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. Aug 21

    John Graham: Author, Adventurer, Diplomat and Leader of Giraffe Hero's Project

    In this episode of Career Conversations with Chris, we dive into an extraordinary journey from adrenaline-fueled physical survival to a life dedicated to service, courage, and purpose with John Graham. Key themes in this conversation include: Escaping death to find purpose: How dodging a violent death over a dozen times across wars, shipwrecks, and mountaineering expeditions led John to realize that pure adrenaline is a shallow pursuit and why "living a life without purpose is like being a fancy Swiss watch with no hands on it."The legendary Wickersham Wall ascent: Surviving the 1963 first ascent of Denali’s deadliest face, navigating massive avalanches, walking away from rockfalls, and returning alive after the world presumed the team dead.The shift to spiritual adventures: Why John believes modern professionals must pivot from self-absorbed ambition to meaningful action: "I found something even better to put meaning into my life, and that was the adventures of the spirit as opposed to the adventures of the body."The Prinsendam shipwreck wake-up call: Surviving 30-foot seas in a failing lifeboat during a North Pacific typhoon and the profound realization that cemented John's lifelong commitment to public service.Sticking your neck out: How the Giraffe Heroes Project uses real-world storytelling to inspire everyday citizens to solve tough public problems.Navigating modern frontiers: John’s candid take on today's greatest challenges, from combating inequality to establishing critical guardrails around artificial intelligence.Join Chris Wachuta and guest co-host Will Ryan as they sit down with John Graham to explore what it really takes to live a courageous, purpose-driven life.

  2. Jan 12

    Josh Bennett: Director of CU Boulder's Lab Venture Challenge

    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.

  3. 12/29/2025

    Josh Wolkon: Owner of Steuben's & Ace Eat Serve

    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.

  4. 12/15/2025

    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.

  5. 12/01/2025

    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.

  6. 11/17/2025

    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.

  7. 11/03/2025

    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.

  8. 05/02/2025

    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.

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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
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Career Conversations with Chris
  • Show Website
    Career Conversations with Chris