I recently had the opportunity to exclusively interview entrepreneur and podcaster of GetChoGrindUp and Declassified College Justin Nguyen and ask him ten random facts about himself as well as what what inspired him to create GetChoGrindUp. Check out my interview with Justin below:
Loryn: What inspired you to create GetChoGrindUp?
Justin: As a student, I did everything I was told to do. Got a near 4.0, joined clubs, etc. but I couldn’t get a call back for any internships that I applied for. As I progressed through my college career, I began to find tips and hacks that “privileged” students knew and most 1st generation students did not. I began to post my tips on social media and it gained traction, that’s when GetChoGrindUp started and my best friend Gary, and my girlfriend Michelle, decided to start the GetChoGrindUp podcast and legitimize the movement!
Loryn: What is the best piece of advice you've received?
Justin: Not sure who said this quote but it is something I think about almost daily. “We overestimate what we can do in 1 year and underestimate what we can do in 10”. It’s so true and helps take some pressure off of your shoulders, especially in the Instagram world that we live in today.
Loryn: What is your favorite marketing conference to attend, or wish to attend?
Justin: SXSW was amazing last year. Not necessarily sure if it’s a “marketing” conference, but its the best conference I’ve ever been to. Never seen people be so engaged and open to talking to each other.
Loryn: Who is your favorite LinkedIn connection to learn from?
Justin: Colin Byard’s content is great about the higher education system and his work with the University Innovation Alliance. But the conversations that we’re able to have offline are invaluable. I’d say that's the best part about LinkedIn, being able to move conversations and relationships offline.
Loryn: What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
Justin: Saying “no” to my job offer to do consulting with the Big 4! Haha Looking back I would’ve made a lot of money, but I would’ve missed out on experiences like SXSW, traveling to Japan, speaking in Dubai, etc. So I think I’ve won, especially considering its tax season right now.
Loryn: What is the MUST SEE YouTube video or podcast to listen to?
Justin: Love the podcast “Business Wars”. Their storytelling of how certain businesses compete is pretty awesome. Stories like Nike vs Adidas or Nintendo vs Sony are things that you know are going on, but when you hear inside stories it’s even better.
Loryn: If you could change the whole HR industry, how would you do it?
Justin: Something better than a resume. I recently came across an organization that is looking to great essentially an NFL draft but for game developers. It’s an amazing concept.
Loryn: What fad or trend do you hope comes back?
Justin: Not sure, but I would like social media that had the same mentality as AIM before. Today everything is instantaneous with texting, DMs, etc. But with AIM, it was great to log on and see that green light next to your best friend’s name. That suspense of not being able to talk to that person until they come online is something that I miss about communication.
Loryn: What are you currently working on?
Justin: Growing GetChoGrindUp’s audience. We’ve got a lot of cool ideas in the works, but we need our community to continue to grow. On a personal side, launching the LinkedIn Course that Stan Miller and I have been working on. I can’t wait to see what people think about it!
Loryn: What something not many people know about you?
Justin: If I was good enough at video games, I would be streaming/playing professionally. I love video games and its great to see how fast that industry is growing. Looking forward to keeping my eye on it in the years to come.
What question piqued your interest most? Let me know in the comment section!
Be sure to stay updated with Justin Nguyen by checking out his website: https://www.getchogrindup.com/ Plus, you can connect with him on LinkedIn