Career Conversations with Chris

In this episode of Career Conversations with Chris, we explore the winding path from mechanical engineering to running one of the most exciting tech commercialization programs in the country with Josh Bennett, Assistant Director of Licensing at CU Boulder's Venture Partners.Key themes in this conversation include:The power of stepping back: Why Josh quit a high-paying director position at 28 to start over, and why it was the best career move he ever madeCU Boulder's startup explosion: What transformed the university into a top startup-producing school and why other institutions are missing the markPatents vs. trade secrets: When to protect your IP and when to keep it locked away (hint: Coca-Cola got it right)Lab Venture Challenge behind the scenes: How Josh runs a nearly $1M grant competition on zero budgetThe researcher's blind spot: Why brilliant PhDs have no idea how to commercialize their work, and how basic education changes everythingMusic as the ultimate outlet: How playing gigs and running a home studio keeps Josh grounded outside the startup grindJoin Chris and co-host Alejandro Montgomery as they talk with Josh Bennett about building a career rooted in curiosity, community, and the courage to take unconventional risks.

In this episode of Career Conversations with Chris, I’m joined by Josh Wolkon, the force behind some of Denver’s most iconic spots: Vesta, Steuben’s, and Ace Eat Serve.Key themes from the conversation:From frat parties to full dining rooms: how early instincts sparked a career in hospitalityCorporate structure vs. soul: what big F&B taught him (and why he left)Butts in seats: the mix of word-of-mouth, social media, and a little Food Network magicWhen the wheels fall off: service crashes, guest recovery, and lessons learnedDenver’s food story: from a handful of kitchens to a true culinary cityCreativity at scale: ping-pong tables, modern Asian menus, and 500 covers a nightStaying power: building culture, delegating, and finding balance outside the kitchenWhat’s next: wing sauces, coffee bars, and exploring new outlets for creativityJoin Chris and Josh for a fast-moving conversation on restaurants, resilience, and why hospitality still feels like throwing the best party in town.

In this episode of Career Conversations with Chris, Peter Adams shares his journey from philosophy student to dorm-room PC founder to leader of the oldest angel group in the United States. We explore how he reinvented Rockies Venture Club with a focus on education, rigor, and founder-friendly structures, creating a collaborative model that flips the traditional “Shark Tank” script. Peter breaks down how to value pre-revenue startups, why team matters more than the idea, and how founders should design for acquisition from day one. This episode is a masterclass in building smarter investors, stronger startups, and a future-ready venture ecosystem.We cover:From philosophy student to founder and investorRevitalizing RVC with education, diligence, and process-driven investing“Venture-omics” vs. economics: teaching founders and investors the same toolsThinking like a futurist: defensible gaps beyond today’s AI raceValuing pre-revenue startups with clarity and rigorWhy team > idea, and how to think like a futurist about new technologiesA wide-ranging chat about ditching the “Shark Tank” drama, teaching investors and founders to speak the same language, and how to spot the startups that will actually shape the future.

In this episode of Career Conversations with Chris, we dive into the world of family wealth and unconventional career paths with Ned Rollhaus, Partner at Matter Family Office.Key themes in this conversation include:From investment banking to the restaurant business: Why career pivots can open unexpected doorsManaging the San Francisco Opera’s endowment: Lessons in diversification and resilience during 2008Family wealth beyond the balance sheet: Why the real assets are the people, not just the moneyAvoiding the pitfalls of wealth: How families can align across generations and preserve legacyNavigating career transitions: Advice for engineers and nontraditional backgrounds entering financeJoin Chris as he talks with Ned Rollhaus about building a career that doesn’t follow a straight line and why embracing variety, people, and purpose can lead to lasting impact.

In this episode of Career Conversations with Chris, I sit down with Anuschka Pashel, a model and founder of Bloom in Denver. From winning Ford’s Supermodel of the World at 18, to a career-altering crash, to building a life around flowers, travel, and handmade design, Anuschka’s story is one of reinvention and resilience.We cover:Refugee roots, to Paris runways, to U.S. culture shockThe accident that reset her pathBuilding Bloom: flowers, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind treasuresWhy handmade still matters in an AI worldTravel, painting, and finding freedom in creativityFlowers as fleeting miracles and why they still move usA candid, colorful conversation about risk, beauty, and making a life by making things.

In this episode of Career Conversations with Chris, we step into the high-velocity world of venture capital and leadership with Sue Heilbronner, co-founder of the renowned accelerator MergeLane.Key themes in this high-energy conversation include:Prosecutor to Pitch Coach: How the skills Sue honed as a federal prosecutor, specifically, pattern recognition and relentless preparation, translate directly into being a top-tier startup advisor.The Power of Narrative: Why a founder's ability to clearly tell their story is the most critical factor for securing investment, more important than any deck or spreadsheet.The Art of the Ask: The fundamental difference between the fear-based ask and the confident, trust-based ask in fundraising, and how founders can master the latter.Integrity as a Non-Negotiable: Why a founder's personal and emotional integrity is the absolute non-negotiable trait she looks for before ever writing a check.Scaling Influence: Sue’s pivot from running MergeLane to her new focus on writing and advisory work, and what it means to transition from scaling companies to scaling influence.Join Chris as he chats with Sue Heilbronner about leveraging your authentic self, adapting to high-stakes environments, and what it really takes to fund, found, lead and scale with integrity.

In this episode of Career Conversations with Chris, we step into the world of independent education with Dr. Mike Davis, Head of School at Colorado Academy.Key themes in this educational odyssey include:Running a school like a startup: Why being Head of School is equal parts educator, CEO, and crisis managerTeaching in the age of AI: Reflections on technology’s impact on learning, writing, and the future of thinkingEducation and equity: How CA is building a culture of belonging in an increasingly divided worldCrisis with compassion: Navigating tough moments with students and parents while protecting trust and moraleLeading leaders: How Dr. Davis supports and learns from his team, and the importance of stepping back so others can step upJoin Chris as he chats with Dr. Mike Davis about what it really means to build a school, and a life, centered on curiosity, compassion, and the courage to adapt.

In this Primetime episode of Career Conversations with Chris, we dive into the fast-paced, content-saturated world of college football media with John Snelson, Director of Creative Services for CU Boulder Football.Key moments from our creative journey include:The rise of "The Rise": How John pitched and produced a six-part docuseries for the Pac-12 Network, a project that became a defining moment in his careerJohn’s self-invented role as a football creativeBehind-the-scene insights from working with Coach PrimeLeading the Travis Hunter Heisman campaign with strategic, story driven contentHow authenticity trumps polish in storytelling Join Chris as he sits down with John to explore the intersection of sports, storytelling, and self-belief, and what it takes to turn a cold call into a creative legacy.Follow John on Instagram @john_snelsonCheck out The Rise on YouTube

In this episode of Career Conversations, we dive deep into the world of finance with Zach Pashel, a versatile professional whose career has taken him from the pages of English literature to the heart of Wall Street and beyond. Key milestones in our conversation with Zach include:Firsthand experience in the heart of the 2008 Market Crisis at Luminent MortgageThe psychology of investing, how psychology and mindset shape financial decisionSelf-directed success: The importance of curiosity and self-teaching in staying ahead in a rapidly evolving financial landscapeHow to develop a "financial sixth sense" and a "good bullshit detector" Practical advice for young professionals starting in financeJoin hosts Chris and Francis as they unpack Zach's fascinating career trajectory, extracting wisdom applicable across various industries and career stages. Tune in for an episode that promises to enrich your understanding of finance and might just inspire you to view your own career path through a new lens!

In this visionary episode of Career Conversations with Chris, host Chris Wachuta and co-host Henry Lewinsohn sit down with David Armitage, a visionary entrepreneur who has spent decades at the forefront of technology.Key highlights from our conversation with David:Learning FORTRAN at IBM labs as a child and coding alongside a young Bill GatesInventing the First Wireless Tablet, winning CES Product of the Year in 2001 but falling victim to market timingCutting vehicle fleet crashes by 60% using gamified driver scoring at CartastieThe Future of Jobs: How AI is disrupting white-collar industries faster than blue-collar ones, and why problem-solving and architecture are now more valuable than coding.Maxing out 36 credit cards to save his companyJoin Chris, Henry, and David for an eye-opening conversation that will challenge how you think about technology, entrepreneurship, and the power of curiosity.

In this episode of Career Conversations with Chris, host Chris sits down with Matthew Lindner, CEO and co-founder of Crafthouse Cocktails. Key highlights from our conversation with Matt:How Matt launched his first bar on a shoestring budget and grew it into a local favoriteScaling and managing 13 restaurants before founding Crafthouse CocktailsHow Craft House became the first to bottle iconic cocktails like Moscow Mules and PalomasInsights into the challenges of alcohol compliance and distribution relationshipsPractical tips on building a hospitality career and the importance of self-awarenessJoin host Chris as he uncovers Matthew’s passion for quality, his drive to innovate, and his lessons from years in the fast-paced world of hospitality and beverages. Tune in for an episode that’s sure to leave you inspired, and thirsty for more!Learn more about Crafthouse Cocktails:https://crafthousecocktails.com/home 

In this episode of Career Conversations with Chris, we sit down with Ivette Dominguez Drawe the CEO of Alpine Automotive Group.Key highlights from our conversation with Ivette:Her rise from top-ranked BMW saleswoman to CEO of a $400M automotive groupLessons learned from turning around underperforming dealerships and navigating competitive marketsThe importance of diversity, inclusion, and mentorship in the automotive industryStrategies for fostering long-term relationships with customers and employeesPractical advice for recent grads and aspiring entrepreneurs on launching their careersJoin host Chris as he dives deep into Ivette’s career journey, uncovering valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and creating meaningful impact in business. Tune in to discover how Ivette leads with purpose and empowers others to achieve their full potential.Learn more about Alpine Automotive Group:https://www.alpinebuickgmc.com/

In this episode of Career Conversations, we sit down with Khushang Hirpara the  founder of CLD-9.Key highlights from our conversation with Khushang:The technical challenges of building reliable AI models and eliminating hallucinations in health recommendationsInsights into bootstrapping a startup and navigating the venture capital landscapeWhy hands-on projects and execution speed trump traditional education in skill developmentThe importance of focusing on solving real customer problems versus chasing technology trendsHis vision for creating a comprehensive health recommendation system that bridges gaps in scientific researchJoin host Chris and special co-host Henry as they uncover Khushang's unique perspective on entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and the future of personalized health technology. Tune in for an episode that challenges conventional thinking about education, startup culture, and the intersection of AI and health! Learn more about CLD-9:https://www.cld-nine.com/

In this episode of Career Conversations with Chris, we explore the unconventional career path of Andrea Schumacher, a successful interior designer and entrepreneur. Key highlights from our conversation with Andrea:Her journey from Subway sandwich artist to acclaimed interior designerThe impact of reading "Think and Grow Rich" on her business mindset and pricing strategyInsights into the technical aspects of interior design, from textile specifications to lighting scienceHer approach to incorporating AI and new technologies into traditional design practicesHer creative process of transforming her grandmother's artwork into modern textile designsJoin host Chris as he uncovers how Andrea's passion for design, combined with bold business decisions and authentic client relationships, led to her success in the competitive world of interior design. Tune in for an episode that demonstrates how embracing your strengths and staying true to your vision can lead to extraordinary results!Link to Andrea Schumacher Interiors:https://www.andreaschumacherinteriors.com/

In this episode of Career Conversations, we sit down with Tim Jackson, a veteran of the automotive industry and association management. Key highlights from our conversation with Tim:The unexpected path that led him from volunteer work to a career in association managementThe challenges and successes of running the Denver Auto Show, one of the oldest in the countryThe future of personal transportation, including his thoughts on eVTOLs and "flying cars"Tips for young professionals on finding their passion and navigating a rapidly changing job marketThe importance of understanding industry trends and dispelling common mythsJoin host Chris as he explores Tim's fascinating career journey and gleans wisdom applicable across industries. Tune in for an episode that bridges the past, present, and future of personal mobility and professional growth!Link to Dude, Where's My Flying Car?: A fascinating look at the past, present and incredible future of personal mobility:https://www.flyingcarbook.com/

In this episode of Career Conversations, we delve into the fascinating world of aging research with Dr. Eric Verdin, President and CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging.Key highlights from our conversation with Dr. Verdin:The revolutionary impact of AI and machine learning on biological research and data analysisInsights into the epigenetic clock model and its potential to predict biological ageThe challenges of academic publishing and the resilience needed to succeed in scientific researchPractical advice on lifestyle factors that can promote healthy aging, including nutrition, exercise, and social connectionsHis vision for the future of aging interventions and the potential for drugs that could slow down the aging processJoin hosts Chris and Will as they explore Dr. Verdin's remarkable career journey and uncover insights applicable across scientific disciplines. Tune in for an episode that might just change the way you think about aging and scientific research!Link to Buck Institute:https://www.buckinstitute.org/

In this episode of Career Conversations, we sit down with Andrew Schneider, a veteran marketing executive with a diverse background spanning from the early days of the internet to the launch of major streaming platforms. Key highlights from our conversation with Andrew:His pivotal role in introducing internet strategies to traditional media companies like NBC and Sony PicturesInsights into the evolution of marketing from traditional advertising to data-driven, full-funnel approachesHis experience in building and leading high-performing teams for major projects like the launch of Disney+The evolution of his leadership style, emphasizing the importance of being a "player-coach" and tailoring management approaches to individual team membersReflections on the importance of specialization and developing niche skills in emerging technologiesTune in for an episode that bridges the gap between traditional and digital marketing, offering valuable insights on navigating technological disruptions, team leadership, and career development in the rapidly evolving world of digital media and AI-driven marketing. 

In this episode of Career Conversations, we talked with Blake Hickok, the Chief Financial Officer of Engineering Economics Inc. Key highlights from our conversation with Blake:His journey from entry-level to CFO within the same organization over three and a half decadesThe importance of going beyond your job description to drive career advancementInsights into the mechanics and benefits of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)The changing landscape of employee loyalty and retention in today's job marketPractical financial advice for both personal and professional lifeTune in for an episode that might change your perspective on company loyalty, financial management, and the future of employee ownership in the corporate world!Link to EEI:https://www.eeiengineers.com/

In this episode of Career Conversations, we sit down with Nigel Alexander. Key highlights from our conversation:His transition from banking to telecommunications, sparked by the 1996 Telecommunications ActThe critical importance of finance and accounting skills as a foundation for any industryHis experience in turning around struggling companies and implementing best practicesThe evolution of his leadership style, emphasizing the importance of people skills and relationshipsReflections on generational differences in work attitudes and the impact of AI on future careersTune in for an episode that bridges generational perspectives and might just reshape your approach to career development in an AI-driven world!Link to Vistage:https://www.vistage.com/

In this episode of Career Conversations, we sit down with Doug Robinson.Key highlights from our conversation with Doug:His experience running for Governor of Colorado and the lessons learned from a high-stakes political campaignInsights into the evolving landscape of investment banking and private equityThe importance of specialization and industry expertise in building a successful careerTips for young professionals on networking, skill development, and standing out in a competitive job marketThe "ABCs of job hunting" and how to navigate early career movesJoin hosts Chris and Francis as they unpack Doug's fascinating career journey and glean wisdom applicable across industries. Tune in for an episode that might just change the way you think about your own career path!Link to Dry Fly Capital:https://www.dryflycap.com/ 

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