Most people don’t fail financially because they’re irresponsible. They fail because no one ever taught them how money actually works.

Michael E. Parker sits down with Zach Garcia, whose life took an unexpected tragedy that completely reshaped his relationship with money, wealth, and ownership. Zach shares how he once believed a modest 9–5 income was his ceiling—despite being surrounded by wealth he never thought was meant for him.Together, Michael and Zach explore why banks profit from financial ignorance, how the lending system really evaluates you, and what most people misunderstand about debt, leverage, and cash.

You’ll also hear practical insights on commercial vs. personal banking, why many people are labeled “unloanable,” and how learning to make money work for you changes everything.

Zach shares the mindset shift that helped him stop reacting to money—and start using it intentionally to build wealth.You don’t need a tragedy to wake up. You need education, mentorship, and a willingness to think differently. This conversation is for anyone who knows there’s more—but hasn’t been shown the path.

Why do some speakers captivate a room—while others share powerful experiences that somehow fall flat?

In this episode of the You Are a CEO Podcast, Michael E. Parker interviews Cat Coley, a storytelling and public speaking coach who helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals unlock confidence, clarity, and connection through story ownership. This conversation goes beyond storytelling tips and dives into story ownership—the difference between simply recounting events and teaching from transformation. Cat explains why stories don’t move people unless the speaker has fully processed the lesson, shifted perspective, and chosen what the story means.

Michael and Cat unpack how to speak from authenticity without oversharing, how to tell the same story from different angles depending on your audience, and why vulnerability is a choice—not a weakness. They also explore how frameworks emerge from lived experience, helping speakers create connection, confidence, and consistency on stage and in life.If you want to become a stronger speaker, develop executive presence, communicate with confidence, and use your story to inspire action—this conversation will change how you think about storytelling forever.

How to Connect with Cat Coley

catcoley.com | IG handle @therealcatcoley

What if the reason you’re still afraid to speak up, step forward, or go after your goals isn’t a lack of talent—but a lack of identity? This is the uncomfortable work no one sees that makes you unstoppable.

In this powerful episode of the You Are a CEO Podcast, Michael E. Parker sits down with former NFL athlete turned identity coach Anthony Trucks to unpack his concept of the Dark Work Experience—the unseen, uncomfortable work that builds confidence, skill, and certainty long before anyone applauds you.Dark work is the work no one applauds. It’s misunderstood. It’s uncomfortable. It's the uncomfortable work no one sees that makes you unstoppable And it’s exactly what separates people who talk about their goals from those who live them.

Together, Michael and Anthony explore why success isn’t about consuming more content—but about who you become through consistent action. They break down the difference between dark moments and dark seasons, why people often stay stuck in the dark instead of using it to transform, and how falling in love with the work changes everything.If your goal is to become a stronger speaker, a more confident leader, or someone who finally follows through—this episode gives you the framework to do the work that makes success inevitable.

How to Connect with Anthony Trucks

https://www.anthonytrucks.com/ | On IG @anthonytrucks