Career Conversations with Chris

Christopher Wachuta
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An informational podcast all about the world of work and those within it. Past, present and future will be discussed in detail with opportunities to explain successes, failures and learning opportunities where the guest will represent their specific industry. Exposing the unknown intricacies in industries for young professionals where advice is passed on from established professionals to those joining the workforce. 

  1. DEC 15

    Peter Adams: Venture Capitalist & Author

    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.

    54 min

  2. DEC 1

    Ned Rollhaus: Family Office Partner

    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 finance Join 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.

    41 min

  3. NOV 17

    Anushka Pashel: Ex Model and Owner of Bloom by Anuschka

    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.

    1h 21m

  4. NOV 3

    Sue Heilbronner: Executive Coach and Author

    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.

    50 min

  5. MAY 2

    Dr. Mike Davis: Head of School at Colorado Academy

    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.

    49 min

  6. APR 18

    John Snelson: Director of Creative Services for CU Boulder Football

    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_snelson Check out The Rise on YouTube

    47 min

  7. APR 4

    Zach Pashel: Investment Advisor with Special Co-Host Francis Akomeah

    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 b******t 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!

    41 min

  8. MAR 21

    David Armitage: Serial Entrepreneur with Co-Host Henry Lewinsohn

    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.

    1h 8m
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About

An informational podcast all about the world of work and those within it. Past, present and future will be discussed in detail with opportunities to explain successes, failures and learning opportunities where the guest will represent their specific industry. Exposing the unknown intricacies in industries for young professionals where advice is passed on from established professionals to those joining the workforce. 

Information

  • Creator
    Christopher Wachuta
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Career Conversations with Chris
  • Show Website
    Career Conversations with Chris