From Wall Street to Spiked Coconut Water – Chris Allen's Startup Leap

In this episode of Join Up Dots, we dive into the incredible journey of Chris Allen, co-founder of CV Brewing and the mastermind behind Osena, the world's first spiked coconut water cocktail. Chris didn't start in a brewery—he began in the high-stress world of corporate finance, crunching numbers in boardrooms. But at 27, he made a bold pivot, walking away to pursue an MBA at Wharton, and ultimately launching a product that now rides the wave of the hard seltzer and wellness beverage boom. You'll discover how Chris and his co-founder brewed their first batches of Osena in a tiny New York apartment during a summer internship—turning an experimental idea into a fast-growing drinks brand known for its zero sugar, 100-calorie, electrolyte-packed punch. But the road wasn't easy. Osena launched just as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted every aspect of life and business. Chris shares how they pivoted with remote testing, virtual focus groups, and a healthy dose of Wharton resourcefulness to stay afloat and thrive. We also explore: How a corporate background gave Chris the tools to manage uncertainty Why mental health and entrepreneurship must go hand in hand What Chris learned from appearing on Netflix's Million Dollar Secret And the advice he gives to anyone thinking about starting a business today Whether you're thinking about leaving the corporate grind or launching your own product from scratch, this episode is packed with honest insights, startup strategy, and inspiration from someone who made the leap—and stuck the landing.