Joe studied English and Drama, specialising in Politics between 1988 and 1991. He then obtained his Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at the University of Keele in 1992.

Following graduation, he embarked on a successful teaching career spanning over 25 years across London and South America. During this time, he held several departmental leadership positions and collaborated with Middlesex University to develop a teacher training programme.

In addition to his academic pursuits, he also spent over a decade teaching swing dancing in London. After leaving teaching, he set up a training and career coaching company and worked for several public and private enterprises, providing bespoke training and coaching services.