Chief Change Officer #123 From Curtain Calls to Business Cases: Waverly Deutsch’s Path from Theatre Historian to Chicago Booth Professor
Kicking off our “Love and Logic” series, Part 1 features Waverly Deutsch, who shares how her career and life choices have been shaped by a blend of passion and reason. This episode unpacks her journey, with the following installments focusing on her impact at Chicago Booth and her entrepreneurial coaching with WyseHeart Advisory, driven by “tough love for entrepreneurs.”
Why Waverly?
Known for her direct approach, Waverly has earned the nickname “the Simon Cowell of Chicago Booth,” but with a key difference—her feedback always comes with actionable solutions. She might point out, “You just talked for ten minutes and we have no idea what you do,” but she’ll also say, “Here’s what we can do to make it crystal clear.” That’s the hallmark of her coaching—honest, constructive, and deeply invested in your success.
Key Highlights of Our Interview:A Love for Theater and Logic
“I fell in love with theater and acting as a child. My mother and I would go to the theater together—it was a special time for us. At the same time, I was good at math and logic puzzles. I ended up with two majors, one in theater and one in computer science. They were separate disciplines, but in my mind, I was always bringing them together.”
The Gut-Driven Leap
“At 29, with a fresh PhD, analysis didn’t guide my career move. Joining Forrester was pure gut instinct. I saw it as a chance to dive back into technology, learn from brilliant people, and expand my horizons—no spreadsheets, no market evaluations, just a leap of faith.”
Academia or Impact? The Career Crossroads
“Graduating with a PhD in theater history during a recession, teaching jobs were scarce. Colleges were cutting back on theater programs, and the research focus in humanities felt too esoteric. I wanted to do something more contemporary, more impactful.”
Burnout and Breakthroughs
“After nearly eight years at Forrester, experiencing explosive growth, an IPO, and 60-hour weeks, I needed a reset. By 1999, I was ready for a new direction and decided to approach my next move more strategically.”
Empathy for Everyone
“Emotions aren’t just a ‘women’s thing.’ I’ve sat with many men who’ve cried during challenging discussions. The key is understanding that emotions are human, not a weakness, and they have a place in even the most logic-driven conversations.”
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Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Waverly Deutsch
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--Chief Change Officer--
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--Chief Change Officer--
Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.
Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.
EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
80+ Countries Reached Daily.
Global Top 1% Podcast.
Top 5 US Business.
Top 1 US Careers.
>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<
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