We were lucky to catch up with Manny Cabo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Manny , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business

The craziest and most painful chapter of my entrepreneurial journey hit like a three punch combo I never saw coming. First came the pandemic, which essentially shut down life as we knew it. As an artist, live performances were my livelihood, and overnight, that world vanished. I had to quickly pivot, learning new software, adapting to virtual performances, and essentially rebranding myself in a space I had never navigated before I just to keep the lights on.

But the hits didn’t stop there. In the thick of it, I lost my father to Covid. He was more than just my dad, he was the heartbeat of my creativity, the one who put a camera in my hand and introduced me to the stage. That loss wrecked me emotionally.

Then, just months later, Hurricane Ida tore through my home and destroyed over $100,000 worth of gear I had spent my entire career building. Everything I used to support my family and fuel my passion was washed away in hours.

It could’ve broken me. But I chose to rebuild. I leaned into gratitude, focused on what I still had, and refused to give up. And when I believed in myself, others believed too. Friends and fans stepped in offering borrowed gear, financial help, and emotional support. My resilience became my salvation.

It was the most brutal, transformative season of my life—but it reminded me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about products or platforms. It’s about perseverance, passion, and the power of community.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Manny Cabo, a singer, award-winning editorial photographer, bestselling author, top-rated podcaster, and speaker. But above all, I’m a storyteller. My journey into the creative world began with my father the man who handed me my first camera, introduced me to music, and unknowingly lit the fire that would lead me to a life devoted to the arts. From the moment I stepped on stage or looked through a lens, I knew I was meant to create, inspire, and help others do the same.

Over the years, I’ve worn many hats performing on national stages like The Voice, capturing iconic images for thousands of musicians and celebrities, building powerful personal brands through photography, and hosting transformative conversations with world-changers on my podcast, The VIP Voice. Every creative venture I dive into serves a single mission: to help others discover their voice, tell their stories with authenticity, and live boldly in their truth.

I provide branding photography, keynote speaking, vocal coaching, and mindset training. But beyond services, what I truly offer is transformation. I help artists, entrepreneurs, and professionals communicate with clarity and confidence whether it’s through visuals, voice, or their personal message. I teach them to elevate their presence, stand in their power, and connect with audiences on a deeper level.

What sets me apart is my multidisciplinary approach. I don’t just teach what I’ve read, I teach what I’ve lived. I’ve survived the loss of my father, the collapse of my career during the pandemic, and even the complete destruction of my studio in Hurricane Ida. But I rebuilt stronger, more focused, and more committed to my mission than ever before. My resilience is what fuels me, and it’s what I pass on to those I serve.

I’m most proud of the lives I’ve impacted, whether it’s helping a singer finally unlock their true voice, coaching a speaker to deliver with purpose, or mentoring a creative to rise above self-doubt and thrive in their craft.

At the core of my brand is empowerment. My goal is to inspire one billion people to embrace their voice, own their story, and leave this world better than they found it. Because when we live and speak our truth, we create ripples that change lives—and that’s the legacy I’m here to build!

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building a robust social media audience is fundamentally about establishing trust and demonstrating unwavering integrity. In my journey, I’ve found that clarity is paramount after all, a confused mind doesn’t buy. Sharing authentic stories, even when uncomfortable, fosters genuine connections.

During Hurricane Ida, I streamed live from my devastated home, showcasing the raw reality of my destroyed house, lost cars, and scattered belongings. This vulnerability resonated deeply with my audience, emphasizing the importance of realism in storytelling. As highlighted by Summit Consulting, authenticity and relatability are crucial for brands to connect with their audiences. 

Here are the things that I embraced to effectively build and engage my audience:
1. Know Your Platform: Tailor content to each platform’s unique ambiance. For instance, LinkedIn favors professional insights, while Instagram thrives on visual storytelling.
2. Consistent Messaging: Maintain a cohesive narrative across platforms, reinforcing your brand’s core values and mission.
3. Engage Authentically: Interact genuinely with your audience, responding to comments and messages to build a community of trust. (I literally had a phone, a laptop and an iPad with translator responding to over 20,000 messages while I was on both NBC The Voice and La Voz so believe me you have to put the time in but you reap the rewards when you realize your community has been there since day one.)

4. Share Proven Methods: Offer
insights and strategies that have personally worked for you, adding credibility to your content.

For me authenticity isn’t just a buzzword it’s a commitment to transparency and genuine engagement. By staying true to your story and values, you’ll cultivate an audience that trusts and believes in your brand.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Throughout my life, resilience has been more than a trait, it’s been a necessity. From the very beginning, I faced challenges: surviving a potential abortion, enduring verbal bullying in grammar school, and being labeled unfairly by educators. Despite being cut from my youth baseball team twice, I persevered, leading the team to a championship and earning the MVP title, even after a severe injury during the final game. Academically, I defied expectations by graduating from a top university with full scholarships and attracting attention from professional scouts.

In my music career, skepticism was a constant companion. Many doubted my choices, especially when I decided to audition for The Voice. Yet, securing a four-chair turn validated my passion and silenced the naysayers.

These experiences taught me that hardships aren’t just obstacles; they’re lessons. Embracing challenges has been instrumental in my personal growth. As Nelson Mandela wisely said, “I never lose. I either win or learn.” This philosophy has been my guiding light, reminding me that setbacks are setups for comebacks. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mannycabo.com
• Instagram: @themannycabo
• Facebook: @themannycabo
• Linkedin: @themannycabo
• Twitter: @themannycabo
• Youtube: @themannycabo

Image Credits

These images are all owned by me and Manny Cabo Media.