Lack of Sight Does Not Mean Lack of Vision: Lessons from Mike Calvo

When Mike Calvo says, “Lack of sight does not mean lack of vision,” he’s not just sharing a tagline—he’s sharing a way of life. Mike, a blind entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and advocate, has built a career and legacy that shatter stereotypes and redefine possibilities for people with disabilities. His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to turning vision into action.

In our conversation, Mike shared a sobering statistic: 76% of visually impaired people worldwide are unemployed. For those who are totally blind, that number rises to 85%. While these figures are daunting, Mike’s response to this reality has been anything but passive. “I started my own businesses because, as a blind person, it was difficult to find a job,” he explained. “I decided I wasn’t going to wait for opportunities—I was going to create them.”

Mike’s journey into entrepreneurship was born from necessity but fueled by vision. He’s spent over two decades building companies and developing software to improve the lives of visually impaired people. Yet, as he humbly admits, technology alone is not the solution. “Technology is a tool, not the great equalizer I once thought it was,” Mike said. The key, he believes, lies in fostering inclusion and empowering individuals to overcome excuses and embrace opportunities.

Turning Challenges Into Action

For Mike, every challenge is an opportunity for innovation. Whether it’s developing solutions for accessibility or navigating societal misconceptions about blindness, he’s learned to confront obstacles head-on. “If you run into a problem and think, ‘Someone should fix this,’ and you don’t do it, you’ve just missed a calling,” he said, quoting motivational speaker Jim Stovall.

This philosophy extends to his approach to leadership. As a CEO, Mike prioritizes vision and action, refusing to allow the phrase “I can’t” in his organizations. Instead, he encourages his teams to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and grow through persistence. “Stretching people—gently but firmly—helps them discover capabilities they didn’t know they had,” he said.

The Power of Storytelling

Mike’s ability to connect with others is rooted in his gift for storytelling. “Stories help us relate and visualize,” he said, sharing his favorite tale of Tom Sawyer delegating his friends to paint a fence—a story that demonstrates the power of vision and leadership. For Mike, storytelling is a tool to inspire and create shared purpose, motivating others to join his mission of inclusivity.

One of his primary goals is to help organizations see the value of hiring and serving blind individuals. “We have so much to contribute—as parents, professionals, and community members,” he explained. By challenging societal norms and misconceptions, Mike is paving the way for a more inclusive world.

A Call to Action

As we concluded our conversation, Mike left us with a challenge: “What’s the thing burning a hole in your heart? What’s stopping you from pursuing it? Is it a real limitation, or is it just an excuse?”

For Mike, excuses are never an option. Instead, he encourages everyone to lean into their vision, take action, and trust that the universe will provide a way. “If you can dream it, you can do it,” he said. “Put your vision out there, and if it’s your destiny, it’s coming.”

Mike Calvo’s story is a powerful reminder that vision transcends sight and that action, not perfection, is the key to making a difference. Whether it’s starting a business, advocating for change, or simply taking the first step toward a dream, Mike’s advice is clear: go out and do it.

For more insights and resources, visit MikeCalvo.com, where Mike continues to inspire and empower others to turn their visions into reality.

Listen to the whole interview here!