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Story & Lesson Highlights with Michael DelVecchio of Irvine

We recently had the chance to connect with Michael DelVecchio and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think people are secretly struggling with their sense of purpose.

Many of us get trapped in societal norms because everyone around us is saying, “This is what you’re supposed to do.” So we do it, sacrificing the things that bring us joy and fulfillment. I don’t think people realize what they could achieve if they stopped listening to outside voices and doubled down on their passions and strengths. There are more opportunities in the world now than at any other time in human history, so there are fewer excuses not to pursue the things you truly want.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Michael DelVecchio, founder of South Shore Media, a full-service production company specializing in commercials, branded content, and social media videos. I bring a unique ability to capture the heartbeat of a brand and effectively translate what differentiates them from their competition through advertising.

In June, I launched a series called The Leap, where I share insights on entrepreneurship and how taking calculated risks can open doors to life-changing opportunities.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was in sixth grade, when my teacher screened one of my films for the entire class. I remember looking around and seeing 25 classmates captivated by what I had created. It felt like a superpower. From that moment on, I was hooked on filmmaking.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering brought me back to my calling.

Sometimes life pushes lessons on us so aggressively that we can’t ignore them. It’s essential to recognize when our current path has run its course and then take deliberate action to step onto a new road. Failure and suffering are life’s way of shaking us out of complacency. We can either listen and rise, or stay in the abyss.

The only time suffering didn’t serve me is when I ignored my instincts and followed advice from people who had never walked my path.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Chasing money and possessions instead of making happiness your objective is a mistake. I’m a firm believer that if you pursue joy, money will follow.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
This is an interesting question because I think if I had ten years left, I’d still be doing exactly what I’m doing right now, taking on work that excites me and pushes me to grow. I hate to kill the vibe, but none of us are getting out of this life alive. It amuses me when people act like they have all the time in the world, yet spend the majority of it in the wrong jobs or the wrong relationships without ever course correcting. Technology is reshaping our world so rapidly that everyone is going to need to develop the skills necessary to pivot out of traditional jobs that will soon become automated. If you have a skillset that you’re not currently creating a revenue stream from, now is the time to do it. Those that don’t are risking more than they realize.

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