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‍In This Episode You’ll Hear About: 

• [03:43] Chris tells us about his childhood, his family, the sports he played, and what it was like growing up in Boston. 
• [12:08] When Chris knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur and the journey and challenges through drink companies to make it to his goal. 
• [16:33] What it was like to work at Red Bull, how they continuously grow, what Chris learned, and the challenges he faced there.
• [18:24] How he dove into non-alcoholic beverages through health, wellness, and kombucha. 
• [19:17] How Chris entered the coffee category, what the team was like when he joined Chamberlain Coffee, and why he’s moving them into retail. 
• [21:40] Where Chamberlain Coffee raises its funds from and the key to finding investors. 
• [26:58] Why imposter syndrome is very real and how Chris has grown personally and professionally as a leader based on his leadership style.
• [31:35] Chris tells us what it’s like to work with a celebrity, Emma Chamberlain, and why she created Chamberlain Coffee.  
• [36:30] The challenges Chris has had to overcome as the CEO of Chamberlain Coffee and why they decided to split equity and debt.
• [41:52] What people don’t know about being a CEO and what advice Chris would give to aspiring CEOs and entrepreneurs. 

‍To Find Out More:

Chamberlain Coffee

Christopher Gallant on LinkedIn

Lee Greene on LinkedIn

Quotes:

“[You should] find what you like and not be afraid to try new things.”  [0:06:32]

“I think it’s healthy to do lots of different things and to get different perspectives.”  [0:07:31]

“I realized I don’t really enjoy [software engineering,] I’m not very good at it, so maybe I should find something else to do. I met some really great people that I’m still friends with now but that path wasn’t for me.” [0:09:11]

“I didn’t have enough of a worldview yet. I think that’s one of the challenges: I went to a regional university that had more of a regional view than a worldview. I really wanted to be with people that have been everywhere and have done everything.”  [0:09:41]

“A really big threat that I found at MIT and I hadn’t seen anywhere is this willingness to take risks and to do anything.” [0:10:27]

“If we’re going to become a big company we need to be where people buy their coffee every week.” [0:20:54]

“What are investors looking for? [You have to] make sure you’re finding an investor that’s looking for the same thing as you are. That alignment is key.”  [0:22:44]

“Getting [investors] that understand your industry is very important.” [0:26:01]

“One of those things that you do as a leader is you challenge yourself. You put yourself in situations where you are forced to figure out how to do things.”  [0:28:45]

“One of the ways I’ve personally grown is I put myself in situations where I’m uncomfortable. – I’d like to think that over time, I’ve learned to think about people more.”  [0:29:05]

“If you think about people first, other things will fall into place.”  [0:29:38]

“Pay attention to your mental health. The enormity of starting a business is huge and it can be all-consuming. So pay attention to your mental health, find an outlet, and know when you’ve reached your limit.”  [0:43:18]