We had the good fortune of connecting with Joe Reynolds and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Joe, how do you think about risk?
As I got older, I took many risks in my career on behalf of friends, colleagues, even senior leaders, seemingly out of fear to take those same risks for myself. I trust my support for others and am trusted by them, so this past year has been focused on trusting the risks I want to take for myself. Thinking back, I have taken many risks for myself which have introduced me to some of my most cherished people, places, and things, so I’ll be redirecting my risk internally for a little while until I feel a bit more accomplished in my life and career.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I currently help clients during their mortgage application process so they can acquire home financing. Getting back into Financial Services was a circular journey that I did not see coming. Oddly enough, I did internships at an Investment Bank for multiple summers and instead of going that route, I continued working in Educational Technology after graduating college. I was able to audition, train, tour, and perform, building out a strong community over five years. Unfortunately, I was unable to progress my professional career as much as I would have wanted to as well. Many conversations with mentors, resume updates, and post-panel thank you emails later, I am working again in one of my first industries, but from a new perspective. The financial regulation implemented during my time away from financial services validated my hesitation to be fully invested years ago. So now, I can more confidently approach my work with a careful eye and dutiful sense of service because I understand the impact of my work on people’s lives. Almost exactly as I approach my artwork.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well bestie, hop in because we’re going on a ride! First Day on the beach at Point Dume then a night at the Santa Monica Pier & Shopping Area
Second Day is Museum Day! Getty, Hammer, LACMA, MOCA, CAAM, MOCA, JANM, Huntington, and more. Granted this could be a whole week itself haha!
Day Three is Food and Drinks! Yes, we have not been eating on the trip thus far so this is the third day by necessity. I also found out there’s good Barbecue in LA so just expect a stop there as well *cough* Bludso’s *cough*. KBBQ, Tacos duh, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Japanese, Jamaican, Pastries, Ice Creams, Teas, and sure In-N-Out if you are possibly still hungry.
Fourth Day is dedicated to the sights. Sure you’ve seen LA by now, but you haven’t seen it from a height. Pick a peak anyone, we’ll maybe get all the way up there, but we’ll sure have fun trying. If not a full fledged hike, definitely a small trek to up a hill to see the city skyline!
Can Day Five just be sleep?? Well if we do wake up it, won’t be early so get ready for the clubs and bars! Chuck those hiking boots for your dancing shoes and lets get loose! Need live music, to the pier we go. The Greek, Ford, and Bowl are all calling your name!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to recognize Sari De. A phenomenal leadership coach and diversity consultant who I wish everyone could meet. Sari filled me with the fire and guidance to strive for what I deserve in my professional career. Balancing artistry and industry has always been a personal goal of mine, but when I grew out of touch with my career sensibilities Sari gave me the strategies needed to seek out my own success.
Website: joechoreo.com
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/joechoreo
Other: https://linktr.ee/joechoreo