We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marat Omarov a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Marat, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
Actually, they are the ones who fuel my day-to-day. As the founder of the project, my role is to prove that the “never” people are wrong. And I’m happy to say we’re doing it every day. Whenever I feel weak, I think of them and ask myself, “Do you want to let them be right?” And that keeps me moving forward.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
ehind every project I’ve poured my heart into, The ARK stands out as my most cherished endeavor. Nestled in the lush landscapes of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, it’s more than just a regenerative village; it’s a dream turned reality, where sustainability meets community in the most beautiful way.
I come from a background of organizing grand events, from cultural balls to international expos, but The ARK is where my passion for making a meaningful impact on the planet and its people really comes to life. Here, we’re not just building eco-friendly homes; we’re cultivating a community where every day is an opportunity to connect, grow, and thrive together in harmony with nature.
What excites me about this journey is the chance to challenge the norms of living and real estate. The ARK is proof that you can live luxuriously and sustainably, surrounded by a supportive community that shares your values. This project is a reflection of my belief that we can create spaces that not only respect the environment but actively enrich it.
Investing my own resources into The ARK was a decision made from the heart. It was crucial for me to ensure that this dream stayed true to its vision, growing organically and in alignment with our principles. We’ve been selective about partnering with investors who resonate with our mission, keeping the project’s soul intact.
The future is bright for The ARK. We’re continuously exploring new ways to expand our community and offerings, from innovative residential options to wellness and sustainability programs. We’re also excited about bringing together creative minds and visionaries through events that spark conversation and inspire action towards a better world.
The ARK is more than just a project to me; it’s a movement towards living with intention, creativity, and a deep connection to each other and the Earth. It’s an invitation to join us in reimagining what it means to live well, pushing the boundaries of possibility and making a difference, one home, one community at a time.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, especially with the creation of The ARK and my earlier ventures, three core qualities stand out as pivotal to my success: visionary thinking, resilience, and the ability to inspire and mobilize people. These qualities not only shaped my path but also empowered me to navigate challenges and seize opportunities that aligned with my deepest values.
Visionary Thinking
The ability to envision what does not yet exist and to see the potential for transformation in the world around us is crucial. For me, imagining a regenerative village like The ARK, where sustainability and community intertwine, was the first step towards making it a reality. To develop this skill, immerse yourself in a wide range of disciplines, stay curious, and always ask, “What if?” Allow yourself to dream big, but also ground your visions in actionable steps.
Resilience
The path of innovation is fraught with setbacks and challenges. My journey from organizing cultural events to spearheading a sustainable living project in Costa Rica taught me the importance of resilience. Whether it was navigating bureaucratic hurdles or adapting to unforeseen obstacles, the ability to persevere was key. To build resilience, cultivate a strong support network, maintain a positive yet realistic outlook, and see failures as learning opportunities. Remember, resilience is not about avoiding failure but learning to rise every time we fall.
Inspiring and Mobilizing People
None of my projects could have come to fruition without the support and hard work of countless individuals. The ability to inspire others and mobilize them towards a common goal is invaluable. Whether it was rallying a team to organize a massive event like EXPO 2017 or bringing together a community for The ARK, leadership that inspires is essential. To enhance this quality, focus on developing genuine relationships, communicating with clarity and passion, and leading by example. Show appreciation for every contribution, and foster an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.
Advice for Those Early in Their Journey
For those just starting out, my advice is to nurture these qualities within yourself. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who challenge and support you. Embrace every experience as a learning opportunity, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Visionary thinking will open new horizons, resilience will keep you moving forward through adversity, and the ability to inspire will amplify your impact. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. Be patient with yourself, stay true to your values, and keep pushing the boundaries of what you believe is possible.
How would you describe your ideal client?
Our ideal client is someone who sees our guiding principles not just as ideals, but as essential directions for their life’s journey. They are individuals eager to be more than just residents; they want to be active co-creators in this groundbreaking venture. They understand that The ARK is not just another development project but a pioneering approach to living that requires a shared vision and effort. This person is prepared to dive into the unknown with us, contributing their unique strengths and perspectives to enrich our community. They recognize the value of collaboration, the importance of sustainability, and the joy of living in harmony with nature and each other. In essence, our ideal client is ready to join us in turning the innovative and distinctive dream of The ARK into a vibrant reality, alongside fellow community members who share this profound commitment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theark.world
- Instagram: marat.omarov.unofficial
