Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cari Favole. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cari, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hopes that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Despite grappling with the challenges posed by mental health issues, particularly clinical depression and generalized anxiety, I have emerged as a staunch advocate for mental health awareness. My journey began in adolescence when I found myself engulfed in the darkness of depression, compounded by the hurdles of articulating my struggles to healthcare professionals due to anxiety. This communication barrier often led to lapses in medication refills, exacerbating the already daunting battle against my mental health conditions.
Yet, amidst the turmoil, I clung to three steadfast pillars: my faith, the companionship of my loyal dog, and my passion for entertaining others. These elements, coupled with the mantra “This Too Shall Pass,” served as beacons of hope during the bleakest moments.
After enduring two decades of relentless struggle, I embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery and self-care, which spanned nearly five years. This odyssey culminated in the revelation of a diagnosed mental health disorder, a revelation that, rather than signifying defeat, bestowed upon me a profound sense of empowerment through knowledge.
Understanding that my brain operates differently and necessitates chemical intervention to function optimally liberated me from the shackles of self-doubt and stigma. Armed with this newfound insight, I embraced a newfound assertiveness in advocating for my needs and unapologetically prioritizing self-care.
Through perseverance and introspection, I transcended the adversities posed by mental health challenges, emerging as a beacon of resilience and an ardent proponent of mental health awareness. My journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of self-awareness, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of holistic well-being.
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 am Cari Favole, a multifaceted professional with a passion for storytelling that permeates both my project management expertise and my career as a freelance voice-over artist. With over a decade of experience in project management, I have successfully led cross-functional teams, orchestrated content development initiatives, and executed impactful video production projects. My dedication to excellence has consistently driven success throughout the entire project lifecycle.
In addition to my project management prowess, I have cultivated a parallel narrative as a freelance voice-over artist, infusing scripts with life and captivating audiences with my versatile voice. This duality allows me to seamlessly blend strategic project management principles with the artistry of storytelling, offering a unique perspective and skill set to my clients.
My role as a professional voice-over artist has further honed my ability to engage and connect with audiences, narrating over 400 whiteboard animations, 40 eLearning presentations, and 70 audiobooks. I’ve also lent my voice to mobile app games and audio dramas.
My commitment to storytelling extends beyond voice-over work, as evidenced by my proficiency in content production, including audio and video editing, scriptwriting, and directing. I am adept at manipulating audio elements to create compelling narratives in podcasts and audiobooks, as well as assembling video footage to craft visually captivating stories.
In addition to my professional endeavors, I am deeply engaged in children’s entertainment, having published three children’s books and specializing in scriptwriting, poetry, monologues, and fictional works tailored for young audiences.
Currently, I am honored to contribute to the Wonder Women Tech team as the podcast editor for the Wonder Women Tech Show. In this role, I support the mission of highlighting, celebrating, and amplifying women, BIPOC, and underrepresented individuals in STEM and the arts. Through equity, access, and opportunity, Wonder Women Tech nourishes the global pipeline of talent, embodying the values of diversity and inclusion that are central to my own professional ethos.
I invite you to explore the boundless possibilities of collaboration with me, whether you seek a skilled project manager, a captivating voice-over artist, or a creative storyteller to bring your ideas to life. Together, we can embark on a journey of creativity, innovation, and success!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful:
1. Resilience: Throughout my journey, resilience has been essential in navigating the challenges and setbacks inherent in both project management and the creative arts. Developing resilience requires embracing setbacks as learning opportunities, maintaining a positive mindset, and cultivating the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. My advice to those early in their journey is to recognize that setbacks are an inevitable part of growth and to view them as stepping stones rather than obstacles. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow stronger, and cultivate a mindset of perseverance in the face of adversity.
2. Communication: Effective communication has been a cornerstone of my success in both project management and voice-over work. Clear and concise communication is essential for building rapport with clients, collaborating effectively with team members, and conveying messages with impact. To develop and improve communication skills, I recommend actively seeking feedback, practicing active listening, and honing the ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively. Additionally, cultivating empathy and understanding different communication styles can enhance interpersonal relationships and facilitate effective collaboration.
I also recommend taking an improv class! It’s not only fun but is effective in learning how to truly listen and respond accordingly.
3. Continuous Learning: In an ever-evolving landscape, the pursuit of continuous learning has been instrumental in staying relevant and adaptable. Whether mastering new project management methodologies, refining voice-over techniques, or staying abreast of industry trends, a commitment to lifelong learning is paramount. Early-career professionals should embrace a growth mindset, actively seeking out opportunities for professional development, such as workshops, courses, and mentorship programs. Additionally, cultivating curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas and perspectives can foster creativity and innovation in one’s work.
In summary, resilience, communication, and continuous learning have been foundational to my journey, and I encourage early-career professionals to prioritize these qualities as they embark on their own paths to success. By cultivating resilience in the face of challenges, honing effective communication skills, and embracing a mindset of lifelong learning, individuals can position themselves for growth, adaptability, and fulfillment in their chosen endeavors.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Collaboration and connection are integral to my ethos, as there’s nothing I cherish more than being part of a compelling narrative.
I actively seek partnerships in several areas:
1. Independent artists seeking a voice actor for animation, video games, audio dramas, mobile apps, web series, or other media projects.
2. Marketing or advertising agencies in need of a voice-over artist or project manager.
3. Content creators on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, and Instagram. I manage two channels—one dedicated to entertainment commentary and the other to video game play—and I’m eager to explore collaborative opportunities.
For casting directors, it’s been a lifelong aspiration of mine to audition for cartoons, anime, and video games. I am a non-union artist with agent representation.
Feel free to reach out via your preferred social media platform. You can find all my information at either www.carifavole.com or https://linktr.ee/carifavole. Direct inquiries can also be emailed to contact@carifavole.com.
Thank you for considering collaboration, and I look forward to connecting with you!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carifavole.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carifavole/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CFavole/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfavole/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/carifavole
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Psypr1s
- Other: Gaming YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/tiertwoworks
Reading With Cari | Storytime Podcast: https://readingwithcari.buzzsprout.com/
Blog & Supplemental Website: https://carifavole.co/
Image Credits
(1) Primary Photo – Holland Reid Photography (2) Cecily The Distinctive – Isa with Pet Disneyfication (3) The Living Fairy Tale – Created by Cari Favole (4) The Tooth and the Crawlspace – Created by Cari Favole (5) Cari with her dog, Cecily – Christine Favole