Unpacking Chrysalis: The Art of Being Human

This week, we’re joined by Tara for a conversation about the unseen responsibilities that shape so much of modern life. The planning, coordinating, remembering, adapting, and caring that often happens quietly in the background. Tara reflects on how those hidden demands can reshape our priorities, identity, and definition of success. We talk about balance, perspective, and what it means to carry a full life well, through the lens of career growth, becoming a parent, and navigating major life changes. Thoughtful, honest, and deeply relatable, this episode explores how becoming a parent can change the way we live, lead, and define success.

This week, we’re joined by Trish Sale for a conversation about something many people resist and almost everyone needs: stepping away.Trish reflects on her sabbatical, what time away can reveal about leadership, trust, and identity, and why great teams often grow when someone steps back. We also talk about a memorable summer trip where she expected adventure and found something even better: human connection.Thoughtful, warm, and full of wisdom, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the best way forward starts by stepping away.

Ken Konkel brings the Kenergy in this episode of Chrysalis: The Art of Being Human, as he joins Clayton and Ryan to talk about coaching youth sports as a form of community, parenting, and personal growth. From chaotic five-year-old soccer to national-level flag football, Ken shares how being “Coach Ken” has shaped how he shows up as a dad and a leader at work and why the real wins are the quiet, lasting impacts on kids’ lives.

In this episode of Unpacking Chrysalis, we sit down with Sasha to talk about the journey of joining Cova—what the interview process was like, how to find your fit in a new role, and what it really means to “get in where you fit in.” Along the way, we dive into a side quest on video games, exploring the overlap between work, play, and community.

In this episode of Unpacking Chrysalis, we sit down with Sasha to talk about the journey of joining Cova—what the interview process was like, how to find your fit in a new role, and what it really means to “get in where you fit in.” Along the way, we dive into a side quest on video games, exploring the overlap between work, play, and community.

In this episode, Meridith Barnes shares her bold decision to pivot from big business to iQmetrix—and what it reveals about the future of telecom. From leadership lessons to the evolving needs of retailers, Meridith brings candid insights into what it means to truly innovate in an industry known for tradition. Whether you're navigating your own career crossroads or just curious about the shifting telecom landscape, this conversation offers inspiration, strategy, and real talk.

What happens when a CO-OP student, just looking for experience, stumbles into something more? In this episode, we follow the unexpected journey from résumé-building to a career rooted in community, contribution, and personal growth.In this flavorful episode of Unpacking Chrysalis, Clayton and Benny sit down with Kip—a long-time iQ’er whose journey from curious co-op student to compassionate dev lead is anything but ordinary. Through stories of spontaneous burger challenges, emotional milestones, and serendipitous career pivots, Kip reveals how psychological safety, community, and a dash of weirdness can turn a workplace into a movement. Pull up a chair, let Kip cook, and discover the secret sauce to meaningful work and a people-first culture.

In this episode, Clayton and Ryan chat with their pal Ben. They dive into the power of setting intentional goals, the freedom of knowing when to walk away, and Ben’s unique philosophy of life as a “professional idiot.”.

In this episode, Dave Emmett, the director of product at Cova, shares his outlook on the ever-emerging challenges of working at start-ups and the potential personal growth opportunities they bring.

In this episode, Clayton Caswell and Cev Smyth explore the connections between combat sports and effective leadership. They discuss the power of collective decision-making, finding strength in community, and how great leadership can come from anyone.

In this episode of the Podcast, we unpack the deeply personal side of cybersecurity with Amer Gill, who shares why protecting his colleagues in our digital world feels as personal as protecting his family. Far beyond firewalls and phishing schemes, it’s about what it means to truly care for the people you work with and the systems they rely on every day. Tune in for a story of purpose, passion, and the art of finding meaning in the work we do

This episode explores the transformative journey of moving beyond traditional, linear career paths toward a people-centred approach that fuels passion and purpose. Join us as we speak with a software engineer who transitioned from structured, role-based environments to a career that values technical skills and personal growth. She shares how her new work culture invites her to look inside herself, uncover what might be getting in her way, and lean into her strengths.

In this episode, Clayton chats with Waleed Ayoub about what it means to lead and how he approaches his role as the technology lead for both iQmetrix and Chrysalis.

In this episode, Clayton chats with Megan Howse, a seasoned marketer and a dedicated pet rescuer. Megan offers tips on pet nutrition and discusses how she found an unusual but fulfilling career path at Chrysalis. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation full of good vibes!

Dan and Clayton sit down and chat about agency, the usefulness of knowledge sharing and Dan’s recent experience as a presenter at the Powershell +DevOps Global Summit in Bellevue Washington.

Join Clayton Caswell and Andrew Kuipers as they unpack this seemingly trivial debate and explore its relevance to the software development industry. It turns out categorization and naming conventions impact clarity, communication, and functionality in coding, and the broader community. Tune in for a conversation that bridges the tech world with the everyday world.

In this episode, Clayton sits down with Chrysalis founder, Christopher Krywulak (a.k.a. CK), for a candid and insightful conversation. They discuss the foundational ideas behind the company, what motivated CK to become an entrepreneur, and how he turned obstacles into opportunities. They also unpack why CK’s so dedicated to creating spaces for people to find personal and professional growth, while contributing to the success of others.

This week on a very special episode of the podcast, the gang (Esther Huh, Rhonda Caswell, Ryan Benoit) over-intellectualized sitcoms and are joined by Clayton Caswell, the one host who has no choice but to keep it on track. It’s Unpacking Chrysalis.

Clayton, Alen and Ryan try to chat about animation as art but end up talking about so much more.

Clayton and Miles sit down and unpack the Problem with Self-help books, Toxic Positivity and Hero Culture. They then wrap up the conversation by dipping their toes into the bullshitification of jobs. Is this what you’d expect from a company-backed podcast? Not at all. Is it worth a listen? Absolutely!

Joannah Connolly is purpose-driven as she unpacks the art of storytelling and explains how it has shaped both her career and passion. As a journalist, marketer, and published novelist, Joannah has been around storytelling all her life and applied her skills to a multitude of projects.

Creating great experiences isn’t always easy, and sometimes it’s downright awkward – but Kelly Jardine will not be deterred. Kelly has taken a company mantra and made it into her personal culture. She takes Clayton through the highs and lows of what happens when you try to create great experiences every damn day!

Take your protein pills, put your helmet on and blast off with John Edmonds and Clayton Caswell as they talk about marketing, leadership, and of course, space.

Rhonda and Clayton explore the profound effect that a work sabbatical can have on a Chrysalis employee. Rhonda lends her insight from being the first employee in the company to take a sabbatical and discusses how it gave her space to practice gratitude.

Clayton was meant to unpack the art of being into live music but instead, he and Joy unpack the art of finding Joy!

Clayton unpacks the art of being really, really into a hobby with Ryan Benoit. (aka Benny) and discovers how that impacts Benny's life at Chrysalis.