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

Career Conversations with Chris

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.

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Career Conversations with Chris

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

January 12, 2026 • Chris W

0:00 | 52:13

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 made
CU Boulder's startup explosion: What transformed the university into a top startup-producing school and why other institutions are missing the mark
Patents 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 budget
The researcher's blind spot: Why brilliant PhDs have no idea how to commercialize their work, and how basic education changes everything
Music as the ultimate outlet: How playing gigs and running a home studio keeps Josh grounded outside the startup grind

Join 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.