Metropolitan State University of Denver is proud to feature alumnus and CEO of goodr, Stephen Lease, in the latest episode of Bird Talk. Known for his innovative approach to eyewear and company culture, Lease shares reflections on his journey, from his MSU Denver roots to his entrepreneurial success.
Lease, who graduated with a marketing degree in 2005 (though he technically didn’t graduate until 2016–listen to the podcast to find out why), fondly recalls his time at MSU Denver and the pivotal role it played in shaping his career. “The accessibility that Metro provided me is probably the only reason I have a degree,” Lease shares, highlighting the university’s focus on inclusivity. “It met me where I was, and I will always be grateful for that.” He adds that MSU Denver’s welcoming environment allowed him to thrive as a student and develop the foundation for his future leadership style.
During the episode, Lease discusses his dynamic journey, emphasizing the importance of building a positive and empowering workplace culture. He reflects on his role at goodr, where he has led the company to create high-quality, accessible eyewear and a unique work environment that balances “freedom and accountability.” His commitment to transparency and innovation shines through at goodr, which he describes as a space that encourages “safe friction” and open dialogue among team members. “You need friction,” Lease says, “but you just need it in a safe way where people don’t feel threatened.”
Lease also shares advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging them to embrace failure as a learning tool. “The first one’s the hardest,” he says, “and once you fold your first company, you free yourself to understand it’s not that big of a deal.” He suggests that new entrepreneurs start small, keep experimenting, and focus on long-term growth rather than immediate profits.
Listen to the Episode
The Bird Talk podcast continues to bring compelling stories from MSU Denver alumni, faculty, and thought leaders, offering listeners a glimpse into the unique contributions of the university’s diverse community. Lease’s episode is now available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and msudenver.edu/alumni.