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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 the future of thinking
• Education and equity: How CA is building a culture of belonging in an increasingly divided world
• Crisis with compassion: Navigating tough moments with students and parents while protecting trust and morale
• Leading leaders: How Dr. Davis supports and learns from his team, and the importance of stepping back so others can step up

Join 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.

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 career
• John’s self-invented role as a football creative
• Behind-the-scene insights from working with Coach Prime
• Leading the Travis Hunter Heisman campaign with strategic, story driven content
• How 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

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 psychology and mindset shape financial decision
• Self-directed success: The importance of curiosity and self-teaching in staying ahead in a rapidly evolving financial landscape
• How to develop a "financial sixth sense" and a "good bullshit detector" 
• Practical advice for young professionals starting in finance

Join 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!

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 Product of the Year in 2001 but falling victim to market timing
• Cutting vehicle fleet crashes by 60% using gamified driver scoring at Cartastie
• The 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 company

Join Chris, Henry, and David for an eye-opening conversation that will challenge how you think about technology, entrepreneurship, and the power of curiosity.

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 cocktails like Moscow Mules and Palomas
• Insights into the challenges of alcohol compliance and distribution relationships
• Practical tips on building a hospitality career and the importance of self-awareness

Join host Chris as he uncovers Matthew’s passion for quality, his drive to innovate, and his lessons from years in the fast-paced world of hospitality and beverages. Tune in for an episode that’s sure to leave you inspired, and thirsty for more!

Learn more about Crafthouse Cocktails:
https://crafthousecocktails.com/home 

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 mentorship in the automotive industry
• Strategies for fostering long-term relationships with customers and employees
• Practical advice for recent grads and aspiring entrepreneurs on launching their careers

Join host Chris as he dives deep into Ivette’s career journey, uncovering valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and creating meaningful impact in business. Tune in to discover how Ivette leads with purpose and empowers others to achieve their full potential.

Learn more about Alpine Automotive Group:
https://www.alpinebuickgmc.com/

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 traditional education in skill development
• The importance of focusing on solving real customer problems versus chasing technology trends
• His vision for creating a comprehensive health recommendation system that bridges gaps in scientific research

Join host Chris and special co-host Henry as they uncover Khushang's unique perspective on entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and the future of personalized health technology. Tune in for an episode that challenges conventional thinking about education, startup culture, and the intersection of AI and health!

 
Learn more about CLD-9:
https://www.cld-nine.com/

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 the technical aspects of interior design, from textile specifications to lighting science
• Her approach to incorporating AI and new technologies into traditional design practices
• Her creative process of transforming her grandmother's artwork into modern textile designs

Join host Chris as he uncovers how Andrea's passion for design, combined with bold business decisions and authentic client relationships, led to her success in the competitive world of interior design. Tune in for an episode that demonstrates how embracing your strengths and staying true to your vision can lead to extraordinary results!

Link to Andrea Schumacher Interiors:
https://www.andreaschumacherinteriors.com/

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 transportation, including his thoughts on eVTOLs and "flying cars"
• Tips for young professionals on finding their passion and navigating a rapidly changing job market
• The importance of understanding industry trends and dispelling common myths

Join host Chris as he explores Tim's fascinating career journey and gleans wisdom applicable across industries. Tune in for an episode that bridges the past, present, and future of personal mobility and professional growth!

Link to Dude, Where's My Flying Car?: A fascinating look at the past, present and incredible future of personal mobility:
https://www.flyingcarbook.com/