With over 25 years in restaurant management, director-level, owner, and sommelier roles across Canada, Christopher brings a seasoned, grounded understanding of what drives success in hospitality.

In 2022, he and his wife, Joanne, returned to his hometown of Burlington, Ontario, to be closer to family, and to launch The McFadden Group, a coaching practice dedicated to helping hospitality professionals realign their careers with their core values. His work focuses on building resilience, clarity, and growth in an industry that’s as demanding as it is rewarding.

Before founding his own company, Christopher co-created Restaurant Leadership 101, a program designed to bridge the gap between technical skill and emotional intelligence, equipping leaders with the self-awareness, empathy, and adaptability today’s teams need.

He’s also served as a Professor at Fanshawe College and Centennial College in their Schools of Hospitality & Tourism, where he developed and taught courses in Leadership, Ethics & Diversity, Personal Wellness, and Operations Management at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

To complement his professional experience, Christopher holds certification and licenses in Hospitality Leadership (International Hospitality Institute), Emotional Intelligence (Transformation Academy), Addiction & Recovery (World Coach Institute), along with Master Coaching credentials in Emotional Intelligence and Positive Relationships (Positive Psychology).

Excitingly too, Christopher has recently been appointed as Canada’s newest Ambassador for The Burnt Chef Project speaking on Mental Health Awareness in our industry.

He has spoken at major industry events, including the RC Show (Restaurants Canada) 2023 in Toronto, Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025 in Las Vegas, and NEXT Food Expo 2025 in Calgary. In 2026, Christopher spoke at the New York Restaurant Show, returned to Bar & Restaurant Expo Las Vegas and is incredibly excited to be joining the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association “Summit” - Ft. Lauderdale in August, The Independent Hotel Show - Miami in September.

Christopher often shares, “To truly be happy, one must achieve a better version of themselves to be better for others.” It’s a philosophy he’s lived, and one he now helps others uncover for themselves.