Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathi Reichel.

Hi Kathi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

I truly believe that everything we do today has roots in childhood. When I look back, I remember dancing and singing around the house, putting on performances for my family, entertaining them. The truth was always there—I just never fully grasped it.

As we grow up, outside influences start to shape our choices, making some dreams feel unrealistic. For me, acting always seemed unreachable, almost silly—something I longed for as a child but never truly considered as a real possibility. Especially coming from a small town in Germany, where the arts and entertainment industry were never really fostered, the idea of pursuing acting felt out of reach.

I’ll skip ahead ten years because I’ve already shared the struggles that led me down paths where I felt disconnected from my purpose. But everything changed when I came to the States. Something clicked. During an internship, I took my first acting class, and suddenly, I felt alive again. I became that little kid once more—performing, goofing around, seeing the world with curiosity. And I never wanted it to stop.

So, I took the leap. I completed an acting conservatory at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute and am now on OPT (Optional Practical Training) as an actor—auditioning, learning lines, and shooting little projects. ;)

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Oh, my road has definitely not been smooth—haha—but honestly, that would make life so boring and predictable. If everything had been easy and clear from the start, I would have always known my next step. I wouldn’t have seen all the different paths surrounding me, leading to new discoveries.

In my last interview here, I talked about struggling with depression—how it led me to study film and push through three years of something I didn’t enjoy. And yet, that was exactly the road I needed to take. I grew from that experience, and without it, I wouldn’t have found the path that ultimately led me here. A beautiful poem that encapsulates this is The Path by Edgar A. Guest, where he speaks about embracing one’s current journey without looking back on old ones with regret.

The struggles I faced on all those other roads were essential—they forced me to grow, to change, and to learn so much about who I am and who I’m becoming. Even the path I’m on now is incredibly bumpy, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. I still struggle with depressive episodes, moments of zero motivation, and intrusive thoughts that make me question everything I’m doing. Sometimes, it feels like I’m just treading through mud, wishing there were an actual road beneath my feet.

But that’s exactly what keeps me pushing and working hard. If I were constantly walking on smooth roads, I’d lose track of time—everything would feel the same, and I’d just keep moving in one direction. The struggle is what shapes me. And honestly, I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I am an actor, but what I do changes from day to day.

Over the years, I’ve realized how much we attach our identity to what we do. I was listening to a podcast the other day with Derek Sivers, and it was so funny—when people asked him what he does, he would just reply, “I don’t know,” to throw them off. It always led to much deeper, more interesting conversations.

So yes, I identify as an actor, but my daily life is constantly shifting. And honestly, I find it incredibly—incrediblyyy—difficult to name things I’m proud of. That’s something I need to work on. But when I take a step back, I realize just how proud and even more grateful I am to be living in NYC, pursuing my dream and purpose.

What sets me apart is that I don’t have a 9-to-5. Being in a creative field and essentially your own boss means every day looks different. It’s exciting—but also nerve-wracking when you see everyone around you heading to their steady jobs. I wouldn’t want it any other way, yet it’s still hard not to compare yourself to those following the path society laid out.

But at the end of the day, this is my path. And I’m choosing to walk it.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?

I think networking is essential for creatives since this industry thrives on collaboration. I’m still working on my networking skills, but the best advice I can give is simple: just reach out. You have nothing to lose by sending a quick message, and if they reply, you can always ask for a coffee chat or even just a piece of advice.

I also believe that mentors can be found anywhere! I especially love podcasts and books because they’re (almost) free resources filled with incredible knowledge. There are so many amazing podcasts featuring hours-long conversations with brilliant guests, and you can absorb their insights like a sponge. If someone resonates with you, you can dive deeper—read their book, watch interviews, explore their work.

We’re so lucky to live in a time where an endless amount of knowledge is right at our fingertips. All we have to do is reach for it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: kaddl_r
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathi-reichel

Image Credits

Miguel Laranjera
Thomas Pedro