Chris Young

Chris Young is a consultant, author, and public speaker whose work focuses on policy, economics, technology, and human potential. Sentenced to life in prison at age 22 for nonviolent drug offenses under "three strikes" laws, Young educated himself across disciplines, including philosophy, history, economics, politics, and quantum physics, and taught himself to code without access to a computer.

Young's case received national and international attention when the federal judge who sentenced him, Judge Kevin Sharp, publicly condemned the mandatory life sentence as unjust. After leaving the bench, Sharp joined attorney Brittany K. Barnett and Kim Kardashian to advocate for Young's freedom. Young was granted executive clemency.

After his release, Young earned a degree in economics and public policy from Southern Methodist University and launched a career as a consultant. He founded Coherence Consulting, a firm that integrates data, policy analysis, and lived experience to help institutions reimagine investment in human potential. At Southern Methodist University, Young advocated for criminal justice reform, educating peers on the impact of mandatory minimum sentencing.

Young is the author of the memoir "The Wound Is Where the Light Enters," which explores choice, consequence, and human potential. The book has received critical acclaim, including a starred review from Booklist. His story has been featured by CNN, PBS's Amanpour and Company, CBS News, BBC, and Variety.

As a keynote speaker, Young addresses topics such as criminal justice reform, leadership, resilience, and innovation. He challenges audiences to rethink decision-making under constraint and offers a framework for unlocking potential in systems and individuals.