Chris Villar - Practitioner Spotlight: Exited Founder to Executive Coach

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Chris Villar, a successful entrepreneur turned executive coach.

Find episode links, summary, and transcript here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-268-chris-villar/?ref=278

Chris shares his journey from Goldman Sachs to founding Frontpoint Security, a company he grew to $125 million in revenue before selling in 2020. He discusses his transition into psychedelic-assisted coaching, exploring how these experiences have shaped his approach to personal growth and professional development. Chris offers valuable insights on balancing high achievement with mental wellbeing, the importance of emotional processing, and how psychedelics can be integrated into a holistic approach to peak performance and self-discovery.

Chris Villar studied finance & accounting at Georgetown University and began his career at Goldman Sachs, where he led a $500 million investment portfolio in the home security industry. In 2007, he left Goldman and founded Frontpoint Security, an early disruptor for self-installed alarm systems and smart home technology.

Chris served as CEO from inception to over $125-million in revenue as the company grew to nearly 800 employees and received frequent recognition for both customer and employee satisfaction. After selling the company in 2020, Chris founded VILLAR Coaching, a boutique coaching practice focused on helping founders (and other high achievers) scale their companies while cultivating skills in peak performance and fundamental wellbeing.

Chris has done extensive work to overcome a lifetime of stress, anxiety, and burnout and to detach from the lifelong grip of achievement; and now enjoys helping others do the same. He lives in Washington, DC with his husband and their 10-year old beagle and enjoys the outdoors, hiking, and traveling.

Highlights:

• Chris's journey from Goldman Sachs to founding Frontpoint Security
• Key lessons learned as a founder and entrepreneur
• Chris's introduction to psychedelics and their impact on his life
• The role of psychedelics in emotional processing and creativity
• Insights from "The Path of Least Resistance" by Robert Fritz
• Chris's unique perspective as an executive coach with founder experience