Meet Joy Baldwin

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joy Baldwin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Joy, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Born Resilient: A Gift That Shaped My Life

Resilience is often thought of as something we develop over time, shaped by hardships, experiences, and personal growth. But for me, resilience was embedded in my very being from birth. I was born a premature baby, spending my first ten days in the NICU. My parents, due to the distance, were only able to visit me three times. From the very beginning, I had to fight, to adapt, and to survive on my own.

That early challenge set the tone for the rest of my life. As I navigated through personal struggles, corporate challenges, my educational pursuits, and even my journey in acting, resilience has been my constant companion. No matter the obstacles in my way, I have always found the strength to push forward.

Resilience has given me more than just the ability to endure—it has shaped my outlook on life. It has kept me positive in difficult times, fueled my optimism in the face of setbacks, and nurtured my curiosity about what’s next.

I know that as I continue to climb higher, life will only present more challenges. But I also know that the resilience that carried me through my first days will continue to propel me forward. It is not just something I have; it is who I am.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Balancing Advocacy and Art: My Dual Passions

By day, I serve as an HR advocate for a Telehealth company, a role that allows me to be a voice and ambassador for employees in the workplace. I take pride in helping create an environment where people feel heard, valued, and aligned with the company’s mission and values. Supporting both the employees and the organization is a responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly.

But when I step away from my corporate duties, I step into a completely different world the stage. I am deeply involved in community theater, where I have the opportunity to bring stories to life and embody characters that extend far beyond my own experiences. The art of theater allows me to explore different perspectives, emotions, and stories that reflect the richness of the human experience.

Whether I’m advocating for employees or captivating an audience, my passion for connection remains the same. Both roles allow me to give voice to others—whether in the workplace or on the stage. And in both spaces, I find purpose, fulfillment, and the joy of making an impact.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Stay Curious and Teachable:
The most successful people never stop learning. Be open to new ideas, seek knowledge from those ahead of you, and always be willing to grow. Curiosity fuels progress.

Never Box Your Creativity:
Make room in your life to explore everything that excites you. Don’t limit yourself to just one path—your passions can coexist, even in small ways. Creativity thrives when you allow it space to flourish.

Stay Resilient:
Obstacles will come, but your ability to persevere will determine your success. Challenges aren’t roadblocks—they’re stepping stones. Keep pushing forward.

Advice for Those Early in Their Careers:
Be intentional about your life and the impact you want to make. Once you define your purpose, build a plan around it. Success isn’t accidental—it’s the result of consistent, purposeful action. Every small step you take contributes to the bigger picture. Stay focused, stay determined, and trust that your journey is unfolding exactly as it should.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Growth Through Connection: Strengthening Bonds in the Past Year

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been deepening and building relationships both with my family and within my professional network.

In a world that often prioritizes hustle and individual achievement, I’ve learned the true power of connection. Strengthening my relationships has not only enriched my personal life but has also opened doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and deeper support systems.

Whether through intentional conversations with family or fostering meaningful professional connections, I’ve realized that success isn’t just about what you accomplish it’s about who you grow with along the way.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Confidence
Breaking Barriers: Succeeding Even When Representation is Lacking

What do you do when no one else in the company or the meeting looks

Leadership Development
Finding Your Why

Not knowing why you are going wherever it is that you are going sounds silly,

Relationships
Surviving Divorce: Stories and Lessons

For many, marriage is foundational and so when a marriage falls apart it can feel