Episode Details

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There is at least one point in our lives when we make the stark realization that we no longer enjoy what we do. The passion has long-since gone, and we’re only there for the paycheck. This is what I call “The Comfort Trap.” There are few discoveries more terrifying in your career than when you realize you are just “comfortable.”

Once you decide it’s time to make a major transition, you then have to confront the fact that you’ve most likely spent much (if not all) of your career making stuff yet you’ve never focused on the soft skills of selling yourself. In the 21st century gig economy, whether you like it or not - YOU ARE A BUSINESS. And your business is selling your creative services. It doesn’t matter how awesome your work is if nobody knows you are awesome.

My guest today is editor of twenty years (and longtime friend & colleague) Joaquin Elizondo, who has adapted to change faster than most people I know and transitioned between multiple genres to land where he is now editing projects that creatively fulfill him. In our conversation Joaquin and I talk about his journey across multiple mediums, genres, and even different parts of the country to land his dream job editing Narcos: Mexico. We discuss the mindsets he uses to combat perfectionism and procrastination (which in my opinion are frankly one in the same). And we go deep into the reasons why helping others and building communities is so necessary, especially within our current times.

Whether you are looking for a mentor, career advice, or a new best friend, Joaquin is an amazing resource who is also the founder of Hollywood Editing Mentor, an amazing site I recommend for anyone looking to escape the comfort trap where you can level up your soft skills as an assistant or editor, learn how to build your network, get career transition guidance, and so much more.

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Here's What You'll Learn:

• FUN FACT: Joaquin has known me longer than anyone else in Los Angeles (including my wife!).
• The unique origin story of Joaquin's career trajectory.
• How he learned to make better decisions about what projects to get involved in.
• The challenges he faced when trying to get jobs in Los Angeles.
• The mentality he used throughout his life that has made him pursue his dreams.
• Joaquin's approach to mentoring his clients.
• How he made the mindset shift from being an artist to being a business owner.
• How embracing the learning process helps him get over perfectionism.
• KEY TAKEAWAY: Redefine the term “expert” to being just one step ahead of someone else and you can provide value to lots of people.
• KEY TAKEAWAY: You'll never succeed if you don't take action.
• The story of his first paid mentoring client and the feeling he got from that success.
• What unique qualities Joaquin brings to the table from his 20 years of editing experience.
• How he got over the fear of competition (ahem...ME!)
• What is ‘Hollywood Editing Mentor’ and how can it help your career?

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