The Moses Brown School community was deeply honored to welcome back alumnus Chris Savage ’01, co-founder and CEO of the innovative video marketing platform Wistia, as the commencement speaker for the Class of 2025. Recognized for his innovative approach to business and commitment to fostering authentic connections, Chris delivered a heartfelt and profoundly insightful address, weaving together personal anecdotes from his entrepreneurial journey with the timeless lessons he credits to his time at Moses Brown.

Chris, whose family roots run deep at MB – with three generations studying or working at the school – shared three powerful takeaways that have shaped his path:

The Art of Listening (to Yourself): Chris began by recounting a pivotal moment early in his career, when a strong gut feeling about the burgeoning world of online video led him to pivot from a long-held dream of filmmaking to start Wistia. He drew a fascinating connection between this crucial decision and Moses Brown's Meeting for Worship. 

"Sitting in silence, week after week, just thinking, listening, waiting for inspiration to strike," he reflected, was invaluable training. This practice, he emphasized, equips one to "be in touch with what you really want" amidst life's many decisions.

Building Authentic Community: Drawing on Wistia’s journey, Chris shared how embracing their authentic, even "unprofessional," identity with a quirky "dancing team page" surprisingly went viral and became a cornerstone of their company culture. This highlighted his belief that "people trust authenticity more than polish." 

He celebrated Moses Brown’s inherent culture of community building, noting, "When you're a part of a community that honors your individuality while holding you responsible for your impact on those around you, you get the opportunity to be your best self." He encouraged graduates to actively seek out and build such supportive communities in their futures.

The Courage to Ask "Why": Chris then shared a bold business decision: turning down multiple offers to sell Wistia. This choice stemmed from a deep introspection that led him and his co-founder to ask: "Why were we considering selling the Wistia we already owned?" This relentless questioning, he explained, revealed that they had drifted from their core values and unique culture. The decision to "fix it" rather than sell, and subsequently buy out their investors, fueled immense growth and renewed passion. Chris linked this courage to constantly question to Moses Brown's "constant pursuit of knowledge and truth" – a "genuine curiosity" instilled in its students.

Chris's message was a powerful reminder to the graduating class that the foundation they've received at Moses Brown is not just academic, but deeply rooted in character, intuition, and a spirit of inquiry. 

"Stay curious. Question assumptions. Never stop asking why. And above all else, do not be afraid to be wrong," he advised, offering a roadmap for a fulfilling and impactful future.

Moses Brown School extends its deepest gratitude to Chris Savage for his inspiring words and for sharing a piece of his remarkable journey with the Class of 2025. His address serves as a testament to the enduring values and profound impact of a Moses Brown education.

Read more about the June 12, 2025 Commencement Ceremony.

Watch a video of Chris' speech here.

Read more about Wistia and Chris

Founded in 2006, Wistia has grown into a multi-million dollar business with 188 employees and millions of users. Chris loves sharing his journey and often counterintuitive leadership and B2B marketing tips—on LinkedIn or as the co-host of the podcast Talking Too Loud, where he dives into building businesses, top-notch brands, and amazing products with industry leaders. He also shares bold ideas in Fast Company, the Forbes Business Council, and the Entrepreneur’s Leadership Network. Read more about Chris Savage on the Wistia website.