3 Questions with Startup Virginia's Chief Programming Officer, Richard Wintsch

Richard Wintsch began his career in private banking for JP Morgan before making his move to Richmond, where he spent 14 years at ChamberRVA. He spent that time pioneering and launching multiple leadership programs designed to attract and retain emerging leaders in the Richmond region, and was recognized as one of Richmond’s Top 40 under 40. As a key member of Startup Virginia’s senior leadership team, he focuses on creating strong programming for Richmond’s local entrepreneurial community. We catch up with him for this week's installment of 3 Questions.

If you weren’t working with high growth startups, what would you be doing?

Born and raised in Geneva, Switzerland, I came to America to play college golf and pretty quickly realized I couldn’t compete as a professional golfer - #ouch. I love the golf industry and would most likely be on the range teaching aspiring golfers the ins and outs of the game.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Be more open to learning about yourself. Prior to my current position at Startup Virginia, I launched several leadership programs and realized the importance of emotional intelligence and the power of understanding yourself and others. Looking back, I wish I’d learned more about that side of myself earlier in life.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

My motto is simple: Happy Family, Happy Life. When my two children and entrepreneurial (and soon to be author) wife are happy then I’m at ease with myself. Throw in a round of golf, watching my soccer team Newcastle United win and hanging out with my neighbors…and let’s just say that’s a pretty awesome day.

Find out more about Startup Virginia here. Shop The Eastlawn Stripe here. Photos by Kate Magee.