Story & Lesson Highlights with Christian Ojala of Boulder, Colorado

Christian Ojala shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Christian , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I am chasing a career that constantly pushes me to grow, both creatively and personally. Aerial cinematography is more than just flying drones and capturing shots, it’s about rewriting the limits of what’s possible in the sky. I want to create work that inspires people, that stands out as different, and that leaves no doubt that I gave everything I had to my craft. I thrive on competition. I don’t like losing, and whenever I do face setbacks, they become fuel. They frustrate me, but they also drive me to sharpen my skills, raise the bar, and push harder than before. If I stopped chasing this, I know I wouldn’t be among the top names in a field full of talented drone pilots, and that thought alone pushes me to keep striving for excellence.
But it’s not just about the career. I’m also chasing a life built on freedom, adventure, and balance. I want financial freedom so that I can choose my own path, live life on my terms, and never feel like I’m boxed into a system that doesn’t fit me. Most importantly, I want a life I won’t regret when my time comes. Eventually, I see myself sharing this with someone, building a family, and creating a future that feels both secure and fulfilling.
If I stopped now, or if I stopped giving 110%, I’d be worried about more than just my career. I’d be worried about what it would mean for my future socially, financially, and personally. I’d wonder if I missed my chance to create the life I’ve been working so hard for, the life where I can look back and say I gave everything I had. And that’s why I keep chasing because it’s not only about success, but about building a life that reflects who I am and what I value.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Christian Ojala, and I’m the founder of Avionik Studios, an aerial production company based in Boulder, Colorado. I specialize in high-speed and heavy-lift drone cinematography, and my work often involves pushing the limits of what drones can capture for film, television, automotive, action sports, and aviation projects. I’ve had the chance to collaborate with major brands like RedBull and Netflix, and what drives me is creating shots that people haven’t seen before; angles and perspectives that feel impossible until you see them on screen.
What makes Avionik Studios unique is our blend of creativity and engineering. I’m not just flying off the shelf drones; I’m constantly designing and building new platforms that can carry specialized cameras, lighting, or even infrared systems. This mix of artistry and innovation allows us to take on projects that most aerial teams can’t.
Beyond the technical side, I see myself as a person who hopes to inspire and create. Whether it’s through the energy of a cinematic shot or the possibilities of drone technology in new industries, I want my work to spark ideas and open doors for others.
Right now, I’m not only working on cinematic productions, but also expanding into industries like search and rescue and telecommunications with another company, where we’re developing drones to solve large-scale challenges. At the core of everything I do is the same motivation: to stay ahead of the curve, deliver visuals that inspire, and create opportunities where technology and storytelling come together.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think what breaks the bonds between people is usually a mix of ego, lack of communication, and un-met expectations. When pride gets in the way or when people stop really listening to each other, it creates distance. Bonds also break when trust is lost. Whether that’s through dishonesty, inconsistency, or simply not showing up when it matters. For me, moments of frustration or competitiveness can sometimes push people apart if they’re not handled with honesty and humility.
What restores those bonds is almost always honesty, empathy, and effort. Communication that’s real, not surface level is what reconnects people. When you’re willing to admit mistakes, own your part, and listen with the intention of understanding rather than winning, relationships start to heal. Small acts of consistency and showing people that you value them go a long way. At the core, bonds are restored when both sides are willing to put in the effort and remember why that relationship mattered in the first place.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there have definitely been times I almost gave up. Personally, one of the hardest seasons of my life was losing friends and people close to me. I used to be a people pleaser. Constantly wanted others to like me, and I would even change parts of who I was just to fit in. But eventually I realized that kind of living wasn’t sustainable, and it wasn’t authentic. Letting go of people I thought truly cared about me was painful, but it taught me to stop living for others’ approval. Instead, I learned to persevere, stay true to who I am, and surround myself with people who value me for the real me.
In business, there have been countless moments where I’ve thought about walking away. Losing clients I wanted to work with, missing out on large-scale projects, not hitting my goals, or seeing others surpass me. Those moments cut deep. I hate losing, and anyone who knows me knows just how much it bothers me to my core. But that same frustration is also what drives me. Every time I hit a wall, it pushes me to work harder, think smarter, and come back stronger. For me, almost giving up has always been the fuel to keep going, because the idea of quitting bothers me even more than the setbacks themselves.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the aerial cinematography and film industry is that the gear makes the work. People often think if you have the newest drone or the most expensive camera, you’ll automatically get clients. The truth is, the creativity, planning, and skill behind the flight matter far more than the equipment itself. Technology is a tool, but it doesn’t replace vision.
Another lie is that success in this industry comes overnight. Social media makes it look like you can just pick up a drone, post a few cool clips, and suddenly you’re flying for huge brands. In reality, it takes years of grinding, setbacks, and constant learning to get to a level where people truly trust you with high-stakes projects.
And one of the most damaging lies is the idea that working “for exposure” is a good trade-off. Too many people in this industry fall into the mindset of winning every project no matter the cost, even if that means working for free. I think that’s complete bullshit. When you give away your work or undercut your rates, you’re not just undervaluing yourself but you’re hurting the industry as a whole. Holding your ground and knowing your worth is what keeps this craft professional and sustainable.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing? 
What I’ll regret most is not giving everything I have to chase my potential. If I don’t push myself creatively and professionally, I know I’ll look back and wonder what could have been. I’d regret not taking the risks that scare me, not pursuing the projects that seemed out of reach, and not pushing the limits of aerial cinematography in ways that set me apart.
On a personal level, I’d regret not building the life I’ve envisioned. Like a life of freedom, adventure, and fulfillment. I’d regret not making time for experiences outside of work, for relationships that matter, and eventually for building a family. I don’t want to look back one day and realize I was too focused on chasing success that I forgot to live.
At the end of the day, my biggest regret would be playing it safe. I’d rather fail going all-in than live with the question of what might have happened if I had pushed harder.

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