Meet Mac | Professor & Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mac and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mac, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think about a risk as an opportunity to challenge myself to level up. Without risk, there is no reward, and that has been something that rings very true for each venture I’ve ever taken on. New experiences are always risky initially but always work out for our benefit, whether in lesson form or reward. If we don’t take risks, we will remain stagnant.

It’s funny, though, because in my experience throughout my life and career journey, when I’ve played it “safe,” I always end up dissatisfied with the results and stuck in either a job or situation that always felt like settling. When I take risks, I feel more fulfilled, and there is always growth in the process of taking risks. I learn more about myself, how far I’ve come, and where I am going.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been blessed enough to have creativity as a part of all the hats I wear, whether in my role as a USC professor, a creative director for a brand or organization, or as the host of Mac Monday. I am most proud of always being able to show up as myself in each of those spaces. I am most proud of actually taking the risk associated with each venture. In most cases, I initially started off not knowing if I was fully equipped to take on the things I was saying yes to. I knew I had the skill sets separately, but I really didn’t know how they were all going to work together to make it make sense. But through faith, it always fell together with discipline and preparation.

I won’t say I got to this point easily, but I have always been my number one fan, and I believe in myself wholeheartedly. I also know that if I really put my mind to it, I can accomplish anything I want. I truly believe that, and it always works out in due time. It might not always happen when I want it to, but it does happen.

It takes confidence, and that is something I have worked on my whole life; it is having confidence and not allowing what others are saying or doing to impact how I feel about myself. Self-doubt is the number one killer of dreams because no one is harder on us than ourselves. So, I overcome challenges by speaking to myself in an uplifting but realistic manner. I try to see things from all points of view. I constantly reevaluate my strengths and my weaknesses to keep things in perspective. Because although I know I am good at many things, I am only great at a few, but I practice to improve my flaws with regular check-ins with myself, and I also make sure to ask those around for feedback.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is always to remain vigilant, work in silence, and invest in yourself spiritually and emotionally. These things will always keep you on your toes and focused.

I want the world to know that my story is just like theirs, just different characters. We are all in this thing called life together, going through the same shit at different levels, but you have to believe that you deserve better. You have to want better, and most importantly, you have to do better in order to have better. I also want them to know I am rooting for you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am actually a homebody and love home-cooked meals. Not to say that I don’t be outside because I will go out if invited, which is often, but L.A. has so much to offer it gets overwhelming. Most of the time, I go out for birthdays and other celebrations. That said, there are a couple of places I like to go that never disappoint and are pretty casual. I love to watch sports and go to 3rd base in Hollywood. The food is good, and the music is always a vibe.

I love karaoke, so we would definitely have to hit up The Venue in K-town. They also have good food and drinks. And of course, because we are in Lala Land, I am a Disney kid, so Disneyland/California Adventure is always a must, but you have to leave to catch the fireworks from across the way at the rooftop lounge in the Westin Hotel. They have good drinks and tasty bites.

In the summertime, concerts at the Hollywood Bowl are really fun. L.A is an entertainment city growing every year, so there are so many places on my list that I’ve visited and have yet to visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I need and want to credit for not only their support but their help. But God and my immediate family are always first: my mom, dad, and brother Leon. And I could never forget my God Mom. Without them, I wouldn’t have the privilege to go after what I dream of.

I have to thank my small but mighty team who support me and show up for me whenever I need them, my makeup artist and friend Trinity Kenney (@thetrifectabeauty), who is a beast and always keeps me looking goodt, and my dear friend Mari. Mari is nothing to play with and always keeps me on track. I can’t even tell you how much she helps me from behind the scenes to sanity on film days.

I’d also like to shout out the dream team who has helped me bring my vision of Mac Monday to life: Michael D (michaeldstories87), Zach Kingham-Seagle, and Hal. Without them, my vision would still be just in my imagination.

Each and every person who has been a part of my journey or supported me throughout, either privately or publicly, deserves credit. From every guest I’ve had on Mac Monday to those who have encouraged me to keep going. The list goes on, and I am forever thankful.

Website: iamtheemac.com

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Image Credits
Brandon Bibbins Taliah Taylor Carlos Goat