We were lucky to catch up with Mike Cardan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Mike, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding purpose has been a long journey for me, and honestly, it still is. But I’ve realized that when you can do something for hours without feeling drained, there’s something meaningful in that. For me, that’s photography and cinematography. I genuinely love the process, from the technical side to the emotional storytelling. Even in my free time, I’m thinking about how to get better, how to push the camera in new ways, and how to see differently. I love sharing what I create with the world. There’s purpose in capturing something raw, whether it’s beauty, truth, or even discomfort and knowing it might make someone else feel something they didn’t expect”
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
In January 2024, I founded Valley Productions LLC…something I had envisioned for a long time. It’s more than a business to me; it’s a passion I pursue every day. My focus is on creating meaningful content, starting with interviews that spotlight creative individuals in business and the arts. I’m also expanding into short films and, in the near future, documentary work. A major driver behind this endeavor is the desire to support others who are just starting out, people facing the same questions I once had: ‘Where do I begin?’ and ‘How can I achieve what I envision?’ While there’s plenty of information online, I wanted to contribute something more personal—real stories, real insights, and a platform that helps others move forward.
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 that had the greatest impact on my journey were professionalism, reliability, and genuine passion for the craft. Being professional, whether in communication, collaboration, or creative execution—builds long-term trust. Punctuality may seem small, but consistently showing up on time reflects discipline and respect for others’ time. And above all, loving what you do fuels growth and resilience, especially when things get tough.
For those just starting out, I’d suggest nurturing these qualities intentionally. Take your work seriously, treat every project like it matters, and surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Passion will sustain you—but professionalism and consistency will set you apart
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned the value of stepping back and creating space to reset. Often that means traveling to a place that brings me peace…whether it’s the beach or somewhere quiet that helps me disconnect. Changing my environment allows me to reflect on how far I’ve come and realign with what truly matters. From there, I try to look at my situation from a third-party perspective, imagining the advice I’d give to a loved one facing the same challenge. That shift gives me clarity and reminds me to approach myself with the same patience and care I’d offer others. It’s a way of grounding myself so I can move forward with more intention and perspective
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mikecardan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikecardan
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.cardan.75?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/mike-cardan-4304361a
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ValleyProductions_LLC
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
