Episode 104

Facing Fear & Finding Focus with Carlos Garcia

In this episode of What’s Important to You, Carlos Garcia joins me to explore what it really means to build resilience, regulate emotions, and take bold action in a world full of noise and distraction.

Carlos is the co-founder of True Progress Lab, an attorney, an Army Reserve JAG officer, and a certified resilience trainer. Drawing on his military training and personal experiences, he shares the importance of developing a personal ethos, facing fear head-on, and being okay with looking silly—because action trumps perfection every time.

This is a powerful conversation about staying grounded in chaos, aligning daily actions with your greater vision, and learning how to live authentically without being paralysed by other people’s opinions.

💡 Takeaways:

  • Focus is a superpower in today’s distracted world.
  • Resilience isn’t just for crisis—it's built in everyday decisions.
  • Adversity creates the space for meaningful growth.
  • Fear of judgment often holds more power than actual failure.
  • A personal ethos can anchor your actions in uncertain times.
  • Physical challenge can reveal who we are under pressure.
  • Emotional regulation is the hidden key to effective communication.
  • Action creates clarity—start before you’re ready.
  • You don’t need to fake confidence to show up as yourself.

🔊 Sound Bites:

“Help kids build resilience.”
“Fear of judgment holds us back.”
“Be okay with looking silly.”

About the Podcast

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What's Important To You?
Conversations That Matter

About your host

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James Dean

Hi, I’m James Dean — Life Coach, Podcast Host, and Curious Human.

I’m the host of What’s Important to You? — a podcast dedicated to real, reflective conversations that uncover the stories, values, and breakthroughs that shape how we live, lead, and grow.

With a background in corporate life, personal development, and endurance sports (including Ironman training with three Labradors in tow), I’m deeply passionate about helping people reconnect with what matters most.

Each week on the show, I sit down with remarkable guests — coaches, creatives, entrepreneurs, and change-makers — to explore questions like:
What drives you? What have you overcome? And what are you learning now?

It’s not just a podcast — it’s a space for growth, clarity, and meaningful connection.

Whether you’re in transition, looking for inspiration, or just love a good story with soul, you’re in the right place.