Finding your wave: Alex Reynolds on passion, connections, and a career in Olympic surfing

How does a passion evolve into a career? In this When I Grow Up interview, we explore Alex Reynolds’ unique journey. He’s the Director of Membership and Development at the International Surfing Association (ISA). From a pivotal post-graduation decision to his impactful role shaping a global sport, Alex shares his personal experience and offers valuable insights for all of you student and early-career professionals navigating your own professional paths.

To kick things off, what was it that compelled you to say "yes" to sharing your experience today?

Alex Reynolds: Well, I think it's always helpful. I've been in that same position as a college student, trying to figure things out. Hearing from others can be really valuable, and even though everyone's journey is unique, I'm happy to share my experiences and hopefully help someone else find their way, discover what they want to do, or learn how to follow their passions.

Thinking back to that time, because you've now been with the ISA for over a decade – which is amazing, and something I want to touch on later – how confident did you feel as a student about your next steps? Or, on the other end of the spectrum, how lost did you feel? I hear that a lot from students: "I feel so lost. I have no idea what to do next." Where did you feel like you were at that stage of life?

Alex Reynolds: Definitely more on the "I have no idea" side of the scale than feeling like I had it all figured out. I studied marketing and communication, which gives you some specific skills, but overall it's pretty broad. There are tons of areas you can go into. Unlike, say, studying to be an electrical engineer with a very set path, business studies and communications offer so many opportunities – almost too many, maybe! So, it's pretty easy to feel lost as a student, and that's definitely where I was.

And how did you start to piece things together?

Alex Reynolds: Well, I'm a very passionate surfer – it's my favorite thing to do. So, I kind of followed that. Basically, two weeks after graduating, I moved to South Africa, to the other side of the world, for an internship with Christian Surfers. It was a missions organization that used surfing to connect with the community and offered a training program. It was totally different, but it aligned with what I loved and my desire to see more of the world. That really set me on my path, just mostly following what I was passionate about.

Now, you were also a volleyball player, right? Were you more passionate about surfing, and that's how you knew to go down that path?

Alex Reynolds: Yeah, I played volleyball in high school and college, and I enjoyed it. But I always surfed, and that was my biggest passion. Once I started working full-time, I reached a point where I felt like I had to choose if I wanted to be competitive in either sport. Since I still surf every day and don't play much volleyball, I think that was my deciding point – realizing I liked surfing more.

You mentioned graduating and then being off to another continent just two weeks later. Was that a planned move, or did the opportunity arise suddenly?

Alex Reynolds: No, I had kind of planned it during the latter part of my school career. I found the program, thought about it, prayed about it, talked to a lot of people, and went through a decision process. So, it wasn't a spontaneous thing. But I do vividly remember that feeling after graduation, with all the parties and friends around. Then, getting dropped off at the airport and right before getting on the flight, it hit me: "Wow, I'm moving to the other side of the world!" At that point, I was planning for six months – which turned into two years – but even six months felt like a huge step away from family and everything familiar. It was a big "whoa, this is actually happening" moment.

A major move! I would have been terrified. Now, the world of surfing, especially a program with a missions focus, feels very niche. Was it easy or difficult to find? Did it just land in your lap?

Alex Reynolds: I don't know how I found it exactly. Christian Surfers has chapters around the world. I wasn't involved beforehand, but I was a surfer and I'm a Christian, so I think I was just looking around online one day and came across it. Surfing missions in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa – one of the best surf spots in the world – sounded incredible, like a dream come true. I thought about it for a while and talked to my parents. Initially, they were like, "Yeah, that sounds cool, but you're getting a job after school, right?" So, it wasn't a clear path from the beginning. It was just something that tugged at my heart, and after a long time processing it, I finally decided to apply and go for it.

Once you landed there, the plan was six months, but it turned into two years. What happened?

Alex Reynolds: The program had a six-month leadership training component along with serving in the community, running after-school programs for kids, and working at surf contests. When I arrived, they handed me a stack of books for lectures and training, which I hadn't fully realized was part of it – I was more focused on the serving aspect. But it was three months of training and three months of serving. Afterward, I had the opportunity to continue working on staff with Christian Surfers for another year and a half, coordinating events and clubs in South Africa and all over Africa.

Looking back at that period, how does that experience relate to what you do day-to-day now?

Alex Reynolds: Actually, there's a lot of overlap. I didn't realize how much it would prepare me for my career. Connecting with surfers around the world and working on a lot of events are things I do now. So, it was preparing me in ways I didn't understand at the time, and now it feels really relevant.

Actually, the way I ended up in my current job is connected to that time. I met a guy running a surf camp in Liberia, West Africa. We exchanged emails and stayed in touch. He happened to be from the same place as me and had moved back and started working at the ISA. When I finished my time in South Africa and moved back without a clear next step, he called me out of the blue and told me about a job opening. That's how I ended up in this role.

So, it was someone you stayed in touch with, a connection you formed, and he kept you in mind when this role opened up. If I remember correctly, it wasn't for the director role initially, right? You worked your way up.

Alex Reynolds: Yeah, I started as a membership assistant, a very entry-level position, about ten and a half years ago. It really highlights the importance of connections with people who share your passions and interests. Networking really is about who you know, especially within your field. You never know what might come of those connections. In this case, we just had a shared interest in surfing, and that connection led to this opportunity.

That brings up a common question from students: How to keep up with connections and build relationships without it always being about seeking a job. Were you guys talking about surfing, about the programs you were involved in?

Alex Reynolds: Yeah, definitely just talking about surfing, what was happening with his program and mine, just keeping up. I think most connections won't turn into a job, but it's still valuable to network and stay connected, especially with shared interests. The surf world, while having many surfers, is also quite small compared to mainstream sports. It's good to nurture those connections.

Would you consider him a peer, a mentor, or at a different level initially?

Alex Reynolds: Originally, he was definitely a mentor to me. I started working under him and learned a lot. He's since moved on to a different role, and I've moved up into a director-type role. But yeah, I definitely learned a ton from him in the beginning.

Okay, so he was actually hiring, and he thought of you for it. Wow! Better than knowing someone at the company - you knew the hiring manager!

Something else that comes to mind is that once you landed this role, it seems like you really found your place. In my experience, very few people stay with a company for even a few years, let alone a decade-plus. That really stands out. We often talk about how organizations are designed for upward mobility, which can be tough if you love what you do in your current role. It's okay to stay where you are if it suits your strengths and brings fulfillment. Your long tenure suggests that. How do you see it?

Alex Reynolds: Yeah, I think for me, being passionate about what I do and believing in the mission of the organization makes you want to stay. When you care about something and can see the impact of your work – even if every day isn't perfect – it makes a big difference.

So, you really care about the mission. What is it about it that resonates with you most?

Alex Reynolds: I'm a big surfer, and I've seen firsthand the positive impact surfing can have on people's lives and how it grows communities and opportunities. Beyond just competition at an elite level, there's a whole lot to enjoy about it.

It's funny to hear you say "being a part of something at an elite level" with such a chill demeanor. You're responsible for a lot on a global scale with a small team. Can you tell me more about that?

Alex Reynolds: Yeah, our boss always says we're a small organization with a big heart. We have a lot of people who care deeply about it. It starts with our President, whose lifelong mission was to get surfing into the Olympics. He spent 25 years lobbying to make that happen, so that passion really trickles down. We have a core team, just a small group, but when we do big events, it's impressive to see what this small team can accomplish. Everyone is really passionate and works hard to see a big impact.

So, what would you say to students who might be aiming for the "big stuff" or might not realize the impact they could have within smaller organizations? What case would you make for considering smaller units where you could potentially make a significant impact?

Alex Reynolds: I think it comes down to what you, as a student, want to do. It's good to have an ideal job or trajectory in mind, but it doesn't always work out that way. It's also important to consider what you're interested in and what you can do, because not everyone lands their dream job right away. Knowing what you're passionate about, exploring options, and talking to people in that field are key. Most people are willing to have a conversation. I've spoken with students who've reached out for advice on how to get into the field. If you have the opportunity to travel and see the world, meet more people – especially if you're interested in international sport – that's a huge advantage. You learn a lot from those experiences. Take advantage of those opportunities while you have them. So, the biggest thing is figuring out your passions, talking to people in those fields, exploring similar options, networking, and, yes, following your passions. It might sound cliché, but it's definitely the right message.

I agree completely, and I don't think it gets said enough, especially in the competitive world of sports.

Alex Reynolds: Yeah, I think it's also true that there aren't always that many opportunities for the number of people who want to work in the field. So, you might not get your ideal job right away, but you can keep pursuing it, networking, and doing things on the side that work towards your goals.

I love that advice. I think it's going to land really well with someone who needs to hear it right now.

I wonder if there's something I should have asked you today that I didn't, something that would be good for a follow-up, or a key message you want to make sure gets across?

Alex Reynolds: For me, it's just that everyone is unique and has their own passions, especially in sports. So, don't give up on that passion. Just keep pursuing it and taking steps towards it. I think that would be my advice.

Alex's journey is a powerful reminder that following your passions, even if the path isn't always clear, can lead to incredible opportunities. His story underscores the often-underestimated value of genuine connections and the profound impact you can have within organizations driven by a strong mission. Whether you're dreaming of working in the "big leagues" or discovering the potential of smaller, specialized fields, Alex's insights offer the inspiration!

Have thoughts on any of this for Alex? DM me. I’d love to pass them along next time we chat.