In this heartfelt and candid episode, Bart sits down with Zane Kerby, President & CEO of ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors). They explore the soul of travel, the evolution from “travel agents” to “travel advisors,” the emotional impact of seeing the world, and how empathy, kindness, slowing down, and meaningful connection shape a life well lived. Zane shares stories from his 30-year anniversary trip to Colombia, childhood influences, leadership philosophies, and why travel advisors are more vital now than ever. This conversation is human, emotional, and a reminder that travel doesn’t just show us the world—it shows us ourselves.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

1. Travel Advisors Matter More Than Ever

• “Travel agent” felt transactional; “travel advisor” reflects guidance, advocacy, and expertise.
• Travelers want transformation, not transactions.
• Advisors are the trusted partners who know what most travelers don’t.

1. Travel Makes Us More Human
• Travel builds empathy and reduces ego.
• Seeing how others live widens perspective and deepens understanding.
• Shared vulnerability while traveling brings people together.
2. The Best Memories Are on the Road
• Zane’s most meaningful family moments happened during travel.
• Being away from routine creates space for deeper conversations and connection.
• Small moments become lifelong memories.
3. Slowing Down Creates Kindness
• Zane’s advice: slow down, listen, and be available to be interrupted.
• Pausing helps us notice others and step in to help more often.
4. Leadership Rooted in Humility
• Zane’s parents modeled respect, humility, and kindness.
• Great leadership is about presence, consistency, and treating people well.
• Hire smart people, pay them fairly, and share the credit.
5. Stick With What Matters

• Zane believes in endurance and commitment.
• “Most people don’t stick with it…but you do.”

Memorable Quotes

• “Most of the important memories I have with my wife and family are from travel.”
• “Travel makes you less ego-centric and more human.”
• “The more planes of people we send around the world, the fewer bombs we have to send.”
• “An advisor works for you. Not for a supplier—for you.”
• “Slow the heck down.”
• “Some opportunities to help make you feel human.”
• “All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”
• “Most people don’t stick with it…but you do.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

For Travel Advisors
Your work matters more than ever. You’re not booking trips—you’re shaping how people see the world and each other. You help create life-changing experiences.

For Leaders

Slow down. Listen deeply. Treat people well. Presence is powerful. Hire smart, kind people and give credit freely.

For Everyone

Travel as much as you can. Say yes more often. Go and see the world—it expands your understanding, deepens your empathy, and enriches your life. And when you’re not traveling, practice the same principles: pause, notice, listen, help.

Travel is an empathy engine. It makes us better humans. And as Zane reminds us, the world becomes a better place when we choose to go, see, and connect.

More about Zane Kerby here: Zane Kerby | LinkedIn

More about ASTA here: Home

In this episode, Bart sits down with Sara Murray, founder & CEO of Murmaid International, sales trainer, keynote speaker, and host of Prospecting on Purpose. This conversation explores Sara’s journey from corporate to entrepreneur, her “ABAV” philosophy (Always Be Adding Value), the mindset behind confidence, abundance, and authentic connection, and the simple human behaviors that create massive business impact.

Sara shares candid stories about positivity, self-belief, gratitude, and what happens when you consistently show up as someone who notices, connects, and overdelivers.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

• “Always Be Adding Value” (ABAV) is the game-changer

Sara’s foundational philosophy: every interaction is a chance to make an emotional deposit. Add value before you ask. Add value even when you don’t need anything. Add value when it costs nothing. This is what builds reputation, trust, and opportunity.

• Confidence isn’t arrogance, it’s earned through action

Sara teaches how to “jump up on the pedestal” instead of shrinking in front of high-value clients. Confidence is built by collecting experiences, learning from people, and trusting your strengths.

• Abundance > Scarcity

Even in competitive industries, there’s more than enough success to go around. Sara and Bart connect over the idea that generosity creates momentum. When you give without expectations, the world opens up.

• Sales isn’t pushing, it’s helping

If your product or service genuinely improves someone’s business or life, then outreach isn’t “bothering” people. It’s informing them of value they deserve to know about.

• Listening is the new superpower

People miss opportunities because they’re too busy “performing.” Listening deeply to needs, hints, frustrations, vacations, or tiny details, creates connection. It’s rare. And therefore powerful.

• Personal touchpoints matter more than automation

Automation is fine. Humanity wins. A review. A thoughtful suggestion. A follow-up based on something they said. Most people don’t do these small acts, which is why they stand out.

• Entrepreneurship requires patience and faith

Sara emphasizes that the first few years are harder, longer, and more demanding than expected. But with patience, belief, and staying aligned with your “why,” the payoff is life-changing.

• Your childhood shapes your strengths

Sara’s ability to talk to anyone came from sitting next to strangers on flights as a Delta employee’s kid. Every interaction became a data point that built confidence, empathy, and curiosity.

• Value before ask, every time

One of Sara’s favorite examples: she once recommended two novels to someone going on vacation. It got her booked a full year earlier than expected.

• Human > transactional.

Helping people first is the business model

When you focus on helping, not hustling, you attract the right clients, create impact, and build a career you’re proud of.

Memorable Quotes

• “We’re at your service, we’re not your servants.”

• “Everyone’s trying to jump on the pedestal. You don’t have to take anyone off… just put yourself up there too.”

• “Abundance starts when you stop asking and start adding.”

• “If your service genuinely helps people, they need to know about it. That’s not bothering them, that’s doing your job.”

• “Patience and trust, that’s the hardest part of entrepreneurship.”

• “Changing someone’s life wasn’t my why at first… but it became my why.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

• Model Sara’s A-BAV approach: Look daily for no-cost, meaningful ways to surpass what “most people don’t” do.

• Shift from scarcity to service: Helping without keeping score amplifies everything, your brand, referrals, confidence, and results.

• Lead with humanity: Automation can draft. You deliver the emotion.

• Be confident by being curious: Ask more. Listen more. Notice more.

• Build emotional bank accounts before withdrawals: Look for tiny deposits that compound into trust.

Resources:

LinkedIn: Sara Murray | LinkedInWebsite: Sara Murray

In this powerful and deeply human episode of For All the Marbles, Bart sits down with bestselling author and mental health advocate Dana Johnston. Dana opens up about her journey with bipolar disorder from the terrifying onset of insomnia and fear, to rebuilding her life, career, marriage, and sense of purpose. Her book, Shine Bright: Seeking Daylight in the Darkness, has touched thousands, offering hope, practical tools, and a way forward for anyone facing adversity.

This conversation blends vulnerability, wisdom, humor, and heart, making it one of the most inspirational stories shared on the show.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

• You Must Take Care of Yourself First

Dana emphasizes that wellness is the foundation of everything: happiness, stability, career, and relationships.

For her, self-care includes:

• sleep

• hydration

• movement

• music

• meditation

• journaling

“You can’t be happy if you don’t feel well.”

• Mental Health Is Not Linear. It’s a Human Experience

Dana reframes anxiety and depression as universal emotional states, not signs of failure.

She uses a powerful metaphor:

“The blue sky is always there, even when the clouds temporarily cover it.”

• Healing Requires Discipline, Not Perfection

Dana openly shares that even with great habits, she still veers off course sometimes, and that’s okay.

“What matters is that you know what helps you feel your best, and you do more of that.”

• Experience Shapes Change

Many people don’t adopt healthier habits because they haven’t experienced the consequences or the benefits yet. Dana notes that both hardship and role models shape whether people take action.

• We Need a More Sustainable Pace of Work

Dana is a leading advocate of the four-day workweek, not for convenience but for survival in today’s professional climate.

She argues that productivity, happiness, and health all increase when people are rested.

• Turning Pain Into Purpose Helps Others Heal

Dana didn’t write her book to heal herself; she wrote it for the young woman who feels terrified and lost after a bipolar diagnosis.

Her lived experience helps others feel seen, understood, and hopeful.

• Tiny Steps Lead to Big Transformations

Dana reminds us:

“You inch along. You get a little better every year. Don’t expect an overnight transformation. Be kind to yourself.”

Memorable Quotes

• “Take care of yourself first; everything else becomes easier when you feel well.”

• “Emotions are like clouds; they pass. The blue sky behind them never goes away.”

• “People haven’t changed their habits because they haven’t seen the consequences or the benefits yet.”

• “The pace of work in 2025 is not sustainable without rest.”

• “I wrote my book for the 22-year-old girl who just had the rug pulled out from under her.”

• “Every year, you just get a little bit better. Inch along and be kind to yourself.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

This episode is a reminder that:

• Struggles don’t define you. Your response does.

• Daily habits shape resilience more than motivation ever will.

• You are responsible for protecting your wellness and your peace.

• Your story can help others feel less alone.

• Small, consistent steps create meaningful change.

For listeners facing anxiety, burnout, depression, fear, or any life disruption, Dana’s story shines a light forward:

You can rebuild. You can improve. You can shine bright again.

Resources:

LinkedIn: Dana Johnston, MS, CMP | LinkedIn

Book: daylightanddarkness.com

In this energizing and deeply human conversation, Bart sits down with Carrie Campbell, a longtime Boston Red Sox executive, keynote speaker, culture strategist, and former hotelier. Together they unpack what genuine service looks like, how strong cultures are built, and why creating exceptional experiences isn’t complicated—it’s intentional.

Carrie shares her journey from Fairmont Hotels to Fenway Park, how a culture of care shaped her leadership, and why the Red Sox operate with one of the most empowering philosophies in sports and hospitality: “We are in the YES business.” This episode blends personal storytelling, leadership insight, and practical wisdom for anyone seeking to build healthier workplaces or make courageous career moves.

Major Takeaways and Learnings

Culture Begins With People, Not Processes

Great organizations give employees the tools, training, and clarity to deliver great service. Culture thrives when people feel valued—never when the only priority is profit or reporting.

• Recognition Is a Leadership Strategy

Carrie emphasizes that recognition must be intentional. It means understanding how each person prefers to be acknowledged, connecting praise to impact, addressing missteps with clarity, and creating a consistent rhythm of appreciation.

• You Can Leave Environments That Drain You

When someone feels stuck, unseen, or depleted, Bart and Carrie both reinforce a message many need to hear:

If you can’t change the culture and leadership isn’t listening, you don’t have to stay.

As Bart shares, you can do anything for a year to get back on your feet and rebuild.

• Everyone Can Lead

Leadership isn’t defined by title. It’s defined by behavior. Anyone can model kindness, contribute to culture, mentor a teammate, or take ownership of their environment.

• The Red Sox “YES Business” Philosophy

Carrie offers an inside look at one of the Red Sox’s most defining cultural principles:

“We are in the YES business.”

Employees are empowered with resources like discretionary ticket allotments to proactively solve problems and create memorable moments. It is a simple but powerful philosophy that reduces friction, builds trust, and elevates fan experience.

• Fear Should Protect You, Not Paralyze You

Fear is primal, but it becomes harmful when it keeps us small. Awareness is the first step to choosing courage and forward movement—whether that means learning new skills, addressing workplace issues, or making a major career change.

• Culture Creates Safety

A strong culture is synonymous with psychological safety. It fosters clarity, consistency, trust, and retention. People stay not because of perks, but because the environment feels supportive and human.

Memorable Quotes

• “I fell in love with delivering experiences people remember long after they leave.”

• “There’s no such thing as being too nice. Kindness is not weakness.”

• “If you’re going to survey your people, you owe them a conversation afterward.”

• “Fear is supposed to keep you safe—not stuck.”

• “Everyone is a leader, title or not.”

• “We’re in the YES business, and the culture equips us to say yes.”

• “Most people don’t stop and smell the roses—and be where their feet are.”

Why It Matters / How to Apply It

• For Leaders

Model the culture you expect. Teach. Recognize. Support. Set clear expectations. Equip your people. Create consistency.

• For Employees

You shape culture too. Speak up. Contribute. Support colleagues. Practice kindness. And if the environment harms your wellbeing, give yourself permission to leave.

• For Anyone Feeling Stuck

You are not redundant. You are remarkable.

And you truly can do anything for a year to regain momentum, stability, and hope.

When Andrea Driessen and Bart sat next to each other at IMEX, the conversation didn’t begin with sales, logistics, or “What do you need?” Instead, Andrea asked something rare: “Tell me more about you.”

That moment became the spark for this deeply meaningful episode. Andrea is the Founder of Gracenotes, an author, TED/TEDx speaker, longtime entrepreneur, and former ownerof a speakers bureau. Today, she’s leading a global movement to help people experience something precious while they’re still here: a living eulogy.

In this powerful conversation, Andrea shares:

• Why people feel invisible at work and in life

• How “messages of mattering” transform confidence, culture, and connection
• her father’s 11-word note that changed everything

• The four roadblocks stopping people from expressing mattering

• What happens when we wait too long
• The extraordinary ripple effect of a handwritten Garce Note

You’ll hear emotional stories, practical tools, and reminders that we simply can’t afford to postpone what matters most.

This episode is a masterclass in noticing, appreciating, and expressing the good in others before it’s too late.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

1. We must not wait.

Life changes without warning. A grace note written today can become someone’s anchor tomorrow. Bart shares his “blue screen of death” metaphor and his own heart-attack anniversary to reinforce the message: Don’t wait.

2. People feel unseen, more than we realize.

A third of employees feel invisible at work. Half feel undervalued. Women especially feel unseen. Grace Notes offer a simple, profound antidote.

3. A “living eulogy” shifts how people view their impact.

Most people don’t know the good they bring to others until they're gone. Grace Notes allow us to tell them now when they can internalize it, live into it, and be changed by it.

4. Four roadblocks stop people from expressing appreciation.

Andrea identifies the big four:

• Lack of time

• Emotional bandwidth

• Fear of awkwardness

• Not knowing what to say
  She gives tools to overcome each one.

5. Handwritten matters.

A physical note becomes a keepsake, a reminder, a reassurance. People keep them on walls, drawers, binders—sometimes for decades.

6. Brave moves build brave lives.

Andrea shares the 11-word note from her father:
“I’m in awe of my kid doing such a brave thing.”
She still has it on her wall—even now.

7. Attention is one of the purest forms of love.

When we fully “erase ourselves” and focus on others, we give the rarest human gift: presence without agenda.

8. Meaning > Matter.

People don’t need more things. They need more meaning. Messages of mattering help create it.

Memorable Quotes

From Andrea:

• “We shouldn’t have to be dead to hear our eulogy read.”

• “People feel invisible. A simple note can change their day, their career, their life.”

• “We overthink what to write and underestimate its impact.”

• “The attention we give one another is our greatest form of love.”

• “If we don’t believe in the value of our work, no one else will.”

From Bart:

• “Most people don’t… but you do.”

• “Don’t wait to say I love you. Don’t wait to send the note.”

• “The universe is meeting you where you are because your intention is pure.”

• “You don’t need the applause, you need the impact.”

Why It Matters

1. Start your own Grace Note practice today.

Pick one person. Write 3–4 sentences. Send it. Don’t overthink.

2. Create a “Kudos File” or “Brag Box.”

Keep the notes others send you. Pull them out on the tough days.

3. Use the “habit swap” method.

Swap one episode of Netflix, one social scroll, one distraction—for a Grace Note.

4. Schedule a monthly “Grace Note Meeting” with yourself.

A simple recurring calendar block. 10–20 minutes. It changes relationships.

5. Lead with meaning.

In leadership, sales, family, and friendships:
People remember how you made them feel seen.

6. Practice presence.

Erase yourself, focus solely on the human in front of you.

Resources;

Connect to:

Andrea Driessen | LinkedIn

Website: Keynote Speaker | Gracenotes

In this unscripted, deeply human episode recorded during a car ride in Cancun, Bart sits down with two extraordinary voices — William Arruda, founder of Reach Personal Branding and global pioneer in the personal branding movement, and Stuart Fedderson, charisma and human-connection expert known for teaching how to have confident, credible, meaningful conversations.

What begins as a discussion about Bart’s Trigger–Glimmer–Awe model quickly unfolds into an energetic exchange about identity, connection, confidence, conversation skills, introversion, authenticity, and doing what most people don’t do.

Bart shares his three C’s for movingfrom Trigger to Glimmer: Clear your mind. Connect with others. Create a better meaning.

Stuart reveals his own three C’s for charisma and personal presence and talks vulnerably about growing up with a stutter, battling social anxiety, and why introverts can become powerful communicators with the right rituals.

William adds his three C’s of personal branding clarity, consistency, and constancy and explains why “fine” isthe most dangerous word in a career. If something is only fine, it’s forgettable.

The three also explore:

• Why charisma and positivity go hand in hand.
• How authenticity is the foundation of every great brand — including Taylor Swift’s.
• Why visibility matters more now than ever.
• Why people rarely take action after conferences unless they create a system to remind themselves.
• How postcards, unexpected conversations, and “Tell me more” moments create real connection.
• Why the most meaningful conversations happen with the people you don’t expect.

And in true Most People Don’t fashion, Bart shares a powerful story from a grocery store a moment when someone judged him, admitted it aloud, and left reminded of what it feels like to be truly seen.

This is a warm, funny, vulnerable, deeply humanepisode filled with insights you can use at work, on stage, and in the everyday conversations that shape your life.

MAJOR TAKEAWAYS / LEARNINGS

• You cannot move from Trigger to Glimmer without energy physical and mental.
• Positivity fuels charisma; people feel your outlook before they hear your words.
• Personal branding is a daily practice rooted in visibility and authenticity.
• “Fine” is the enemy of extraordinary.
• Introverts can be extraordinary communicators with the right rituals.
• Curiosity (“Tell me more…”) builds the deepest connections.
• Meaningful conversations often come from the people we least expect.
• To make conference learning stick, you must give yourself reminders postcards, notes, and 3-action lists.
• Complimenting uniquely (“chatter charms”) helps you start real conversation.
• Every interaction is a chance to create a story someone will never forget.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

• “Most people talk. Few people ask. ‘Tell me more’ transforms everything.”
• “Fine is the most dangerous word in your career.” — William Arruda
• “The more positive you are, the more charismatic you’ll be perceived.” — Stuart Fedderson
• “Authenticity isn’t optional — people feel it.”
• “You can’t go from Trigger to Glimmer if you don’t first clear, connect, and create.” — Bart
• “The best conversations are with the people you never expected to connect with.”
• “You have to wake yourself up before you can wake up the room.” — Stuart on introversion

Resources;

Connect to:

William Arruda LinkedIn: William Arruda | LinkedIn

Website: William Arruda – What makes you unique makes you successful.

Stuart Fedderson LinkedIn: Stuart Fedderson | LinkedInWebsite: Master your people skills, increase your success

In this inspiring episode of For All the Marbles, Bart interviews Alex Sechopoulos, the 26-year-old Head of Sales and Operations for Mixly USA, a groundbreaking company that bridges music, mixology, and technology. From humble beginnings at a Canadian winery to helping pioneer an innovation that lets you literally taste your favorite song, Alex shares how mentorship, family influence, and sheer driveshaped his entrepreneurial journey. Together, Bart and Alex explore the creative spark behind Mixly’s “Taste the Music” activation, the emotional intelligence behind great sales, and the deeper meaning of balancing ambition with well-being.

Major Takeaways / Learnings:

• Entrepreneurship starts with exposure and mentorship. Alex learned the ropes of running a business by helping at a family-owned winery and being mentored by leaders like Tony and Edie Mack.
• Work ethic is in your DNA, but growth is a choice. Discipline, humility, and curiosity were traits Alex absorbed from his hardworking parents and mentors.
• Creativity meets data at Mixly. Mixly’s concept, matching music’s 28 data parameters (from tempo to energy) with flavor science, was born at a Spotify hackathon by co-founder Henry in Belgium, blending art, emotion, and food science.
• Sales is about trust and curiosity. Alex emphasizes that success comes from helping clients solve problems and having fun while doing it, “We sell fun.”
• Scale through purpose. Whether catering to 20 people or 10,000, Mixly focuses on delivering emotional, memorable, and shareable experiences, what Bart calls “Instagramable, not Googleable.”
• Fulfilment over fear. Entrepreneurship’s greatest reward is ownership of both success and failure: “If I fail, it’s because of me. If I succeed, it’s because of me.”
• Balance drive with grace. Bart and Alex discuss the power of “Do your best but don’t give it your all,” which means preserving your energy for life beyond work.
• Organization is liberation. Alex admits that learning to systemize his thoughts and tasks transformed his productivity and peace of mind.

Memorable Quotes:

• We sell fun.” – Alex Sechopoulos
• “Give me the ball. If I fail, it’s because of me; if I succeed, it’s because of me.” – Alex
• “Do your best—but don’t give it your all.” – Bart & Alex’s shared insight on balance
• “Taste the music. Every song can become an experience.” – Mixly’s mission
• “It’s not about what you can do; it’s about what you can do to help them.” – Alex on customer focus

✨ Why It Matters / How to Use It:
This episode reminds entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders that innovation often lives at the intersection of emotion, science, and service. Whether you’re building a company or leading a team, success comes from curiosity, connection, and consistency and remembering that fun is a strategy, nota distraction. Alex’s story proves that passion with purpose and a willingness to keep learning can turn even the wildest ideas into global movements.

Resources:

Bart Berkey | LinkedIn

Website: Mixly USA

LinkedIn: Alex Sechopoulos

In this episode of For All the Marbles, Bart sits down with Jeremy Kwaterski, often called the Godfather of Cell Phone Repair, a serial entrepreneur who built CPR Cell Phone Repair into a 700-unit franchise before selling it and later founding Repairs First Association, Gadget Repair Expo, The Biz Expo, Accelerate Franchise, and several other ventures.

Jeremy’s story is a masterclass in betting on yourself, embracing the road less travelled, and turning setbacks into the spark for future success. He shares how early experiences of being undervalued pushed him to create his own path, how he built and scaled massive enterprises, and why freedom, not money, has been his primary motivator.

The conversation dives deep into resilience, creativity, franchising, learning from everyone (even a 15-year-old entrepreneur), and the shared responsibility of giving others a playbook for success.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

• Betting on Yourself Creates Freedom

Jeremy realized early that traditional employment didn’t reward his effort or talent. Instead of accepting that, he “gambled on himself” the only outcome he could control.

• Painful Experiences Can Create Powerful Entrepreneurs.

Being overlooked, underpaid, or dismissed can spark the determination to build something better.

Jeremy’s early employers' failure to value him pushed him to create companies where people matter.

• Learn Relentlessly From Anyone

He still learns from every employee, every franchisee, every entrepreneur… even teenagers.

Entrepreneurs who stay curious stay successful.

• Building Is Not About Special Sauce; It’s About Systems

Jeremy’s franchise success came from codifying what works:

operations, margins, customer experience, consistency.

Any business can be franchised if it has a replicable playbook.

• Growth Comes From Community, Not Ego

CPR grew rapidly because Jeremy tapped into the brains and creativity of his franchisees. His association model is built on the same principle: independent shops supporting each other.

• Failures Aren’t Failures, They’re Setbacks

Jeremy reframes every failure as a place to regroup, fix, and move forward. This mindset is why he’s still building new ventures decades later.

• Freedom > Money

The greatest reward of entrepreneurship for Jeremy isn’t wealth, it’s the freedom to:

• work anywhere

• build what excites him

• set his own hours

• create opportunities for others

• Don’t Forget Your People

Too many leaders overlook the talent supporting them. Jeremy is intentional about staying accessible, humble, and grateful.

Memorable Quotes

• “If I were going to gamble, I’d gamble on myself. That’s the only outcome I could control.”
• “I quit more jobs than businesses I ever started — because they didn’t value me.”
• “You never stop learning. Keep your mind open. Someone younger can teach you something every day.”
• “My success wasn’t because of me alone — it was because I tapped into the energy of my franchisees.”
• “Entrepreneurship is about freedom. The money is secondary.”
• “It’s not failure — it’s a setback. Fix it, learn, move forward.”
• “I’ll never be the guy you can’t walk up to. Never.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

For aspiring or current entrepreneurs, Jeremy’s story is a blueprint:

• Bet on yourself even when others won’t.
• Use setbacks as fuel.
• Learn constantly.
• Create systems so others can win.
• Stay accessible, humble, and open-minded.
• Remember your purpose: freedom, creativity, impact.

His journey reinforces your MPD philosophy perfectly:

Most people don’t… trust themselves, learn from everyone, or build playbooks for others.

But YOU do.

In this powerful and humbling episode, Bart connects across continents with Mumbere Dieme, a 27-year-old leader from the mountains of Western Uganda whose story redefines what it means to rise, serve, and give.

Mumbere grew up in a poor, war-torn region where sleeping on the ground and walking barefoot to school were not uncommon. His father—a struggling but steadfast pastor—taught him faith, kindness, and the importance of serving others, even when you have little. Through Compassion International, Mumbere was sponsored as a child, receiving not only education and medical care but also the belief that he could be more than his circumstances.

That gift of opportunity became his life’s mission. After earning his nursing degree, Mumbere chose not to pursue a hospital career. Instead, he returned home to rebuild a school that had once been destroyed by storms—reviving it under the shade of a single tree and growing it into the Kyarumba Joint Christian Orphanage, Nursery, and Primary School, now serving more than 100 children. Some students walk miles each day to attend. Some cannot afford shoes. But all are learning, laughing, and discovering hope because one man decided to lead with compassion instead of comfort.

What makes this story extraordinary is not only the miles that separate Bart’s suburban Virginia world from Mumbere’s mountainous village, but how kindness—and a shared belief in possibility—bridges the distance. This is not a story of charity. It’s a story of character, connection, and calling.

Major Takeaways

• Kindness multiplies. A sponsored child becomes the sponsor of many. What we receive in grace, we can give in gratitude.

• Adversity is not the opposite of opportunity. Mumbere’s struggles built his empathy, discipline, and leadership—traits that now anchor his community.

• Leadership is service in motion. His nursing background and compassion blend naturally into teaching, nurturing, and guiding young lives.

• Faith fuels resilience. Even after his father survived a rebel attack, Mumbere never lost hope. He learned that service is stronger than fear.

• Connection is powerful. Across languages, continents, and bandwidth limitations, kindness finds a way to connect—and to inspire action.

Memorable Quotes

“I used to sleep on the ground. Now I help children find a place to dream.”

“Those who have little can still give much. Sometimes hope is the only thing we own.”

“Most people don’t believe kindness can change a country—but it changed mine.”

“My father taught me to serve others, not to be served. That is where love begins.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

This episode is a reminder that impact doesn’t require wealth—it requires will. Every act of kindness ripples outward, touching lives you may never meet. Mumbere’s story challenges us to re-examine comfort, gratitude, and purpose.

Wherever you live—whether it’s the suburbs of Northern Virginia or the mountains of Western Uganda—you have the power to create hope. Sometimes that begins with a single connection, a single conversation, or a single decision to do what Most People Don’t… but YOU Do.

In this heartwarming and insightful episode of For All the Marblisms, Bart welcomes Chicago-based photographer and creative professional Will Byington. Together, they explore the intersection of creativity, resilience, entrepreneurship, and authenticity, highlighting the struggles and successes that shape a meaningful career.

Will’s story is not just about capturing photos—it’s about capturing life, emotion, and connection while navigating the evolving demands of being a creative entrepreneur in a digital age.

 Will’s Journey: From Film Cameras to Rock Cruises

• Early spark: Will grew up with disposable cameras and one-hour photo labs, enchanted by the magic of capturing candid moments.
• Education & pivot: A single darkroom photography class at the University of Alabama deepened his love for the craft.
• Unexpected detour: He pursued marketing in Los Angeles, working briefly in film promotion—but after a disheartening year, he returned home, feeling defeated.
• The turning point: A chance meeting with the New Orleans band Cowboy Mouth led to a touring role managing merchandise and photographing the band—his entry into professional photography.
• Today: Over 21 years later, Will has photographed 172 entertainment cruises for major artists like Bon Jovi, Kesha, and Pitbull, and works with brands like Sixthman and ALG Vacations.

Entrepreneurial Lessons & Insights

• Success Requires Failing Forward

“You’re not an entrepreneur if you don’t fail. You have to throw things atthe wall and learn.”

• It’s Not About the Photos—It’s About the Focus

Will credits his success to being part of the experience, not just documenting it. His empathy, professionalism, and genuine care make him unforgettable.

“I’m not there to be paparazzi. I’m there to capture the experience without blocking someone else’s joy.”

• The Power of Showing Up

Whether introducing himself to fans before a cruise or helping someone improve their phone photos, Will emphasizes presence, humility, and joy.

“Life is 80% showing up. And when you do, bring energy and curiosity.”

• Imposter Syndrome Is Universal

Will admits that self-doubt once kept him from teaching photography, fearinghe’d train away his own clients. He now sees teaching as empowering:

“Rising tides lift all boats. Helping others doesn’t take from you—it expands you.”

• Creativity Requires Business Balance

Will shares that being a freelancer means juggling roles—creative, legal, financial, HR, and marketing—all at once.

“Being a photographer is 90% business, 10% creativity. AI tools like Marblism help us flip that balance.”

AI, Efficiency & Creativity

Bart introduces Marblism, an AI-powered productivity assistant for entrepreneurs. Will reacts with curiosity and cautious optimism, seeing potential to regain time for creativity.

“If human interaction doesn’t make it better, let AI do it.” — Bart
“I’m on the AI train… maybe still in the caboose—but learning.” — Will

Key Themes & Takeaways

• Resilience: Moving from failure to reinvention.
• Curiosity over fear: Asking questions to connect and learn.
• Joy & authenticity: Leading with positivity in every environment.
• Focus: Erase “you” to make the experience about others.
• Gratitude & presence: Print your photos, share them, and celebrate moments.

Closing Reflections

Will and Bart reflect on how creativity and kindness intersect:

“It’s not about the coffee—it’s about the people.”
“It’s not about the photos—it’s about the focus.”

Will reminds listeners to capture and print their memories, because physical photos hold emotional power.

“Print your pictures. Hold them. Share them. You never know how much they’ll mean someday.”

Connect with Will

Website: willbyington.com

Instagram: @willbyington

LinkedIn: Will Byington

Classes: shotclubphotoclass.com

 Final Quote

 “We’re never finished. We’re evolving, learning, and sharing.
We are living our dream while chasing our dream.” — Will Byington