Meet Mychal Connolly

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mychal Connolly. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mychal, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I get my work ethic from a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to create a lasting impact. Growing up, I learned the value of hard work from my family, who showed me the importance of resilience and staying focused, no matter the obstacles. I also draw inspiration from being a father and role model—knowing my actions set an example for my children drives me to give my all in everything I do. On a broader level, my work ethic comes from a commitment to serving others, whether it’s helping small businesses thrive, empowering the next generation, or providing for my family.

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 an entrepreneur and author who wears many hats but remains focused on three primary goals: providing for my family, giving back to the youth, and being a blessing to small businesses. My work revolves around running a multimedia company that includes Stand Out Truck®, a traveling digital billboard company, as well as publishing, advertising, marketing, content creation and community-driven initiatives like Marketing and Cupcakes® magazine.

One of my proudest accomplishments is co-writing the book “I Am a CEO. Realistic CEO” with my 18-year-old son, Mychal Jr. Earlier this year, his high school business teacher told him that becoming a CEO was an unrealistic goal. That moment inspired us to create a motivational children’s book that encourages kids to dream big while providing actionable steps to achieve their goals. It’s not just about storytelling—it’s about equipping young readers with tools and inspiration for real-world change.

What sets my work apart is the ability to connect creative ideas with meaningful impact. For instance, through our one-for-one book program, for every copy of “I Am a CEO. Realistic CEO” purchased on the Realistic CEO website, we donate a copy to a student in a low to moderate income area as part of our Community Reinvestment with Acts of Kindness initiative.

My son also launched the Realistic CEO Podcast, where he interviews CEOs and community leaders to learn firsthand what it takes to become a CEO. Over the past six months, he has recorded an impressive 46 episodes. Now in college, he’s honing his business and communication skills to continue building on his vision.

One exciting new project we’re working on is “Keeping It Realistic,” a video series where we take viewers behind the scenes to show what it’s really like to run a business. The series is raw, authentic, and designed to inspire young entrepreneurs by highlighting both the triumphs and challenges of business ownership.

Another initiative I’m passionate about is using my multimedia company’s content creation ability to amplify the voices of small businesses and nonprofits. Recently, we worked on a powerful video campaign for a Type 1 Diabetes fundraiser, showcasing the real lives of families and children affected by the disease. The campaign helped raise over $326,982 in a single night for the cause.

Everything I do is rooted in the belief that success isn’t just about achieving personal goals—it’s about helping others achieve theirs too. I want people to know that no matter where they start, there are countless ways to reach the finish line.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, the ability to communicate effectively, and creative problem-solving.
1. Resilience and LBW: Success doesn’t come without setbacks, and it’s important to see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than as barriers. There were times when I faced doubt—but self-belief, thick skin, determination, and learning how to implement and execute can change everything. My advice to those starting out is to develop a strong mindset. Focus on the bigger picture, and remind yourself why you started when things get tough. Learn from failures—they’re often the best teachers. And most importantly, do the LBW: the long, lonely, boring work. It’s the effort you put in when no one is watching that makes the biggest difference.
2. Effective Communication: Whether I’m pitching an idea, writing a book, or working with a client, clear and authentic communication has been key. It’s not just about talking—it’s about listening, understanding your audience, presenting your vision in a way that connects with others, and ultimately delivering results for your clients. For those early in their journey, I recommend practicing active listening and finding opportunities to speak or write about your ideas. Join groups, take public speaking classes, or start a podcast to refine and build these skills.
3. Creative Problem-Solving: As an entrepreneur, you’re constantly faced with challenges that require thinking outside the box. Whether it’s creating innovative advertising solutions like Stand Out Truck® or finding impactful ways to amplify nonprofit campaigns, creative thinking has been essential. For those starting out, I suggest cultivating curiosity. Learn from diverse industries, read widely, and surround yourself with people who think differently. The more perspectives you expose yourself to, the more tools you’ll have for solving problems creatively.

My overarching advice is to stay adaptable and focused on growth. The skills you develop today will serve as stepping stones to opportunities you haven’t even imagined yet. LBW is never wasted—it’s what separates those who succeed from those who don’t. Be curious, stay consistent, and always be willing to learn and pivot when necessary.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was teach me the value of independence and hard work at an early age. During my Super 60 keynote address for the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce, I shared how my parents empowered me to take ownership of my future by encouraging me to think creatively and take responsibility for my goals. They instilled in me the belief that nothing is impossible with determination, focus, and a willingness to put in the work.

They didn’t just give me a blueprint for success—they showed me how to build my own. Through their actions, the lessons they taught, and the opportunities they provided, they ensured I understood that my success would ultimately depend on the effort I was willing to invest. That foundation has guided me throughout my life and continues to shape how I approach challenges and opportunities today.

This is a message I share often in my public speaking engagements, whether I’m speaking at high schools, colleges and universities, or corporate events. It’s a universal message that resonates with audiences of all ages, reminding them that with hard work and a clear vision, they can achieve great things.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Mychal Connolly Sr. & Jr. headshots (Chris Marion)

Mychal Connolly Sr. at Podium (Seth Kaye)

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