Meet our people: Chris Machemehl

Meet our people: Chris Machemehl

From outsider to advocate: how embracing authenticity changed my life and career

Chris Machemehl has been with Akkodis for four years, rising quickly from Recruiter to Recruiting Director. Based in Austin, Texas, he leads a team of 25 recruiters across the U.S. and India, overseeing IT and engineering staffing for the central time zone - a region known as the Great Plains. Beyond metrics and strategy, Chris brings authenticity and empathy to his leadership, shaped by his own personal journey.

From playing football without knowing the rules to performing in drag in front of 300 people, Chris's path has been one of discovery, growth, and self-acceptance.

At Akkodis, he’s found a workplace where he can truly be himself.

This is his story.

How it started

"I’m proud to be me. It sounds cheesy, but it took years to say that and really mean it. Growing up in Texas, raised by my super-hero mom after my dad passed away, I often felt out of place. I played every sport, without knowing the rules. I joined Boy Scouts. I went to Prom, dated girls. I did what I was 'supposed' to do to fit in. Deep down, I knew I was different.
I was outed by someone at my high school – it shattered the life I thought was mapped out for me and I spiralled into a dark place. I went back to school as an out gay man, terrified, but my friends stood by me. I ran for class president and won. That was the first time I truly felt seen and accepted for who I was.”

Becoming empowered

"Coming out forced me to confront who I really was and embrace it. From leaning into my feminine side, to performing in drag for charity as ‘Barbie’ in front of hundreds of people, I began to explore my identity with joy instead of fear.
That experience was empowering. It gave me confidence not just in gay spaces, but in the workplace. I don’t feel like I have to split myself between being a recruiting director and a gay man. They’re both just… me."

Being out at work

"Coming out doesn’t happen just once. You come out every day – in a conversation, a gesture, or when you post a GIF from RuPaul’s Drag Race to celebrate a win with your team. The difference now? I can do that freely. At Akkodis, I’ve felt supported from day one. It’s the culture – the people here want you to bring your whole self. And that makes all the difference."

What I’ve learned

"I used to think I had to be more masculine or follow the traditional path to be accepted. Now, I see being gay as a superpower. It’s made me stronger, more empathetic, and more able to connect with others in ways that really matter.
I can code-switch. I can lead authentically. I can be playful, expressive, thoughtful - and still drive performance and results."

A message to others

"Keep going. It’s easy to feel like giving up - I’ve been there. Our population has the highest youth suicide rates ever. But I’m still here - and life is better than I ever imagined. You are enough. You don’t need to fit a mold. Be kind to yourself. There’s no one way to be queer. Just be you. And don’t stop fighting - for yourself and for others who still feel unseen."

Quick-fire with Chris

• Advice to my younger self: You don’t need to be like anyone else. Lean into what makes you different - it’s your strength.
  
• Down-time favourites: Spoiling my dogs, plant care, sci-fi, lake days.
  
• Luxury must-have: Travelling the world as a history nerd.
  
• Dream dinner guests: Bayard Rustin, Cleopatra, Marsha P. Johnson, my dad.
  
• Superpower wish: Telekinesis - or talking to animals – either way, I wouldn’t have to get up and open the door for my dogs so much!

*All initiatives and programs mentioned herein are subject to local law and may not be available in all locations.