We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mickey Carolan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mickey, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
I wouldn’t go so far as to say I was confident from the cradle, but it was pretty close.
Being a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) definitely jumpstarted my confidence. Most kids don’t navigate grown-up communication until later, but for me, it was practically kindergarten. My memoir, “Mom Dad Not Hear,” even has a whole chapter dedicated to it, called “Heavy are the hands that form the signs.” It gives you a peek into my unique world as a CODA.
By four, I was fielding household phone calls. By eight, I was the family’s appointment whiz. And at twelve? I somehow wrangled my first car deal – for my parents, of course, acting as my dad’s voice.
Looking back, it’s clear these situations fueled my confidence. There was no “maybe later” – communication happened, and I was the bridge. So, by the time I hit adulthood, those tough conversations with grown-ups weren’t so scary. When I remember that, any imposter syndrome trying to sneak in just vanishes.
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?
I wear many hats. Family comes first. I prioritize being a husband, father, and son in all that I do.
Professionally, I lead a sales team for UPS, a career I’ve enjoyed for nearly twenty-five years.
After the children are asleep, I dedicate time to my publishing imprint, Third Culture Books. This may involve interviews like this or writing my next book.
On weekends, I take on the role of “first gentleman” at Method Salon in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a boutique salon beautifully created by my talented partner, Erin.
I’m also a public speaker who engages a wide range of audiences. From school author visits to corporate conferences, I share stories and lessons learned from growing up as a CODA, helping students and professionals lead, live, and love with purpose.
You can find me at https://www.mickeycarolan.com and on LinkedIn!
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?
Looking back, three qualities stand out as the most impactful in my journey: situational awareness, adaptability (being a chameleon), and a growth mindset.
Situational awareness, a skill I honed growing up as a CODA, has been invaluable. My Deaf parents forced me to become a keen observer, picking up on subtle cues – a light flicker, a hand gesture, a dropped object. This translates perfectly into leadership: paying close attention to nonverbal signals, making informed decisions based on all the available information, and adapting quickly. The best leaders anticipate problems before they arise, and this skill lets me do just that.
Some might scoff at “chameleon” as a positive trait. They see it as inauthentic, a call to be someone you’re not. But here’s the thing: should you be a one-trick pony or a master of many? The answer, as in most things, is “it depends.” My CODA upbringing demanded a versatile skillset, and the ability to excel in various roles. In this case, being a chameleon served me well.
Finally, my mindset. Grit, consistency, and drive are my cornerstones. It’s like compound interest – small, daily efforts yield massive results over time. But consistency requires grit and drive to push through inevitable setbacks.
Here’s the magic formula: be observant, adapt to your environment, and cultivate a relentless growth mindset. That’s the recipe for success, no matter your journey.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Loyalty. That’s one of the biggest gifts my parents gave me. They lived it, breathed it, and practically wore it on their sleeves.
Nearly eighty years combined at their jobs – that’s dedication! They were fiercely loyal to their companies, and more importantly, to what those companies provided for our family. That sense of loyalty is a major reason I’ve been with the same organization for twenty-five years and counting.
But their loyalty wasn’t just to work. Forty years of marriage, through thick and thin. That’s the kind of partnership (with a few modifications) I aspire to with my wife. Sure, marriage isn’t always sunshine and roses, but I sure do love my wife!
And let’s not forget loyalty to the home team! Being a Michigander, I’ve seen my share of wins and losses. But we bleed our team colors, win or lose. Maybe someday, just maybe, the Lions and Tigers will roar to the championship!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MickeyCarolan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolanonmymind/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090560256169
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickeycarolan
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/carolanonmymind
