Meet Michael Connor

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Connor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience? Surviving alcoholism/substance abuse and a heart attack gave me a perspective of playing with house money if you will I’ve been given second and third chances so i wanted to make them count being in Advertising for many years i developed a bit of a thick skin. Not sure if it’s ever thick enough though

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Well I worked in marketing and advertising for 40 some years. Always had a desire to just do art. but with a full time job and kids not a lot time. it wasn’t until 2016 that all changed. i had a heart attack and that ended my career. you know 62 and a heart condition was mot an ideal candidate for a advertising position.
my wife and I decided to take a huge leap of faith and move to a remote area along the Mendocino coast in California. It turned out to be perfect us both.
The Near Death Experience had started an obsession with creating art around that experience. Since 2017 i have had several shows in San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Jose, Gualala Ca. and Mendocino Ca. A partnership with a Poet John Allen Cann produced two books “Thresholds” and “Brevities. Haikus and Briefings”. in the near future we have book signing in September and October. i have a solo gallery showing in January 2026 and a Art Show following in September 2026.

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?

I guess never give up. Yah just never know how things will evolve. Sometimes the journey zig zags. Follow your heart in the chase but do what you need to do along the way. The career in Adverting gave me invaluable insight so maybe don’t discount any experience. Support from my wife and children were such wonderful gifts. So grateful them.

Trust what makes you feel right sized. Confidence is an inside job. Outside validation is what it is appreciated but not the critical need.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

The ideal client is one that wants what i do. I don’t generally do commissions because its usually chasing something that’s in their minds not mind. Life is to short. i want the freedom to chase my own interests. Obviously its not financially sound outlook but i’m okay with that.,

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