Meet Markus Kashouh

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Markus Kashouh a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Markus, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

My purpose comes from the way I am SHAPED. I can look over the course of my life and see how I have been wired to live into a certain purpose.

First, throughout my childhood, everything video-related fascinated me. I would use my father’s phone to make short comedic videos with my sisters. I would post some on Youtube and hope a few viewers here and there would find my content impactful.

Then, growing up, I could see my heart to communicate stories that would inspire others to live out lives of reconciliation, unity, peace, and justice — themes that, when I saw became distorted in a country like Lebanon, I became even more passionate to advocate for them.

Finally, my heart for the marginalized increased my passion to bring to light the conditions of the unreached, exposing injustice and bringing about redemption.

All these experiences and passions have shaped me as an aspiring filmmaker who is passionate about telling inspirational stories.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Equipped at Biola University, I am currently honing my skills as a film director and writer. Learning from professionals in the industry, I have been passionate to leverage all that I’ve learned and eventually return to my country with the dream to be known for the best films that add value to our society.

Coming from a war-torn but yet beautiful country as Lebanon in the Middle East, I have been inspired by stories of resilience and endurance – families and individuals who may have experienced great loss, but still persevere amidst tribulations.

Recently, I directed an award-winning short called, “Halfway,” which tells the story of reconciliation between two cultural enemies. Inspired by the account of my father washing the feet of an enemy to the country, a Syrian political leader who had brought great harm via the Civil War in 1975, I decided to direct a film that would feature similar themes — reconciliation, peace, loss of loved ones, intergenerational conflict, and crisis communication. The film asks the question: what would it look like for us to meet “halfway” with the cultural enemy in our own lives? How can we engage in healthy conversations whilst still deepening our convictions.

In the US and around the world, we have become increasingly reluctant to converse with those who think differently than we do. We are quick to shout from both extremes, and rarely meet halfway to discuss issues civilly. This is the premise of the film and a glimpse of the impact I hope to make through future films. Creating a world that is compassionate, just, resilient, communicative, reconciliative, and inclusive — these are the messages I seek to communicate through films.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

My father would say, opportunities fly over your head just a bit higher than you can reach. It requires a jump in order to secure them. I think one quality I have benefited from that can truly transform a career is in regards to one’s teachability. Learners are assets to our society. They are willing to receive constructive criticism and are always in pursuit of growth. This is a fundamental virtue of our age. How can we grow if we stop learning?

The second quality is in regards to communication. If you can’t teach a thing, one might say, you have not entirely learnt it. I have truly seen the importance of eloquent speech in today’s day and age. To communicate an idea well is to inspire, to win over others to your argument. Being prepared to give an elevator pitch about your project or idea is crucial in our growing communication-illiterate digital age. Put yourself in uncomfortable situations of public speaking. Practice speaking in front of many. This is a skill that is used in every domain. How important it is to speak well.

Finally, I would say is the importance of asking. Many times we shy away from requests or certain needs. We are slow to proactively reach out to others, connect with one other, and build networks. I think it is out of the fear of receiving a “no.” But how great if the worst-case scenario is just an “unfortunately, we cannot at this time…” I look over the past few years and have seen how often opportunities have arisen from certain cold-open emails I had sent. I would send an email providing a certain service or simply a letter of encouragement to a filmmaker. Next thing you know, we are good friends. I have bargained, reached out, asked for recommendations, consulted — all of which are proactive practical steps you can do to advance your career. I don’t think as many people are willing to do so. It is transformational.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One of the books that have really inspired me especially in my leadership journey is The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell. Maxwell skillfully states each law, defines it, gives a few examples, and then outlines the principles of the leadership law. It is very well-constructed and well-written. I was truly impacted by its content and the importance of pursuing excellent leadership practically in our every day lives.

From recruiting team members, to inspiring action, to fulfilling visions, to developing a team, leadership is such a fundamental part in our workplace. How beautiful our world would be if we were each empowering, inspiring, and servant leaders.

Books on leadership will change lives!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Jack Pierson
Aiden Sullivan
Gavin Souttere

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