Chris Kanik: The Chemist, Comedian, & CEO

This week Andrew talks to the entrepreneur behind a product Time Magazine named one of the best inventions of 2021. Chris Kanik is the CEO & Founder of Smart Cups, a technology company that created the world's first printed beverage.  Chris took his first chemistry class at age 10 and started working in a research lab when he was 12.  A few years later, his career pivoted to an unexpected place—standup comedy. Chris spent 7 years as a stand up comedian and performed at many of the top comedy clubs across the United States. Today, Chris says his experience as a comedian makes him a better CEO. His story is a powerful example of what’s possible when you push your limits, work hard, and step outside your comfort zone.Show highlights:1:50 - Explanation of Smart Cups technology & printable beverages5:37 - Validating the idea for the product6:52 - "Everyday is a grind"7:08 - Life is not linear7:30 - First chemistry class and working in a lab at age 127:50 - Pivoting career to standup comedy8:15 - Initial idea and prototype for Smart Cups 9:23 - Not your conventional chemist9:45 - Operating with a chip on your shoulder10:17 - Childhood meeting with Dwayne Johnson 11:31 - Why science was a means to a better life for Chris12:19 - Role of teachers and staff at school advocating for Chris15:34 - Adapting experience as a comedian to be a better CEO15:45 - Power of storytelling, communication, and adaptability17:06 - How to observe body language and adapt your message18:00 - Enthusiasm is the key to engagement18:50 - Communication style as CEO20:23 - Loyalty as a leader20:38 - Decision to make sanitizer to save staff jobs during pandemic21:41 - Leading by exampleBe sure to subscribe & leave a review for the show in your favorite podcast app.Sign up for e-mails to keep up with the podcast at everybodypullsthetarp.com/newsletter!Please tell your friends about Everybody Pulls The Tarp on social media and be sure to tag Andrew in your posts @andrewmoses123 (Instagram) and @andrewHmoses (Twitter).Follow Andrew on IG: @AndrewMoses123 and Twitter:@andrewhmoses