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Contact UsFrom Startup Sunglasses to the Commencement Stage: Stephen Lease Returns to ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ Denver as Alumni Keynote Speaker Featuron BirdTalk
The ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ Denver Alumni Association is proud to feature Stephen Lease (β16), entrepreneur, CEO, and co-founder of , in the newest episode of BirdTalk, the universityβs official alumni podcast highlighting Roadrunners making an impact in business, culture, and beyond.
Hosted by Jamie Hurst, the episode revisits Leaseβs unconventional journey from ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ Denver marketing student to leading goodr, a globally recognized active eyewear brand known for its bold culture and accessible price point. Lease reflects on the failures, pivots, and βstarts and stopsβ that shaped his path as a serial entrepreneur, and how a simple question on a run ultimately led to building a category-defining company.
A Colorado native and graduate of the College of Business, Lease credits ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ Denver with helping lay the foundation for his career while also embracing his nonlinear academic journey, including a delayed graduation that ultimately became a defining part of his Roadrunner story.
In the episode, Lease also dives into the philosophy behind goodrβs distinctive company cultureβranging fromΒ βsafe frictionβ and structured problem-solving sessions designed to embrace challenges head-on. He also discusses leadership, vulnerability, and the importance of building environments where honesty and accountability drive growth.
Throughout the conversation, Lease reflects on what it means to be a Roadrunner and how ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ Denverβs accessibility shaped his ability to pursue opportunity. βI am incredibly proud of the accessibility this school has provided me,β he shares, emphasizing the value of an institution that meets students where they are.
The episode also serves as a preview of Leaseβs role as alumni keynote speaker at Spring 2026 ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ Denver commencement, where he will return to campus to address graduates and share insights from his entrepreneurial journey.
This episode blends leadership lessons, startup storytelling, and reflections on culture, creativity, and reinvention, offering a candid look at how ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ Denver alumni continue to shape industries long after graduation.
The episode is now available on all major podcast platforms and .
BirdTalk is ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ Denverβs official alumni podcast, sharing stories of Roadrunners advancing in entrepreneurship, business, aviation, and public service. To listen to this episode or explore more alumni success stories, visit /alumni/birdtalk/