The 2% Chance: Trading Venture Capital for Olympic Gold

In this episode, Ethan Kurzweil (Managing Partner, Chemistry) interviews Kristen Faulkner (2x Olympic Gold Medalist) about her journey from growing up in Homer, AK, to winning gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics, with a stop as a successful venture investor along the way. Kristen embraces the "beginner's mindset," viewing it as an opportunity for rapid learning and progress. She is constantly surrounding herself with people smarter and more skilled than her, even while at Harvard.The conversation compares high-stakes cycling and venture capital, highlighting similar financial structures where the 'prize' is shared, and stresses leveraging the diverse team strength similar to the diversity of roles on a cycling team. Kristen’s story shows resilience, strategic thinking (similar to the "mind game" she plays with a rival at the end of the race), and courage to chase her biggest goal, even if it means leaving behind a safe career.Linkschemistry vcElements: A Chemistry Speaker Series Elements is produced by Chemistry VC in partnership with Pod People.