Meet Mike Ganino

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mike Ganino. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mike below.

Hi Mike, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

There’s this moment that’s etched into my mind—it was one of the first times I stepped into a high-stakes corporate gig as a speaker. I remember standing backstage, watching executives file in, clutching their coffees, flipping through slides on their phones. The little voice in my head whispered, “Why are you here? They’re smarter. They’ve got MBAs and decades of experience.”

The pressure to be “perfect” was overwhelming. I had convinced myself that the only way to belong in that room was to fit into their mold: buttoned-up, precise, completely flawless. I tried to match that energy—kept my voice low, my humor in check, my presence small. And you know what? It flopped. People nodded politely, but I knew I wasn’t memorable. I left that day feeling defeated.

Then came the moment of realization: trying to be “perfect” wasn’t just impossible—it was boring. My strength wasn’t in blending in. It was in standing out. I wasn’t just a speaker—I was a director of moments, someone who could guide people to experience stories rather than just hear them. The people who loved my work didn’t come to me because I was polished; they came because I was unapologetically alive on stage.

The next time I walked into a similar room, I made a promise to myself: I would be the most “me” I could be. I leaned into my storytelling, made space for pauses, trusted my voice to fill the room. I didn’t need a script to prove my worth—I needed presence. And this time? I didn’t just deliver a talk. I owned the room.

What I’ve learned since that day is that imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear because you’ve figured it all out—it shrinks the more you own your story. It’s not about being fearless. It’s about showing up messy but real. People don’t remember the most polished person in the room—they remember the one who made them feel something.

That’s one of the reasons I wrote my book — Make A Scene. There are too many brilliant people stuck behind “perfect” presentations and prescribed formulas that don’t fit their voice. My goal is to help people step into their story in a way that’s raw, magnetic, and unforgettable—to walk into every room, not as who they think they’re “supposed” to be, but as exactly who they are.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

At the core of everything I do is this simple truth: stories are how we connect, build trust, and create lasting impact. Whether I’m working with a speaker preparing for a keynote, a leader honing their message, or a creator showing up on video, my role isn’t just to coach them—it’s to direct them toward their most authentic, unforgettable performance.

I call what I do “story directing.” I’m not interested in polishing cookie-cutter speeches or turning people into stiff versions of themselves. Instead, I guide them in refining their stories, using their voice, physicality, and energy to create a performance that leaves a lasting impression. There’s a magic in watching someone step fully into their story—when they stop trying to impress and start trusting their presence.

What’s special about my work is that it doesn’t end at words on a page or a set of presentation slides. I focus on embodiment—how someone takes up space, how they use their voice to pull the audience in, and how they tell stories that spark action. It’s the difference between delivering a message and becoming the message.

This vision is what’s driving my next big chapter: my upcoming book — Make A Scene: Storytelling, Stage Presence, and the Art of Being Unforgettable. It’s not just a resource for storytelling—it’s a guide for stepping into your power as a communicator, whether you’re on a stage, behind a camera, or speaking to a room of two. The book shares my framework for crafting stories that resonate and performing them in a way that’s completely aligned with who you are.

In addition to the book, I’m excited to be expanding my in-person work through live events and workshops where people can experience the power of storytelling transformation in real time. There’s something extraordinary about being in a room with someone, seeing them take the stage, and making small but pivotal shifts that create an unforgettable moment for their audience.

Ultimately, my mission is simple: I want to help people step into their stories and show up as their fullest, most expressive selves. When you own your story, you don’t just connect—you lead. And I believe the world is craving more leaders who show up real, raw, and ready.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’ve learned that the way we grow into ourselves—whether as storytellers, entrepreneurs, or creators—is shaped by a combination of skills and self-awareness. These are the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey:

1. Owning Your Voice (Even When It Feels Messy)
Why It Mattered: Early in my career, I thought I had to speak like the “experts” I admired to be taken seriously. But trying to sound like someone else only diluted my impact. The moment I realized that my quirks, humor, and boldness were assets was when things started to shift. Audiences responded to the real me—not a curated version.

Advice: Embrace what makes your voice distinct—whether it’s your sense of humor, your energy, or your unique lens on the world. Don’t worry about being “perfect.” Get messy, experiment, and remember that your audience will resonate with your authenticity more than your polish.

2. The Power of Story as Connection
Why It Mattered: I used to think that success was about information—having the smartest, most well-crafted points. But the truth is, humans don’t connect to bullet points; they connect to stories. Once I started sharing stories that reflected not only triumphs but also stumbles and pivots, I became someone people trusted.

Advice: No matter what field you’re in, practice weaving storytelling into your communication. Start small—share a meaningful experience in meetings, social posts, or conversations. Stories invite people into your world and make your message unforgettable.

3. Learning to Be Directed (Before Becoming a Director)
Why It Mattered: Before I could become a director of storytelling, I had to learn how to take feedback without letting my ego get in the way. There’s a magic that happens when you’re willing to be adjusted and shaped by others—it makes your ideas sharper and your work stronger.

Advice: Find mentors or trusted peers who can give you honest feedback, and approach that feedback with curiosity rather than defensiveness. The goal isn’t to be “right” all the time—it’s to create something that resonates. Being coachable is an underrated superpower.

Final Thought:
Whether you’re early in your journey or refining your craft, remember that growth isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about stepping into who you already are, piece by piece. When you embrace your voice, master storytelling, and stay open to feedback, you don’t just grow—you become unforgettable.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I’ve thought about this question a lot—especially as someone who works with storytellers and speakers who often feel pressured to “fix” the things they’re not great at. My philosophy? Go all in on your strengths. Here’s why.

Early in my career, I spent so much time trying to become more “well-rounded.” I wanted to be better at all the things I wasn’t naturally strong at—whether that was sticking to rigid structures or writing lengthy scripts in advance. But the more I focused on fixing perceived weaknesses, the less I focused on what made me exceptional: my ability to see the heart of a story and direct someone toward a powerful performance.

The truth is, I’m not the type of coach who will give you a step-by-step checklist of things to memorize—and I don’t have to be. What I’m world-class at is helping people step fully into their presence, refine their stories, and own the stage in a way that’s unforgettable. Once I embraced that strength, my work stopped feeling like a fight and started feeling like a flow.

That’s not to say you should ignore areas where you can grow, but growth doesn’t have to mean being great at everything. Sometimes, it’s about delegating the things that drain you so you can double down on what makes you brilliant.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success often comes from the things that feel the most “you.” So instead of chasing what’s missing, lean into what’s already working—and go all in.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mikeganino.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeganino
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeganino
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeganino

Image Credits

@studiocaseyjames
@layramarz