Meet Cole Mangano

We were lucky to catch up with Cole Mangano recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cole, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?

-There is one specific image in my head from my childhood that I sort of use from time to time to help me push over those moments of indecisiveness. My father’s side has a history of Mental Health issues such as Depression. I have this one image of my Grandfather in my head; in his later age he would sit in a specific rocking chair that had its back to the wall and was able to see both entrances of the house. He always just read as scared or fearful to me. He was like that the last several years of his life. I remember at young age seeing that and choosing in my mind to not end up like that, fearful or scared. I sort of use that image of him in my head and it helps to motivate me to take the jump. There are risks in everything; changing jobs, moving, traveling, even telling people how you feel about them. There is great reward in those risks and I fully understand there is potential for loss as well. I have been homeless before, for a risk I took, but I built myself back up and in the long run it was a lesson that I learned. I would rather live a full life of lessons learned than opportunities missed. I feel that the chance of success with taking the risk outweighs the feeling of regret, for me at least. Taking the leap helps build your natural resilience as well. It allows you to overcome adversity, make new strategies for creative thinking and problem solving, and sometimes you will surprise yourself with what you are capable of! Also, surrounding yourself with positive people and healthy support systems always help and allows you to feel like you are not alone in the journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m from Brooklyn, New York but now reside in Portland, Maine. I have my Master’s in Military Psychology with my specialty in Resilience. I was an Adjunct Professor at a local community college back in New York, but after hurricane Sandy, I moved out of the city. Unfortunately, education right now does not cover the bills or the cost of living as much as I would like it to, so I am back in the Food and Beverage industry. There is no shame in that game! It has put me through school over three times and has covered all my costs. I am still counseling people, but now its just from behind the bar! I am hoping to open up a brew house and restaurant with a friend in the near future! Fully enjoying my life in food and beverage!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Adaptability, Confidence, and Optimism.

Adaptability- Things may not go your way, but that shouldn’t lead you to crumble or quit. Learning to adapt to different situations and problem solve in another capacity. I feel adaptable people aren’t intimidated by new environments or situations. They use their skills to anticipate change, adapt to it, and continue to flow with ease.

Confidence- Go with your gut, trust your own judgment and abilities, even in difficult situations. Confidence doesn’t mean you won’t ever feel unsure or scared, but when these feelings come, you believe you can and will overcome them.

Optimism- This one can be a bit more difficult at times, but to try and focus on possibilities and opportunities rather than dwelling on problems or negative outcomes. It helps me stay motivated, to find solutions for challenges, and maintain a hopeful perspective during difficult times. I feel it helps me look forward to challenges and opportunities with excitement instead of feelings of anxiety and dread.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

I think of this and tell this to people all the time. My family did not come from money by any means. My father’s side immigrated from Sicily and my mom’s side is from a very blue collar/working class region of Maine. They both worked in education with a local community college. My mom saved up some money and found a study abroad program when I was in high-school. She sent me to Madrid for the summer. I was 15 and terrified. I was making up excuses not to go but she kept repeating to me “…the best education is experience.” I am so entirely thankful that she pushed me on that plane and sent me. Of course at first I was nervous and very scared. It was the first time I left the country and I was doing it alone. Once I got there, got into my school program and found my beat with the city….I felt this unreal feeling of accomplishment. I was taking college courses, studying the language, had a side job and lived in an apartment with roommates. This gave me the confidence in myself that I am capable of tremendous things and learning to adapt to very different situations and customs. Changed my life and perspective on life forever.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.colemangano.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-mangano-145315149/
• Other: https://www.mastlandingbrewing.com/blog/onward-upward

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