Meet Thomas McClure

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

Thomas, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

Optimism is more than just a superficial, forced positivity. It’s a mindset rooted in reality and personal values. I’ve seen too many people put up a fake front when trying to sell something, and it shows – their energy doesn’t match their words or body language.

True optimism comes from a place of authenticity deep within. It’s genuine confidence and an unwavering belief that what you’re setting out to do will happen, like the Universe itself is conspiring to make it a reality. You can’t fake that.
I don’t buy into the whole “Fake it ’til you make it” mentality. “Don’t fake it, but face it” – that’s where real power lies.

Authenticity puts you on the right path, aligning you with situations, people, and resources that resonate with your true self. Present fake optimism to the world, and the universe will respond in kind with fake situations and fake people.
Sure, there will be days when you’re not feeling optimistic. Those are the times to disconnect and recharge, or to practice gratitude for the good in your life. But putting on a fake smile? That’ll only bring more unhappiness in the long run.

Embrace real, authentic optimism – it’s a game-changer.

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

I’m on a mission to inspire authenticity and celebrate creativity. As the founder of several influential organizations and major events in the fashion industry, I’ve created platforms that showcase the talents of designers, artists, and musicians, providing them with opportunities to expand their brands while connecting and collaborating with others.

But my work goes beyond the runway. I’m deeply committed to empowering individuals to embrace their true selves and live in alignment with their core values. Through my YouTube channel and podcast, The Authentic Model, I share my message of authenticity, guiding listeners on their journey toward a more genuine and fulfilling life. Research shows the more authentic we are in our lives, the more happy we are.

Whether I’m challenging norms in the fashion industry or helping individuals discover their authentic selves, I am making a lasting impact. My multifaceted approach to creativity and authenticity is empowering people everywhere to celebrate their unique stories and manifest their dreams.

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

Looking back on my journey, three qualities stand out as the most important to develop: intuition, resilience, and empathy. I believe the inner work is just as important if not more important than the outer work.

First, the ability to fully tune in with my core and trust my intuition has been the backbone of most of my important decisions. Often, we’re inundated with unsolicited advice or “wisdom” from friends, family, or colleagues. They mean well, but their advice is often based on their own life experiences, fears, and limiting beliefs. What we really need to do is listen to our own gut, our own inner voice. Our intuition is like a compass, guiding us towards our true north. When we learn to trust and follow our intuition, we make decisions that align with our authentic selves and lead us to a more fulfilling life. It’s not always easy to tune out the noise and opinions of others, but it’s crucial for our personal growth and happiness. We need to give ourselves permission to follow our own path, even if it goes against the grain or raises a few eyebrows.

Secondly, resilience is essential. This quality is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep moving forward despite challenges. Throughout my journey, I have encountered numerous obstacles and setbacks. Each time, it was resilience that allowed me to learn from the experience, grow stronger, and continue pursuing my goals. Developing resilience means embracing a growth mindset, viewing failures as opportunities for learning, and maintaining a positive outlook even in the face of adversity. It’s this resilience that helps us stay committed to our vision and navigate the inevitable ups and downs of life with grace and determination.

Lastly, empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. In both personal and professional relationships, empathy allows us to connect deeply, build trust, and foster collaboration. By genuinely listening to others and putting ourselves in their shoes, we can create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and understood. Empathy also plays a crucial role in effective leadership. When we lead with empathy, we inspire loyalty, boost morale, and drive collective success. This is the “human-first” leadership style. Developing empathy involves being open-minded, practicing active listening, and showing compassion towards others, which in turn enriches our own lives and the lives of those around us.

By cultivating intuition, resilience, and empathy, we can navigate our paths more effectively, build meaningful relationships, and lead a life that aligns with our true selves. These qualities not only contribute to personal growth and fulfillment but also have a profound impact on the communities and organizations we are part of.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

When I was twenty-three, I found myself in the midst of a painful breakup—my first major relationship ending. Although I tried stay positive, moments of uncertainty, loss, and self-doubt crept in. It was during this time that something unexpected changed my life.

As I walked out of a coffee shop/bookstore, a brightly colored book caught my eye: *The Power of Now* by Eckhart Tolle. Now, I’ve never been much of a reader, but something about this book called to me. I decided to purchase it, unaware of the profound impact it would have on my life.

Reading *The Power of Now* gave me a completely new perspective on how to navigate not only my breakup but all of life’s challenges. It introduced me to the concept of living in the present moment, a lens through which the past and future fade away, leaving only the here and now.

Embracing the present moment is a very challenging thing to do. It takes constant practice and dedication. In a world filled with endless stresses and distractions, it’s all too easy to get caught up in worries about the future or regrets about the past. But when we learn to anchor ourselves in the present, something incredible happens. We find complete peace.

In moments of stress or overwhelm, I’ve found that focusing on the present moment is a powerful tool for resetting my perspective and finding my center. It’s as simple as taking a deep breath and observing the world around you without labels or judgment. Feel the air filling your lungs and then releasing, letting go of any tension or anxiety.

This practice has changed my life, and I truly believe it can benefit anyone who’s feeling stressed or lost. By learning to be present, we can find a sense of peace and clarity that’s often elusive in our always-busy world.

*The Power of Now* opened my eyes to the beauty and simplicity of living in the present, and I’m forever grateful for that moment in the coffee shop/bookstore. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most profound lessons come to us when we least expect them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAuthenticModel
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theauthenticmodel/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialThomasMcClure
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcclure-81766812
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/MjQzz5Vkxoc?si=POdSbqnkSZFzOmy7

Image Credits

Photo – Thomas at Conquer Columbus
Credits:
Location: Conquering Columbus Podcast

Photo – 003 FWC Finale Speakers
Credits:
Photographer – Tony Bentivegna
Location: Fashion Week Columbus

Photo 3 – 2 Models on the runway
Credits:
Designer: Natalia Fedner
Photographer – Brian Hockensmith
Models: Alyssa Towning & Chloe Halbleib courtesy of Heyman Talent Agency
Location: Fashion Week Columbus

Photo 4 – Thomas Speaking at the podium
Credits:
Thomas McClure & Lubna Najjar
Photographer: Tony Bentivegna
Location: Common Thread Shops On Third in Columbus Ohio