I’ve known Mike Carlone for close to 20 years. He’s a Jersey guy, made of saltwater grit that's born of honesty, not ego.

Mike’s one of the smartest people I know. Discerning. Edgy. Grounded. He oversees client relationships for a money management firm, but titles don’t define him—how he treats people does. He builds trust without fluff, leads with clarity, and tells the truth even when it’s uncomfortable. Especially then.

He’s also honest about his struggle with humanity—and that’s part of what makes him magnetic. His pursuit of excellence touches every area of his life, but somehow, he stays rooted. Steady. Present. And that inspires me.

This conversation is about what it means to show up real in a world that rewards the fake. Let’s get into it.