We had the good fortune of connecting with Dani Strobel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dani, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks has played a pivotal role in both my life and career, without risks I would definitely not be where I am today. The way I think about risk is through a risk management strategy understanding my choices and outcomes as a whole, not focusing on failure but on how I can make my desired outcome happen. Through this, I am identifying, assessing and controlling possible outcomes and preparing for each of them. From early on in my life I had the desire to try what no one else had tried or do what no one was doing, but I also had the drive to succeed which is not always easy when you dont follow the conventional paths in life.

In my career taking risks has played the biggest role, I am a Production Coordinator/Operations Manager at a media company in LA as well as run my own personal adventure travel business. Both of these careers have only come about by taking large risks like leaving my small town in Indiana at 16 to backpack through the southern US, moving to Colorado at 17 to study communications & film, or making a name for myself in the production world of Los Angeles by 25 risk was the leading lady in these career and life moves.

They Key? When self doubt creeps in or a roadblock surfaces, confidence in the desired outcome must override. I find a way back around the detour to whatever it is that I am focused on.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been ever changing and I think my desire to learn and explore has set me apart from others. My favorite quote “I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious.” by Albert Einstein explains it best. My focus has always been arts and entertainment so my career has focused around that but its been a journey of following my heart and seeing where that curiosity takes me!

I would not say that it has been easy, working in the world of production is both draining and time consuming, but also rewarding if you can find that appropriate work life balance. A big lesson I am learning is to find that balance in my life to not get burnt out. So often we get too narrow focused on a career or what society deems as a successful life but in the end we are unhappy.

I am most excited about discovering the next version of me and my career. Diving into my own creative space and building out my brand “Passionately Curious” to share my love for adventure, travel & curiosity with the world!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
After an amazing 4 years in Los Angeles, I am making the move to back to Colorado, which I am so excited about, but I’de like to tell you about my favorite LA spots as a nice close on this chapter here in the city. When entering into my world, you’ll notice it’s centered around Cafe’s, Outdoor activities, and Sunsets.

I love Cafe’s, and I love seeing a city through their coffee culture, so best to start your day with coffee and breakfast from one of these 6 spots! A tip? try not to go to the same Coffee shop twice during your stay!

Bluey’s Market & Cafe: Santa Monica
Black Heart Coffee Co: Van Nuys, California
M Street Coffee: Sherman Oaks
Gigi’s Cuban Bakery & Cafe: South of Silverlake.
Sightglass Coffee: Hollywood
Undergrind: Beverlywood

Once you are adequately caffeinated you can head on out for an adventure! Here are my go to’s:

Abbot Kinney: Located in Venice, this is a great spot for some outdoor shopping and a nice walkabout.
Culver Steps: 282 Stairs leading up to the top of Baldwin Hills park.
Bollona Creek Bike Path: runs from Culver city west to the Board walk in Marina Del Rey used for Biking, Walking & Running.
Malibu Canyon: There is a large system of trails all throughout Topanga and Malibu canyon to hike.
Santa Monica green/rings: A spot to let your inner child shine. Here you will find the acrobats of LA.

To nourish yourself before your evening adventure some of my favorite spots to eat are:

Rose Market: Culver City (for a quick snack)
The Vegan Joint: Culver City
Chicas Tacos: Culver City
John & Vinnys: Brentwood / West Hollywood
Joe & The Juice: Brentwood/ West Hollywood
Sweet-greens: All over the city (build your own salads.)

To end the night I have 3 incredible Sunset spots that are a must.

Baldwin Hills Scenic overlook: Culver City
Topanga Canyon Lookout Trail: Topanga Canyon
El Matador Beach: Malibu

Not only is Los Angeles known as the bustling city of entertainment and night life but it also has some beautiful spots to find stillness, and get some fresh air. That’s likely where you will find me and yourself if you checkout any of these spots!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This dedication goes far and wide, my shoutout is a melting-pot of support and the little things that got me here. I am continually inspired, encouraged and supported by many and I am just so grateful.

When I think about the people along the way I think of this guy in my neighborhood growing up who hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro, which ignited my passion to travel the world. I think of my mom (an adventurer herself) who for years, would drive me hours for acting classes and plays to let my free spirit fly! I think of my dad who not only was willing to trust in my insane ideas to move out at 16, but helped connect me to producers like Matthew Krul in the film industry which led to my first PA job. I think of Jeff & Tony, who hired me on my first movie and continued to hire me, connecting me to people in LA, and are still good friends in the industry today. And I think of Logan, who has challenged me in more ways than I ever expected but taught me so much over the past 4 years as his EA.

Not only has it been the people, but a big part of my story is an organization called NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) which literally hiked me into the leader and person I am today, books like “Outwitting the Devil” & “Untethered soul” which changed my perspective on having control of my thoughts and feelings and my relationship with God, which gives me the strength to endure and the most radiant joy.

Website: www.passionatelycuriousco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danilstrobel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaniLStrobel

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DaniStrobel

Image Credits
Ryan Waneka Emily Huynh

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.