The Invisible Mentor

Archive for January, 2010

There is so much going on around us that it is very hard not to feel overwhelmed. We have too much to do at work, and too much information to process. I have been looking at this blog and there is a lot of good content here. I have experimented with breaking up interviews and combining them in novel ways and I have gotten some positive feedback.

I want to enhance the user experience so I am exploring ways to better mine the data by doing textual analysis to provide bite-sized pieces of information that is more easily digested. This is critical for the interviews where we have good original content. All of us, myself included will benefit.  I will also be emphasizing ways in which you can apply the information to your life. What are your thoughts? Do you have suggestions for me? I would welcome them.

And if you are feeling overwhelmed by life, do what I do and just take it one day at a time or one step at a time. A few years ago I was working on a project and I was feeling stressed and overwhelmed so I did what I usually do and broke down the projects into tasks. I focused only on one task at a time, and in no time the project was completed. I am sure that this tip will work equally well for you. Multitasking doesn’t work for most people, so focus on one thing at a time and that thing should be what’s most important to you at that instant.

Let’s keep the conversation flowing, please comment. Many readers read this blog from other sites, so why don’t you pop over to The Invisible Mentor and subscribe (top on the left side) by email or RSS Feed. I created a Mini Learning Toolkit and you can grab a copy by clicking here.

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Your Invisible Mentor: Michael McCleary

Company: Live Unconditional

Website: http://www.mikemccleary.com/

We present part two of Michael McLeary’s interview today, and part two is as informative as part one. These interviewees are truly invisible mentors in every sense of the meaning. They are unique leaders who we can learn things from. What would happen if we combined the wisdom, wisdom and experiences of all the invisible mentors? What are your thoughts? Let’s read Michael’s interview and learn as much from him as we can.

Avil Beckford: Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Michael McCleary: I tell extraordinary stories for a living. It’s the best career I’ve ever had. What do I mean by telling stories? Well I own a video production/new media/web company about 2 hours north of Detroit, MI. Recently, I also had the opportunity to finish my first feature length documentary, An Anything But Ordinary Journey, with my business partner Casey Turner in October of 2009. I spent over 4 years on the project, interviewing people across the US and Canada on the meaning of success. So whether it’s making films, or serving clients through our business, it’s all about sharing extraordinary stories with the world and that is extremely satisfying.

Avil Beckford: As an Invisible Mentor, what is one piece of advice that you would give to readers?

Michael McCleary: Find your passion and purpose. I believe we were all empowered with a gift to give to the world. I’d like to emphasize the words gift and give. When we give of ourselves and our talents freely to others, amazing things occur. This doesn’t mean what you always do is free, but find ways to give back. It not only makes you feel good but also those you affect. When you wrap the concept of giving around what it is you have a passion for, you find moments of joy that are truly amazing and almost unexplainable. If you don’t feel you have found a purpose or passion, begin that search now!

Avil Beckford: How do you integrate your personal and professional life?

Michael McCleary: Sometimes it’s hard but really my professional life is almost an extension of my personal and vice-versa. I love making connections and friends. If you are a client, I really do consider you a friend. It’s not what I can get from you but what can I give to you.

Avil Beckford: What’s a major regret that you’ve had in life?

Michael McCleary: Not always finishing what I’ve started. I love starting things, finishing a few times hasn’t always been the easiest. One of my resolutions this year is to go through and tie up any loose strings I have in my life.

Avil Beckford: What are five life lessons that you have learned so far?

Michael McCleary: 

1. Find your Passion, you have a gift so find joy in using it.
2. Truly experience gratitude and be thankful for what you have been blessed with in your life.
3. Persevere even when it looks like there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
4.  Be willing to make a Change, even when it may be difficult.
5. Find your Faith, whether it be in God, friends or family; faith is the power that will keep you going.

Avil Beckford: When you have some down time, how do you spend it?

Michael McCleary: Down time, what’s down time? Actually, I’m a notorious web surfer. I love reading news. I’m also a Facebook addict. Yes I admit it, I enjoy social media! I also just really enjoy spending time with friends and family and long drives in the summer.

Avil Beckford: What process do you use to generate great ideas?

Michael McCleary: I generally don’t have a process, in fact when I force it, it’s harder for me. I’ve been blessed that ideas often just pop into my head out of thin air so I take the time to write them down before I forget. If I really need to find an idea or solution, I’ll actually go out and do something fun and non work related and those are the times I have the best insights.

Avil Beckford: What’s your favourite quotation and why?

Michael McCleary: Only 1? I guess I’m going to break the rules and give you 2…
“Don’t ask what the world needs, ask what makes you come alive and go do that. Because what the world needs is more people that have come alive.”
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

Avil Beckford: How do you define success?

Michael McCleary: Find your purpose and passion. When you do that and find joy in your life, no matter what society may deem success for you, your life, that is success because you are doing what you are supposed to do.

In your opinion what’s the formula for success?

Michael McCleary: It’s different for every one. Watch my film, An Anything But Ordinary Journey http:/www.anythingbutordinary.net. Yes, this is a bit of shameful self promotion, but the film follows my journey to find out what it really means to be successful and has so many nuggets of wisdom from a wide range of people. It answers this question.

Avil Beckford: What are the steps you took to succeed in your field?

Michael McCleary: The big thing was really to make a decision that I was going to commit to my career choice and continue to pursue it even when times were tough. By taking committed steps of action towards a goal, the path becomes clear, even when at first it doesn’t appear to be.

Avil Beckford: What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?

Michael McCleary: I recommend getting some work as a production assistant on various productions. Work for free and find out if you really like it. If you have an opportunity, I strongly recommend finding a quality film school. There is so much to learn. I’m blessed with a natural aptitude for this, but I really want to eventually go to school myself.

Avil Beckford: If trusted friends could introduce you to five people that you’ve always wanted to meet, who would you choose? And what would you say to them?

Michael McCleary: I’d ask mostly a lot of questions… My life has been one giant interview with people about success and life. This would be no different.

Which one book had a profound impact on your life? What was it about this book that impacted you so deeply? Did you have an emotional or intellectual attachment to this book? Why?

NMichael McCleary: ow Boarding Next Stop Your Remarkable Life by Kandee G. I don’t just say this because my friend and mentor wrote the book but because it was one of the first self-help books that I’ve ever read that not only put large concepts in simple language but also did it in a clear and easily readable format.

Avil Beckford: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what are five books that you would like to have with you and why? Summarize the book in two sentences.

Michael McCleary: This is hard because I only really like reading books once. I’d have to say The Bible, because I’ve never read it all the way through, second it’s has a diverse set of stories, concepts and ideas, third, it’s huge. I could meditate on many of the ideas therein for a long time. Otherwise, there is nothing that has caught my attention that I haven’t read that I want to. One other way to solve this would be to ask my friend Steve for recommendations on 4 other books, he’s a voracious reader and could pick some great ones for me.

Avil Beckford: Have you read any books that inspired you to start a business, service or invent “something”? If yes, which book?

Michael McCleary: Tony Robbins Unlimited Power really encouraged me to find my purpose and go after it. I’m definitely a Robbins fan.

Avil Beckford: What one music CD and movie would you like to have with you (on the deserted island) and why?

Michael McCleary: My tastes constantly change, but right now for an album, independent rock group AG Silver and their album Wake Up and Smell Reality. Movie? I have so many favorites. Probably Star Wars, but that could change tomorrow.

Avil Beckford: What excites you about life?

Michael McCleary: I have an opportunity everyday to do something I love and to help change people’s lives and organizations for the better. Everyday brings something new. It brings new opportunities, friends and experiences. I can’t wait to see what will happen each day.

Avil Beckford: How do you nurture your soul?

Michael McCleary: Simply taking time out and being with myself or sharing thoughts and ideas with friends. Simple conversation is very relaxing for my soul.

Avil Beckford: If you had a personal genie and she gave you one wish, what would you wish for? Or, if I gave you a magic wand, what would you use it for?

Michael McCleary: That everyone would find a POSITIVE purpose and passion in their life. If everyone could do that, there would be little need for arguments, wars and disagreements.

Avil Beckford: Complete the following, I am happy when.….

Michael McCleary: I hear that I did something to encourage someone else to pursue their passion.

How can you apply Michael’s interview? Which aspects resonated with you?

Let’s keep the conversation flowing, please comment. Many readers read this blog from other sites, so why don’t you pop over to The Invisible Mentor and subscribe (top on the left side) by email or RSS Feed.

You can pre-order Anything But Ordinary by clicking here.

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Do you ever enter contests? For the past 2 1/2 years I have been entering competitions and I have won a few. I have lost more than I have won, but for the writing competitions, just by entering, my writing has improved. No one likes losing, including me, but I still enter them.

In September 2009 I saw a notice to enter a contest to rewrite Sleeping Beauty for the launch of Enchanted Conversation, a blogazine. I went to the website and there were various ways to rewrite the fairy tale and I chose to rewrite it from the perspective of the villainess. While I was working on my submission, I was laughing and enjoying the experience and I understood what Joseph Campbell meant by following your bliss. I enjoy writing and I get better as I practice my craft. What are your thoughts, is this the same for you? Are you following your bliss?

I was one of the winners of the contest and the Enchanted Conversation website went live on January 1, 2010. Read my version, Sleeping Beauty Unplugged and let me know what you think. Do you enter competitions. If yes, why do you enter them? What are your best sites to find competitions?

If you’d like to enter a few competitions, here is a website that I frequent:

Prize Magic

Also, Hope Clark has a weekly ezine where she announces competitions, and freelance opportunities, see her website at http://www.fundsforwriters.com.  And, Gary McLaren also announces competitions in his ezine  Worldwide Freelance http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/

Let’s keep the conversation flowing, please comment. Many readers read this blog from other sites, so why don’t you pop over to The Invisible Mentor and subscribe (top on the left side) by email or RSS Feed. I created a Mini Learning Toolkit and you can grab a copy by clicking here.

Photo credit: Via Apture

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Your Invisible Mentor: Michael McCleary

Company: Live Unconditional

Website: http://www.mikemccleary.com/

I conduct these interviews as much for myself as I do for you. I learn so much from these highly accomplished individuals. I was moved by portions of Michael’s interview and I am sure you will too. The interviewees are usually asked the same questions.  I liked his response to how mentors influenced his life “What most people don’t realize is that they have mentors around them all the time and they probably don’t realize it.  Our friends, family, employers, co-workers, writers, God.  They are all there influencing us every day, in ways we often don’t understand or grasp.”

What are your thoughts?

Avil Beckford: Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Michael McCleary: I tell extraordinary stories for a living.  It’s the best career I’ve ever had.  What do I mean by telling stories? Well I own a video production/new media/web company about 2 hours north of Detroit, MI. Recently, I also had the opportunity to finish my first feature length documentary, An Anything But Ordinary Journey, with my business partner Casey Turner in October of 2009. I spent over 4 years on the project, interviewing people across the US and Canada on the meaning of success.  So whether it’s making films, or serving clients through our business, it’s all about sharing extraordinary stories with the world and that is extremely satisfying.

Avil Beckford: What’s a typical day like for you?

Michael McCleary: That’s a good question. It really varies and that’s what I love about what I do. Some days I’m on the road filming a project or meeting with current or future clients. Other days it is making sure everything is being taken care of in the office or spending time brainstorming and editing projects with Casey. I’m also primarily responsible for graphic design and web design in our company so that may also keep me in the office. Everything we do however is custom designed for our clients, and we ensure that their brand shows through, the benefit for me is I get out of the office a lot to film, photograph, etc. I also do my best to take time to workout regularly and of course there is always family time.

Avil Beckford: How do you motivate yourself and stay motivated?

Michael McCleary: I find projects I love to do. I’m fascinated by different people, thoughts, locations and industries, so this career is perfect for me. Things are always different and on the move and that is something that keeps me motivated. The recent completion of this film has also provided an additional level of motivation. I’ve seen and talked with people who have had a life changing experience after watching our film. They are now taking a more proactive role in shaping the life they want.  How can you not be motivated to know that what you are doing is making people’s lives better?

Avil Beckford: If you had to start over from scratch, knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?

Michael McCleary: There are some things I would do differently, but on the other hand, my life experiences have made me who I am today.  That may sound like a cop-out, but it’s true.  If I had to pick a few “somethings” that I would give advice for others to do or do differently, I’d recommend taking school more seriously.  I did fine in university, but was by no means the top of my class.  I was always active in various clubs and organizations.  I sometimes let schoolwork slip and I realize how important that is now, simply learning the discipline to create good work habits early.

Avil Beckford: What’s the most important business (or other) discovery you’ve made in the past year?

Michael McCleary: I’m good enough and have something unique to share with the world.  I’ve always looked at other companies and been somewhat envious.  I’ve also looked at other individuals the same way.  I’d look at myself and have a bit of a complex on whether I looked good enough, or was smart enough, or wise enough.  I realize now I have a fascinating story, and a unique set of skills that many people would kill for.  I know I can hang with the big boys now, and that was the biggest thing I had to realize.

Avil Beckford: What’s one of the biggest advances in your industry over the past five years?

Michael McCleary: Digital technology for not only recording video/film, but also editing and storage.  Technology has come so far that it has evened the playing field much more in regards to the quality of an image you can capture compared to those with much more expensive equipment.  It has put pressure on the income you can generate from clients because anyone with decent equipment is out there promising the world.  Can they necessarily deliver it, no.  This also places an additional burden of proof on producers that we can offer something unique for our clients, and a much more experienced understanding of their needs.

Avil Beckford: What are the three threats to your business, your success, and how are you handling them?

Michael McCleary: As I noted before, 1. The introduction of quality cameras at near consumer prices.  2. Powerful video editing software is now available for virtually any computer that can allow any consumer to create powerful videos.  3. The downturn in the US and particularly the Michigan economy has also made finding new projects more difficult.  What we have found with problems 1 and 2 is to demonstrate the quality we bring to a project and also to demonstrate to potential clients that making their own video that will get consumers to buy their product is not all that easy.  We’ve attacked our third problem by diversifying and doing more projects outside of Michigan in Canada, Florida and others.

Avil Beckford: What’s unique about the service that you provide?

Michael McCleary: We take the time to understand our client, their needs, mission and their branding. By doing that, all of our web, graphic design and video work looks professional and like them.  It exudes their organization.  We don’t just make a video for a video’s sake, but to share their extraordinary story.  All companies have a story, and that’s what clients want to know.

In regards to our recent foray into filmmaking and mine into speaking, we have a unique vision of success.  Instead of interviewing people that most everyone knows, I chose unknown people, like your neighbors, who also have fascinating, compelling, extraordinary stories and outlooks on life to share.  Through the creation of our company and this film, I’ve come to realize success is much more than the tangible value we often assign to it.

Avil Beckford: What do you observe most people in your field doing badly that you think you do well?

Michael McCleary: Getting a message across and making it stick.  In our industry I often find people will spend a lot of money for a video that doesn’t tell the viewer anything related to the message they were trying to send, or doesn’t encourage consumers why they should purchase the product or service.  It’s one thing to make a flashy, pretty, even artistic video, it’s another to create something that is effective and encourages a buying decision.

Avil Beckford: Describe a major business (or other) challenge you had and how you resolved it.

Michael McCleary: When I got into this industry I didn’t have the experience or funding to do things the right way on my own.  So I found others who had that experience and were open to finding unique ways to partner.  I’ve found that if you really want to do something but don’t have a lot of your needs (whether that is money, experience, etc.), I encourage others to do it anyway.  Take meaningful steps towards what it is you want to accomplish and resources will show up in strange ways.  But you have to take daily steps of faith and persevere even when times look impossible.

Avil Beckford: What lessons did you learn in the process?

Michael McCleary: I’ve learned success is much more than your bank account or big things.  Success is the little things we get right every day.  It’s about following through and finishing what you start.  It’s about relationships and time with loved ones.  It’s about finding that happy place inside each one of us, a place where you know that if you checked out of this life tomorrow, you are proud of what you have accomplished so far.

Avil Beckford: Tell me about your big break and who gave you.

Michael McCleary: I’ve had a lot of big breaks.  There are three that stick out to me.  My first was in 9th grade my coach selecting me for the 9th grade basketball team.  I was probably the least talented or skilled of anyone who tried out, but I worked harder than all of them.  I’d never made a team before, I’d always been cut, but I had persevered, every summer shooting baskets all summer long and going to camps.  When I finally made that team, it showed me that hard work really was rewarded.  I’ve never forgotten that.

The second had to be meeting my mentor Kandee G during the interview process for my film.  She gave me my first opportunity to work in the speaking business and an inside understanding of the industry I never could have without her help.

The Third was our first video client, Cooperative Elevator Company.  They took a chance on a new company and a pair of kids in their 20’s to create a high quality video with a decent budget who had little in regards to a portfolio.  I’ll always be thankful to them for believing in us.

Avil Beckford: Describe one of your biggest failures. What lessons did you learn, and how did it contribute to a greater success?

Michael McCleary: I pissed off and lost a pretty important client.  I over committed and took on a part of the project I even knew at the time I shouldn’t.  But I always love to tell a client we can do anything, and we virtually always deliver.  This time wasn’t the case, and I blew future jobs from the company.  I learned never to over-promise, and more importantly, keep to areas of the project you know best.  There is nothing wrong with stretching and doing something you don’t always do, but of all things, don’t over-promise in an area that is not your strong suit.

Avil Beckford: What has been your biggest disappointment in your life – and what are you doing to prevent its reoccurrence?

Michael McCleary: I really try not to get overly disappointed and just live life’s dance.  There certainly times I do get disappointed and when I do, I like to take time to analyze where I made a mistake and how not to do it again.  Then I let it go, life’s not worth getting an ulcer over, we have too many blessings in our lives.  Even if it’s just to be thankful for breathing, that means we are alive and have an opportunity to make future days better.

Avil Beckford: What’s one of the toughest decisions you’ve had to make and how did it impact your life?

Michael McCleary: The decision to quit the corporate merry-go-round.  I was very unhappy with my life because I felt my life had little meaning and purpose.  I knew I wasn’t doing what I was supposed to be doing.  On the other hand it was quite scary to give up that guaranteed paycheck every two weeks.  Leaving and starting my own business has been one of the best decisions of my life after I got over my fear.

Avil Beckford: What are three events that helped to shape your life?

Michael McCleary: 1.Getting married and having three kids.  Nothing really prepares you for that.  I’ve been blessed, even when times aren’t always perfect.  2. Starting my company, Beacon Media.  I’ve learned so much from being my own boss and found some of the things I’ve been searching for in life.  3. Taking the time to make this documentary film and sticking with it.  4 years is a long time on one project, but I made a commitment to not start another pet project until this one was done.  That sense of discipline had a profound impact on my life along with everything I learned from the process of interviewing 20 extraordinary individuals. I liked this response about mentors “What most people don’t realize is that they have mentors around them all the time and they probably don’t realize it.  Our friends, family, employers, co-workers, writers, God.  They are all there influencing us every day, in ways we often don’t understand or grasp.

Avil Beckford: What’s an accomplishment that you are proudest of?

Michael McCleary: I could say my children, but I think in the end, right now, I’m proudest of this film.  It really is an expression and culmination of everything I’ve learned so far in my life (including lessons learned from my children).  It has had a positive effect on virtually everyone who has seen it.  Can I ask for anything more?

Avil Beckford: How did mentors influence your life?

Michael McCleary: Immensely.  I’ve learned mentors are one of, if not the most important factor for finding a measure of success in life.  What most people don’t realize is that they have mentors around them all the time and they probably don’t realize it.  Our friends, family, employers, co-workers, writers, God.  They are all there influencing us every day, in ways we often don’t understand or grasp.

Avil Beckford: What’s one core message you received from your mentors?

Michael McCleary: Every day is a valuable gift from God.  If you aren’t doing what brings you joy in your life right now, you better start looking for it.

We are not promised a tomorrow, only a “right now”.  So pursue your dreams and passions now before you don’t wake up one day and it’s too late.

Avil Beckford: Which resources (books, movies, training etc.) did your mentors recommend to you?

Michael McCleary: Some good books I can think of off the bat (in no particular order), How to Win Friends and Influence People, Think and Grow Rich, The Bible, Now Boarding: Next Stop Your Remarkable Life and so many more…

Avil Beckford: As an Invisible Mentor, what is one piece of advice that you would give to readers?

Michael McCleary: Find your passion and purpose.  I believe we were all empowered with a gift to give to the world.  I’d like to emphasize the words gift and give.  When we give of ourselves and our talents freely to others, amazing things occur.  This doesn’t mean what you always do is free, but find ways to give back.  It not only makes you feel good but also those you affect.  When you wrap the concept of giving around what it is you have a passion for, you find moments of joy that are truly amazing and almost unexplainable.  If you don’t feel you have found a purpose or passion, begin that search now!

How can you apply Michael’s interview? Which aspects resonated with you?

Let’s keep the conversation flowing, please comment. Many readers read this blog from other sites, so why don’t you pop over to The Invisible Mentor and subscribe (top on the left side) by email or RSS Feed.

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I am not a fan of rap music, but the words “Oh, I’ve been traveling down this road too long, too long, just trying to find my way back home, back home, the old me is dead and gone, dead and gone,” from the song Dead and Gone by TI featuring Justin Timberlake resonated with me. I feel like over the past two years I somehow lost my way. Have you ever felt that way?

I decided to start over, and the old me is dead and gone, and now there is the new and improved me.  What do you do when your life isn’t quite working the way you’d like? Do you keep going down the same path? Or do you implement band-aid solutions, or do you perform a major overhaul? It takes courage to let go of the person you used to me, and it’s quite scary. The Invisible Mentor blog helps you to be the best you, and there are times when you have to let go of the old, and welcome the new. Is the old you dead and gone?

Let’s keep the conversation flowing, please comment. Many readers read this blog from other sites, so why don’t you pop over to The Invisible Mentor and subscribe (top on the left side) by email or RSS Feed. I created a Mini Learning Toolkit and you can grab a copy by clicking here.

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