg From Big Tech, Debt, and Market Shocks

At Cannon, we understand that retirement planning is evolving, and so are the risks. Chris Nekvinda, PhD, and Myles J. McHale, Jr. recently shared their insights in Advisorpedia on how financial professionals can help clients retire confidently in an age dominated by artificial intelligence, market volatility, and rising debt.

While AI tools are becoming more common in personal finance, most Americans still want a human advisor when making life-changing decisions. That’s because retirement isn’t just about numbers; it’s about navigating uncertainty, protecting wealth, and planning for the future with clarity and care.

In their article, Chris and Myles explore how advisors can use AI to enhance, not replace, their value. Their advice? Embrace technology, but lead with empathy. The best retirement strategies will come from advisors who combine smart tools with human insight.

Read the full article for practical guidance on helping clients retire with confidence in a tech-driven world.

Retirement Planning

Comment: What the New Executive Order Means for Retirement Plans

Five Key Implications for Advisors and Wealth Managers Regarding The Latest Executive Order Allowing Cryptocurrency and Alternative Investments into Qualified Retirement Plans.

Disclaimer: The Department of Labor (DOL) has yet to comment on the impact of many offerings to qualified plans as well as the IRA marketplace.

Collaboration Gaps Are Costing Banks the Middle Market

Sales and Practice Management

Serving Business Owners Across the Full Business Lifecycle

In the competitive landscape of wealth management, many advisors have fallen into a predictable pattern when working with business owners: wait for the liquidity event. This narrow focus on the “business sale” represents a significant missed opportunity to build deeper relationships and deliver comprehensive value throughout the business owner's journey. In the same way that individuals have their own personal financial journey (from entering the workforce, buying a home, saving for retirement, living in retirement, distributing assets, etc.), so do business owners have their own journey. The lifecycle of a business is the journey.