Ep130: On Pursuing Your Passion (Instead of Paychecks), and Finding the Right Mentor | with Joaquin Elizondo

Optimize Yourself

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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?

Useful Resources Mentioned:

Film & TV Editing Mentorship Program | Closing the gap to become a Hollywood Editor

Joaquin Elizondo (@hollywoodeditingmentor) • Instagram photos and videos

Hollywood Editing Mentor - Facebook Page

Hollywood Editing Mentor - You Tube Page

Continue to Listen & Learn

Ep107: Recognizing, Mentoring, and Promoting Diversity In Hollywood | with Monty DeGraff, ACE

Ep115: How to Be So Thorough You Can’t Be Denied | with James Wilcox, ACE

Ep104: How to Keep Working As An Editor (After You’ve Made the Transition From AE) | with Susan Vaill, ACE

Episode Transcript

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Guest Bio:

Joaquin Elizondo has almost 20 years of experience as an editor and currently works in the world of feature films and scripted TV shows in Hollywood. His most recent editing credits are Narcos: Mexico (Netflix), and the feature film, Soundwave, now available on Apple TV and Amazon. Before arriving in Los Angeles, Joaquin worked in unscripted television for several years in New York City where he edited content for HBO Sports, NBC, Telemundo, and was the lead editor on Bravo’s late-night talk show Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.

Joaquin majored in Film & Video Studies at the University of Michigan and grew up in the San Diego-Tijuana border region. As someone who has sought out and benefited from mentoring, Joaquin is now taking on the role of mentor by helping aspiring editors and assistants in navigating the path to achieving their career goals. He created the Hollywood Editing Mentor program (hollywoodeditingmentor.com) to provide guidance and support for those trying to break into or advance their careers in post production.

Show Credits:

This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.

The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.