Shows
Career Conversations with ChrisAnushka Pashel: Ex Model and Owner of Bloom by AnuschkaIn 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 stil...
2025-11-171h 20Career Conversations with ChrisSue Heilbronner: Executive Coach and AuthorIn 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
2025-11-0350 minCareer Conversations with ChrisDr. Mike Davis: Head of School at Colorado AcademyIn 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 tr...
2025-05-0248 minCareer Conversations with ChrisJohn Snelson: Director of Creative Services for CU Boulder FootballIn 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...
2025-04-1847 minCareer Conversations with ChrisZach Pashel: Investment Advisor with Special Co-Host Francis AkomeahIn 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" Pr...
2025-04-0440 minCareer Conversations with ChrisDavid Armitage: Serial Entrepreneur with Co-Host Henry LewinsohnIn 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...
2025-03-211h 07Career Conversations with ChrisMatthew Lindner: Co-founder of Crafthouse CocktailsIn 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...
2025-03-0753 minCareer Conversations with ChrisIvette Dominguez Drawe: Automotive Dealership CEOIn 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...
2025-02-2142 minCareer Conversations with ChrisKhushang Hirpara: CLD-9 Founder with Co-Host Henry LewinsohnIn 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 u...
2025-02-0756 minCareer Conversations with ChrisAndrea Schumacher: Interior DesignerIn 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 h...
2025-01-2427 minCareer Conversations with ChrisTim Jackson: Automotive Dealer AdvocateIn 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 mythsJ...
2025-01-1045 minCareer Conversations with ChrisDr. Eric Verdin: Leading Aging Researcher with Special Co-Host Will GerashIn 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...
2024-12-2747 minCareer Conversations with ChrisDoug Robinson: Private Equity Professional with Special Co-Host Francis AkomeahIn 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...
2024-11-0149 minCareer Conversations with ChrisWhat is Career Conversations with Chris?Click this first before listening to an episode.Happy listening!!
2024-11-0100 min