Most of the time on Passion Struck, we talk with people who are on the other side of their transformation. Bestselling authors, CEOs, scientists, and leaders who have already connected the dots and are reflecting on their journeys.
But this weekโs guest is different. Joel Beasley, technologist, entrepreneur, and host of Modern CTO, one of the most respected podcasts for technology leaders worldwide, is in the middle of his next transformation. After building a thriving platform where CTOs, innovators, and engineers share unfiltered insights on leadership and innovation, Joel is now stepping into something entirely new. The world of stand-up comedy.
And that is exactly why I wanted him on the show. Becoming passion-struck is not a one-time decision. It is a series of choices, pivots, and experiments. Joelโs story reminds us that growth is not about staying comfortable. It is about finding the courage to start over, even when you have already built something that works. His journey is a powerful example of creating a life that matters by daring to reinvent.
From Self-Taught Coder to Global Podcast Host
Joel Beasleyโs journey began not in a boardroom but in a bedroom, where he taught himself to code as a teenager and started building websites and software for local businesses. That curiosity and persistence led to early exits in real estate, fitness, and finance. By his mid-20s, he had gained recognition for his ability to build and scale engineering teams.
Yet Joel wanted more than just a career in code. He wanted a connection. He launched Modern CTO as a way to have real conversations with technology executives and learn from their experiences. What started as a passion project quickly evolved into a global platform, attracting guests from companies such as Microsoft, NASA, and Netflix. Kevin Scott, the CTO of Microsoft, and Cody Sanford, CIO of T Mobile, were among the leaders who turned Joelโs podcast from a fledgling project into a sought-after stage.
The show became the number one leadership and technology podcast in the world. Sponsors came on board. Joel founded ProSeries Media to help other companies create shows of their own. From the outside, it looked like everything was in place. But success brought a surprising question. What is next?
The Courage To Step Into A New Arena
For many people, the temptation after building something successful is to stay put. To cling to what is working. Joel chose a different path. He decided to pursue a dream that terrified him but also lit him up. Stand-up comedy.
He did not treat this leap lightly. Joel gave himself a long horizon and set the boldest goal he could imagine. Go from open mic to selling out a stadium. He treats comedy with the same systems thinking he applied to technology and podcasting. He performs multiple nights a week, records every set, studies where the laughs land, and refines his material with the unemotional discipline of an engineer. He even tracks his progress with weekly updates on Instagram.
Joel also made a deliberate decision to keep his comedy clean enough for his children to watch. His test is simple. Would I feel proud showing this to my kids? That choice not only grounds his work in values but also fills a niche in a world where family-friendly comedy is rare.
Why Relationships Are The Currency Of Leadership
One of my favorite parts of our conversation is Joelโs reflection on the power of relationships. The tech world often glorifies the lone wolf, but Joel has learned that connection is the real multiplier. His podcast thrived because of relationships built on trust and curiosity. His businesses grew from partnerships. Even in comedy, relationships are opening doors and accelerating his growth.
This is a truth we return to often on Passion Struck. Success without connection is hollow. Creating a life that matters means investing in people and recognizing that none of us can do it alone.
Lessons For Anyone Standing At A Crossroads
Whether you work in technology or not, Joel Beasleyโs journey is a masterclass in reinvention. He reminds us that persistence often outweighs brilliance. That systems and consistency create progress. That fear can be a compass. And that the courage to ask for a second dream is just as important as achieving the first.
Joel shared that when he commits to something at the identity level, he removes all negotiation. Podcasting was one of those commitments. Comedy is now another. Even if it takes decades, he is in it for life. That mindset is what allows him to keep moving forward and to embody the idea of creating a life that matters.
Here are a few takeaways from our conversation:
- Start where you are. Joel began with a microphone and a question.
- Fear can be a compass. If something scares you and excites you, it is probably worth doing.
- Relationships are everything. They are the real currency of leadership.
- Growth requires letting go. Sometimes you must release what is working to discover what is next.
Lessons for Leaders and Dreamers
For leaders, Joel’s journey is a call to remember that beneath the titles and accolades, we are all human. For dreamers, it is proof that reinvention is possible at any stage. For anyone feeling restless after success, Joel shows that the way forward is to embrace new challenges and let them reshape you.
In the end, Joel Beasley is both a Modern CTO and a comedian. He is a builder who refuses to stop building. And his example reminds us that creating a life that matters is less about what title you hold and more about the courage to keep choosing the next mountain to climb.
RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH JOEL BEASLEY
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About Todayโs Guest, Joel Beasley
Joel Beasley is a technologist, entrepreneur, podcast host, and comedian who has built a career around solving difficult problems and creating meaningful connections. He is the founder and host of Modern CTO, the world’s number one leadership and technology podcast, where he has interviewed leaders from Microsoft, NASA, Netflix, and many of the most innovative companies of our time. Joel is also the founder of ProSeries Media, a production company that helps organizations launch and scale their own podcasts.
After achieving success as a software developer, building and exiting multiple startups, and creating a global platform for technology leaders, Joel is now pursuing his next transformation: stand-up comedy. He brings the same persistence and systems thinking that made him successful in technology into the world of performance, with the bold goal of one day selling out a stadium. Known for weaving family, humor, and values into his work, Joel is passionate about creating a life that matters and inspiring others to pursue their own reinvention.
Next Steps
You can listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, or YouTube. Donโt forget to explore our Passion Struck Starter Packs on Spotify for curated playlists that will help you dive deeper into topics like anxiety relief, resilience, and mental health mastery.
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