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...

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 hospitality Corporate structure vs. soul: what big F&B taught him (and why he left) Butts in seats: the mix of w...

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 d...

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 doors Managing the San Francisco Opera’s endowment: Lessons in diversification and resilienc...

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 shock The acciden...

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...

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 manager Teaching in the age of AI: Reflections on technology’s impact on learning, writing, and...

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 de...

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 Mortgage The psychology of investing, how psyc...

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 Gates Inventing the First Wireless Tablet, winning CES Pro...

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 favorite Scaling and managing 13 restaurants before founding Crafthouse Cocktails How Craft House became the first to bottle iconic...

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 group Lessons learned from turning around underperforming dealerships and navigating competitive markets The importance of diversity, inclusion, and men...

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 recommendations Insights into bootstrapping a startup and navigating the venture capital landscape Why hands-on projects and execution speed trump tradit...

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 designer The impact of reading "Think and Grow Rich" on her business mindset and pricing strategy Insights into...

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 management The challenges and successes of running the Denver Auto Show, one of the oldest in the country The future of personal transpo...

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 analysis Insights into the epigenetic clock model and its potential to predict bio...

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 Pictures Insights into the...

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 decades The importance of going beyond your job description to drive career advancement Insights into the mechanics and benefits of Emp...

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 Act The critical importance of finance and accounting skills as a foundation for any industry His experience in turning around struggling companies and implementing best practices The evolution of...

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 campaign Insights into the evolving landscape of investment banking and private equity The importance of specialization and industry expertise in building a successful career Tip...

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