Nick Calderone, Valley resident and owner of Calderone Consulting, is keeping it real when it comes to his former career as a TV news reporter and syndicated talk show host, sharing it does not actually end, but merely evolves. No longer dealing with the high-pressure world of breaking news reporting, he embraced an entirely new and different form of communication.
Consistent with his approach to life, Calderone steers clear of an office setting, preferring to get things done in the place that makes him most productive, which just happens to be outside in natural settings such as Lake Pleasant, because, according to him, that is where he operates best.
Calderone explains that, professionally and personally, he has entered a new phase of life, which is equally thrilling and nerve-wracking. “It’s that interesting space where you’re a little nervous and a little uncertain, but also more confident than you’ve ever been. I’ve come to realize that’s usually where the good stuff lives.”
At home, that “good stuff” includes his family. Calderone jokes that he married “way out of his league,” and embraces his role as stepfather to two daughters who, in his words, “actually like me.” More recently, he’s taken on a new title “Funpa”, a role he clearly holds in high regard.
But beyond family and work, Calderone’s connection to the Peoria area is rooted in something simpler: showing up. Living on the cusp of both Glendale and Peoria, he doesn’t focus much on city boundaries. Instead, he opts to pay attention to the people, businesses, and stories that connect them all. That curiosity helps to fuel his involvement in the community, including his role with the Everything Arrowhead podcast, where he highlights local businesses and residents whose stories might otherwise go untold. “It’s been one of the best ways to actually get to know the community beyond just driving through it.”
Calderone also serves on the leadership committee for Blood Cancer United, helping organize fundraising efforts across the Valley. Through that work, he’s seen firsthand how local businesses in Peoria consistently step up to support meaningful causes, a reflection, he believes, of the community’s character.
However, he is always ready to emphasize that the feeling of community does not necessarily come simply from official activities. It can be something like “adult lemonade stands,” which he and his wife jokingly name, that are spontaneous hangouts at their home to meet up with their neighbors, grab a drink, and have real conversations. “That might sound small, but those connections are what turn a neighborhood into a community.”
The same approach underlies the activities of Calderone Consulting. He pays attention to a skill that many people neglect: the art of communication. While most individuals spend their lives developing their physique and improving their qualifications, few people give as much attention to their communication skills. Calderone says, “Communication is involved in every part of our lives. It affects how you’re perceived, how you lead, and what opportunities come your way. It’s also one of the fastest ways to elevate yourself.”
With a strong background in media and public speaking, Calderone can help clients learn to communicate more effectively, especially in high-pressure situations, whether it is a business leader speaking to his or her team or an individual transitioning their career. And with artificial intelligence increasingly dominating the world, Calderone sees the value of communication becoming even stronger. “People are going to crave something that feels real. Clear, genuine communication is going to stand out even more.”
Being both influential in the community and having certain connotations within the area, it makes sense for Calderone to have to be involved beyond just being a part of the community. “Not just talk about it. Not just post about it. Actually, show up.” Involvement, in his opinion, means being present for those people who are important to you, from your family members and close friends to others in general. He doesn’t think that being strong means always being right or speaking all the time. “I don’t get it right all the time, but I’m paying attention. And I think that counts for something.”
Many of these concept’s stem from the things that motivate and inspire him. These include nature, simplicity, and those who are completely absorbed in their work. This is a mentality that creates an even larger question, which he feels everyone asks at one point in time: Are we actually living the life we want to be living, or are we simply getting through it?
The solution, according to Calderone, comes from intention. From safeguarding your peace, to choosing to connect, it all matters. And from continually refining the way you serve others. As simple as Calderone makes it sound, his first recommendation is to work on communication. “People spend money on clothes, fitness, seminars, supplements, and all kinds of things to improve themselves, but very few spend real time improving how they speak, listen, and connect. That’s a miss.”
According to Calderone, the smallest of changes can make all the difference. To learn more, visit nickcalderone.com or email nick@nickcalderone.com