A 30-year-plus veteran of the toy industry, Chris held major marketing and creative positions in the early part of his career. Since 1988, he has run Byrne Communications, Inc., a consultancy that works in product development, strategic planning, organizational development, and marketing. He consults on entertainment and licensing (animated and live action), has written seven books on toys and play, speaks extensively on the role and benefits of play in child development, and appears on TV talking about toys and play in the U.S. and around the world. He is the author ofToy Time: A Look Back at the Most Beloved Toys of the 1950s to the 1980s, andhis bookFunny Business,Harnessing the Power of Play to Give Your Business a Competitive Advantage,has been used in a variety of industries to foster innovation. He is the author of the textbookAn Introduction to The U.S. Toy Industry: Serious Funis used in undergraduate and graduate business programs. The Third Edition is due out in 2023. He creates and facilitates corporate training programs designed to inspire play and creativity as a springboard to innovation. He speaks internationally, consults to the investment community about the business of toys, and appears on TV around the world talking toys, is featured regularly onLive with Kelly and Ryan, and is the creator and co-host ofThe Playground Podcast, now in its fourth season.