We were lucky to catch up with Marvin Gabriel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Marvin, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Growing up as an only child without a father figure during my formative years, I quickly learned to navigate life’s challenges independently. As a teenager, I found myself drawn to a fast-paced directionless lifestyle, influenced by those around me who I believed embodied strength and manhood. However, after several close encounters with losing my freedom and experiencing significant betrayal and loss, I realized that this path was not sustainable.
I later joined the military, driven by a desire to serve my country and connect with a sense of patriotism. During my time in service Although brief, The constant threat and the intensity of those situations pushed me to confront my deepest fears and vulnerabilities. Each encounter, while harrowing, reinforced my understanding of the limits of control and the importance of adapting with strength and determination. Through these experiences, I found resilience in the understanding that not everything is within my control. I came to believe that whatever challenges I must endure are destined for me, whether to teach me something valuable or to strengthen my resilience further. This belief is deeply rooted in my faith in God, which has been a guiding force in helping me navigate life’s difficulties.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a full time filmmaker, content creator, and storyteller who is deeply passionate about capturing the world through a lens that reveals both its beauty and complexity. My work primarily focuses on travel, hospitality, and documentary filmmaking, where I strive to create content that resonates on a personal and emotional level with my audience.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to blend creativity with meaningful narratives. Whether it’s documenting a unique cultural experience, highlighting a hidden gem in the hospitality industry, or exploring the evolution of documentary filmmaking, I love bringing stories to life in a way that both informs and inspires.
Beyond filmmaking, I’m also dedicated to growing my personal brand. I manage an Amazon influencer page where I share the gear I use, and a blog that showcases my journey as a content creator and foodie. These platforms allow me to connect with my audience more intimately, offering insights into the tools I use and the experiences that shape my creative process.
As for what’s new, I’m currently working on an exciting project—a mini-documentary that explores the evolution of Filipino culture and cuisine in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Additionally, I’m developing an e-book that outlines my process of collaborating with restaurants, from ideation to final content creation.
Through all these endeavors, I aim to build a brand that is not only creative and authentic but also one that connects deeply with my audience, sharing stories that matter.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities stand out as being particularly impactful: resilience, adaptability, and storytelling.
1. Resilience: Life’s challenges are inevitable, but resilience has been my anchor through difficult times. It’s the ability to keep pushing forward, even when the path isn’t clear. My advice to those just starting out is to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Understand that setbacks are not the end—they’re part of the journey that will shape your character and fortify your resolve. Lean on your faith, inner strength, or support systems to help you persevere.
2. Adaptability: The world is constantly changing, and being able to adapt to new circumstances has been crucial in my career. Whether it’s learning new skills, pivoting your approach, or adjusting to unexpected situations, adaptability keeps you relevant and resilient. To cultivate this, always be open to learning and evolving. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and embrace change, as it often leads to new opportunities.
3. Storytelling: As a filmmaker and content creator, the ability to tell compelling stories has been essential. It’s what connects people to your work on a deeper level. My advice for developing this skill is to focus on understanding your audience and what resonates with them. Practice your craft regularly—whether it’s writing, filming, or editing—and pay attention to the details that make stories memorable. Also, draw from your own experiences and emotions; authenticity is key to powerful storytelling.
For those early in their journey, these qualities—resilience, adaptability, and storytelling—will serve you well. Keep pushing yourself to grow in these areas, and remember that every experience is a stepping stone toward your greater goals.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I believe that a balance between the two is key, but if I had to choose, I would lean towards going all in on our strengths. Focusing on what you excel at allows you to maximize your potential and make the most significant impact in your chosen field. Your strengths are often what set you apart and define your unique value, so honing them can lead to mastery and greater success.
However, I also think it’s important to be aware of your weaknesses and invest some effort into improving them—at least to the point where they don’t hinder your progress. Being well-rounded can make you more versatile and adaptable, which is invaluable in an ever-changing world. But ultimately, it’s your strengths that will drive your passion and keep you motivated.
For example, in my own journey as a filmmaker and content creator, I realized early on that my strength lies in storytelling—creating narratives that resonate emotionally with audiences. I’ve poured my energy into developing this skill, refining my ability to convey powerful stories through film. At the same time, I recognized that I wasn’t as strong in areas like marketing or technical aspects of production. Instead of trying to become an expert in everything, I focused on partnering with others who excel in those areas, allowing me to concentrate on what I do best.
There was a time when I tried to spread myself too thin, attempting to improve every aspect of my work. But I found that this approach diluted my efforts and left me feeling overwhelmed. When I refocused on my strengths, I not only became more effective but also rediscovered my passion for storytelling.
In summary, while it’s beneficial to be aware of and improve upon your weaknesses, I believe the greatest success comes from doubling down on your strengths. This approach allows you to excel in your field while also finding ways to complement your skill set through collaboration and continuous learning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://othersfocusedmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marvinnn.g/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvin-gabriel-80450572
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marvingproductions
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