The En Factor Podcast features conversations with entrepreneurs who have started, stumbled and succeeded.
In this week’s newest and powerful episode of the En Factor, we welcome Mark Steenbarger and dive into deep discussion with his venture, Point of View Story. Mark’s unique background as a software developer and earning a Masters of Fine Arts back in 2021 has led him to create an innovative approach to healing from complex trauma through immersive films. Point of View Story allows viewers to engage deeply with the films, helping them access their own feelings and beliefs to aid them in their healing journey. Operating as a social enterprise, Point of View Story combines artistry with technology, offering two to four curated films each year through a subscription-based platform. These films, designed to help those affected by violence and commercial sexual exploitation, are accompanied by psychotherapeutic content created by a licensed clinical social worker. Join us as Mark shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of focusing on a niche market, as well as the value of networking and building industry connections. You won’t want to miss out as Mark discusses the challenges of staying focused, the necessity of perseverance and resilience in overcoming failure, the significance of curiosity, remaining in the present, and finding value in every interaction.
Key Words- Arts Entrepreneurship, Resilience
Chapters
00:00 • Introduction to Mark Steenbarger and Point of View Story
02:26 • Creating Moments in Film with Point of View Story
04:19 • The Power of Short Films and Post-Film Conversations
09:27 • Mark’s Journey from Software Development to Fine Arts
11:57 • The Role of Improv in Mark’s Creative Journey
16:45 • Point of View Story as a Social Enterprise
19:11 • The Role of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Point of View Story
22:21 • Creating and Curating Films for the Point of View Story Catalog
25:45 • The Subscription-Based Business Model of Point of View Story
28:21 • Building Connections through Conferences
32:05 • The Versatility of the Product
37:56 • Opportunities Amidst COVID
45:47 • The Importance of Curiosity and Presence
49:24 • Finding Value in Every Interaction
Episode takeaways
- Point of View Story creates films that allow viewers to put themselves into the story and access their own feelings and beliefs.
- The films are designed to help people heal from complex trauma, particularly those who have been harmed by violence and commercial sexual exploitation.
- Point of View Story operates as a social enterprise, combining the artistic and technical skills of its founder, Mark Steenbarger.
- The films are offered through a subscription-based platform and are accompanied by psychotherapeutic content created by a licensed clinical social worker.
- Narrowing your focus to a niche market can lead to success as an entrepreneur.
- Attending conferences and building connections within the industry can be valuable for business growth.
- Overcoming failure requires perseverance and resilience.
- Being curious and remaining present can lead to new opportunities and solutions.
- Finding value in every interaction is essential for business success.
The En Factor® Podcast
Conversations with Entrepreneurs
Hosted by Dr. Rebecca White
Our audience of aspiring and established entrepreneurs are inspired to persevere throughout their entrepreneurial journey. You will hear first-hand stories of success, resilience through failure, and how to become a master in your field.