Overcoming depression while building a business, carrying family responsibility, and holding on to faith is not a theory for Michael Cirillo—it’s lived experience. In this conversation, Michael walks through his journey from family phone-book hustle to leading FlexDealer, LiftKit, ASOTU, Dealer Playbook, and more - and the seven-year mental health battle that nearly took him out.

You’ll hear how he reframed cancellations, financial pressure, and darkness into reps, responsibility, and response. We unpack the difference between reacting and responding, why mediocrity is more dangerous than failure, and how faith shifts your view from “God isn’t helping me” to “I’m already equipped to move.”

Michael shares specific practices that helped him move from paralysis to progress: small steps, honest self-inventory, clearing mental clutter, and redefining sacrifice as making room for who you’re becoming—not just what you’re losing.

Key Takeaways

• Reframe cancellations and setbacks as data, not a death sentence
• Plan your response to hard things before emotions spike
• Break big goals into tiny, winnable actions that build confidence
• Treat sacrifice as the act of becoming, not punishment
• Stay the course when it feels like nothing is changing

Hosted by Josh Negron, entrepreneur, leader, and serial optimizer.

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Related: resilience habits, faith and mental health, entrepreneurial mindset.