Challenges breed strength. Tanner Capulong’s journey is the proof of that pudding – from his maternal family’s Vietnam exodus to forging his path at UC Health. Capulong crafted excellence regardless of trials and tribulations.
Capulong’s parents paved the way for his success well before he enrolled at CU Denver Business School. Tenaciously, his mother fled from the Vietcong to the U.S. by fishing boat, a voyage facilitated by a Parisian monk. Meanwhile, his father’s family immigrated from the Philippines and served in the U.S. Air Force. This pivotal chapter in Capulong’s family history laid the groundwork for the resilience and determination that have shaped his journey.
His path was anything but straightforward. Initially, he set his sights on developing his dentistry practice, combining his love for healthcare with entrepreneurial ambitions. But as he progressed through pre-dental courses, the demands of anatomy and the grind of academic rigor began to take a toll. Burnout crept in, and the pandemic unexpectedly paused his plans. Transferring to CU Denver offered a turning point, a fresh perspective, and an opportunity to recalibrate his goals. “At CU Denver, I was surrounded by people who were there for a purpose,” Capulong recalled. “That environment helped me realize that my own purpose didn’t have to be confined to one path.” Shifting his focus to finance, he discovered a way to meld his analytical skills with his enduring passion for healthcare. The newly chartered course ultimately led to his current role at UC Health.
Capulong’s career began with an entry-level role at a financial planning firm, a job that seemed like a natural extension of his new focus on finance. However, the role focused heavily on sales, a side of the business that didn’t resonate with his strengths or values. “I’m not a salesman,” Capulong admitted candidly. “I didn’t like its transactional nature – it didn’t feel genuine to me.” Despite this misalignment, the experience taught him invaluable lessons about networking and communication. He refined his philosophy on building connections: prioritize authenticity, listen more than you speak, and let relationships develop organically.
This mindset would prove pivotal in Tanner’s next big opportunity. Tanner learned about a position opening at UC Health through a chance coffee meeting with a family friend. He wasn’t there to ask for a job – he was there to learn. “I just wanted to pick his brain and understand the field better,” he said. Fueled by genuine curiosity and a willingness to listen, the conversation set the stage for something bigger. When the financial analyst role opened up, Capulong’s name was top of mind. He accepted a position that perfectly merged his analytical acumen with his passion for healthcare.
Networking, for Capulong, isn’t just a professional buzzword – it’s a cornerstone of his success. He credits his stepfather for teaching him the value of genuine relationships and sees networking as an art of authenticity rather than a game of transactions. “People can spot insincerity a mile away,” he explained. “The key is to truly listen, learn about their story, and build a connection based on mutual respect and shared goals.” This approach has opened doors in his career and strengthened his belief in the power of collaboration and community.
Looking ahead, Capulong remains committed to growing within the UC Health system and contributing to its mission of improving lives across Colorado. His story is a powerful reminder that resilience, adaptability, and authentic connections can transform challenges into opportunities. Capulong exemplifies the impact of hard work, gratitude, and the courage to embrace change, whether navigating the labyrinth of healthcare finance or building bridges between diverse professional worlds.
“Success isn’t about having it all figured out,” Capulong reflected. “It’s about showing up, being genuine, and staying open to the possibilities ahead.” With that mindset, his journey is only just beginning.
