Interview with Marc Wong | Founder of Da Vinci Project

Lead With Purpose Series | Presented by Scriberlee

At the heart of every great initiative lies a purpose greater than oneself. For Marc Wong, Founder of the Da Vinci Project, that purpose was clear, to create a sanctuary where artists navigating unique life challenges could not only express their creativity but also reclaim dignity, healing, and livelihood. What began as a vision has blossomed into a movement, one that amplifies unheard voices and transforms limitations into legacies.

Q. What moment in your life made you realize this was the path you were meant to take?

It wasn’t one single moment, but a series of experiences that gradually shaped my path. When I worked in private education, ministering to youths and young adults, I first felt a calling to do work that truly impacted lives. Later, after serving in different industries, from healthcare media to the social services sector, I discovered a community close to my heart: artists living with life challenges such as brain trauma, autism, and other conditions. Many of them struggle to find their place in traditional jobs, not because of a lack of talent, but due to stigma and misunderstanding from workplaces unaccustomed to engaging with them, yet they carry incredible creativity and stories worth sharing. I realized I could draw on the strengths I had developed in my past roles, from education to media to social impact and combine them with my love for the visual arts. With the encouragement of entrepreneurial friends and family, it became clear that this was the right opportunity, at the right place and time, to create a platform where these artists can be seen, valued, and given the chance to earn an income.

Q. When challenges threatened to break your momentum, what kept you moving forward?

In such times, I remind myself why I started - to make a positive difference for those who need a voice and a way to sustain a living. I’m also fortunate to have a wife who shares my wavelength and fully supports what I do. She not only believed in my work, but also witnessed firsthand how our artists have grown, building better mental health, greater self-esteem, stronger family relationships, and even earning income through their art. Knowing she stood by me and that the work was truly touching lives in a very tangible way, gave me the encouragement to keep moving forward.

Q. What unique gap did you see in the world that inspired you to build your company?

The gap I saw was that many artists, despite their challenges, possess incredible talent and powerful stories to share. 

They are not shy about expressing themselves on camera, yet few specialized platforms exist to give them the chance to truly shine. With Da Vinci Project, I wanted to create something unique - a safe space where, as long as an artist has a story to tell, is willing to appear on camera and has the desire to co-create content with us in an intentional way to inspire others, they are welcome to collaborate. You’d be surprised at how much creativity and brilliance they carry when given the chance. That, to me, is the gap we’re filling, shifting the spotlight from challenges to possibility and using the power of storytelling to inspire and advocate.

Q. In your eyes, what truly sets your work apart from others in the industry?

Everyone involved in work that carries social impact comes from a place of good intentions and a good heart and I sincerely believe everyone in this space is doing an amazing job. However, what sets Da Vinci Project apart is that, as its founder building this startup purely through bootstrapping, I don’t face the layers of red tape that can slow things down. That gives me full creative control, not just over the content we produce, but also over the way we collaborate with our artists and the networks that support them. It allows me to stay true to my vision of helping artists and makers find hope and purpose, one creation at a time, while keeping the quality of our content consistent and responding quickly to good opportunities that let our artists shine.

Q. How do you keep both yourself and your team motivated during uncertain times?

There’s a note on my desk that says, ‘Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase’. That’s something I hold on to whenever times feel uncertain. I also feel I’ve been very blessed. From the artists I meet to the opportunities that come our way through supporters and industry partners, so much of it is really favour and grace. The biggest motivation for me is seeing the impact on our artists, watching them improve their mental health, gain confidence, and even earn some income from their creativity. That is more than enough to keep me going. And for me personally, I never discount the power of prayer. Many times, I’ve found solutions to my stumbling blocks through prayer.

Q. What is one powerful lesson your work has taught you about leadership?

One powerful lesson my work has taught me about leadership is to always listen more, be slow to judge, and show greater empathy toward others. When you truly listen and give people the opportunity to speak and share in a safe setting, you help them uncover strengths that might otherwise go unnoticed. And when you lead with empathy, people feel safe enough to grow, create, and contribute in ways that can surprise even themselves, often in ways that feel deeply cathartic for them.

Q. If a young dreamer stood before you today, unsure whether to leap or hold back, what would you tell them?

If a young dreamer stood before me today, unsure whether to leap or hold back, I’d ask them, “Would you wait until you’re sick and unwell to finally decide to do something for yourself? Or would you rather start now, while you’re young and healthy?” But before you take that leap, make sure you surround yourself with at least five like-minded people who have walked the same path, who carry a positive attitude, and who will encourage you. Too often, we get sidetracked by negative voices and critics who have no personal investment in us and no real experience walking the same journey. Choose your circle wisely, it makes all the difference!

Q. Looking ahead, what kind of legacy do you want your journey and company to leave behind?

I hope Da Vinci Project will be remembered as a movement that helped artists and makers find hope and purpose, one creation at a time.

Marc Wong has turned the Da Vinci Project into a living testament that creativity flourishes when nurtured with empathy, space, and recognition. Through his vision, artists who were once overlooked now discover dignity, healing, and purpose in their craft. As this movement grows, its true legacy will not only be the art it brings to light but also the lives it uplifts—one creation, one story, and one dream at a time.