We had the good fortune of connecting with Marc-alain Muteba and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Marc-alain, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Unbounded Growth had a simple beginning. Around 2011, just a year after I started learning English and realized how awesome reading books could be, I had this cool thought. I imagined a platform where I could talk to people about how they grew as individuals, their business stories, and the tough stuff they faced. Even though I lived in Kenya and had no clue how to start, I grabbed a pen and scribbled my ideas in a notebook. I let my imagination run wild. Then, I closed the notebook and kinda forgot about it.
I did try recording a few episodes alone, and people said they liked them. But honestly, I didn’t like how I sounded. So, I shared them with a few friends, and that was pretty much it. Back then, I didn’t even give it the name Unbounded Growth.
I kept reading and watching videos about personal growth and leadership. It wasn’t until ten years later that I dug up my old journal, polished up my ideas, and started making a plan to turn this into something real.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Unbounded Growth is a platform with a clear mission: to empower individuals to unlock their full potential and realize their vision of a fulfilling life. This empowerment is facilitated through a network of like-minded individuals and valuable resources aimed at personal growth and development. Our vision is equally ambitious: to enrich lives, ignite minds, and inspire growth by fostering knowledge and action.
For over a decade, I held onto the idea of Unbounded Growth, and in 2021, I finally took the plunge and began recording once again. I poured countless hours into perfecting the content. Despite recording several solo episodes, a sense of dissatisfaction lingered. Something crucial was absent.
An important turning point arrived after I participated in a Career Day event at my local church, Resurrected Christ International Church. This experience was further enriched by attending the “Makutano” conference in Dallas, which translates to “intersection” or “meeting place.” During this event, I moderated a discussion panel. The panelists’ wealth of knowledge ignited a desire within me to share their stories with a wider audience.
Right after the conference, I crossed paths with Adam Shebindu, a young man who would prove pivotal in launching Unbounded Growth. My initial intention was to interview him about his journey as a scientist, particularly since he hailed from the same city as me, and intriguingly, his father had worked alongside mine as a lawyer.
However, destiny had different plans. Adam agreed to co-host the podcast with me. At that juncture, all I had was the name, a vision, and the necessary equipment. Adam, on the other hand, possessed a unique skill set. His proficiency in connecting with others, his grasp of social media dynamics, and his extroverted nature made him a perfect complement to my perfectionism. While I strived for flawless execution, Adam’s enthusiasm pushed us forward, recognizing that perfection could evolve as we progressed.
Challenges loomed large, with fear, doubt, and wavering confidence often knocking at my door. Amidst this struggle, a profound insight took root: courage isn’t the absence of fear, but rather the ability to advance despite it. This realization emboldened me. No matter the aspiration, the key was to commence. One step taken holds more weight than countless plans sitting idle. Embark on that initial step, learn as you proceed, and remember that you need not shoulder the entire burden alone. Seek out those who can contribute what you may lack – a principle exemplified in my own reliance on Adam’s expertise in social media.
Through it all, the guidance of my mentor, Tyson Bonty, resonated deeply: “Never, never give up.” This steadfast commitment to pushing forward, learning from each endeavor, and embracing the power of collaboration has been the driving force behind Unbounded Growth’s journey.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a natural introvert, so venturing out isn’t my usual scene. But if I were to pick some spots to hang out, here’s what I’d go for:
I’d start by heading to Winewood Grill in Grapevine for a satisfying meal. Then, I’d embark on a journey to the Fort Worth Stockyards to soak in the atmosphere. After that, a trip to the Zoo would be on the cards, followed by a serene stroll at the Botanic Garden to cap off the day.
The next day’s plan would include visiting the Perot Museum to get my dose of learning. Next up, the Illusion Museum in Dallas would offer a unique experience. Scaling the heights of the Reunion Tower for a panoramic view would be a must. To round it off, a leisurely walk around the Kenedy Memorial sounds perfect.
If my guest happens to be around on a Sunday, I’d take them to my church, Resurrected Christ International Church, in the morning. And in the afternoon, we’d explore the Arlington Mall and enjoy the vibes of the entertainment district.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My late father, Franck-August Mukute Muteba, played an enormous role in shaping who I am today. He consistently encouraged us to read, document our experiences, and jot down important insights to ensure they wouldn’t fade away. On the other hand, my mother, Alphonsine Nkongolo Tshibola, emphasized the significance of prayer and took a keen interest in our spiritual well-being as Christians. The blend of their guidance provided me with a well-rounded foundation in life.
In the journey of life, we often come across extraordinary blessings that shape our path and propel us toward our dreams. In my case, these blessings come in the form of my loving family, dedicated mentors, and my incredible wife, Plamedie Muteba. Their unwavering support has been the cornerstone of my success, and I am profoundly grateful for each of them.
Behind every successful individual stands an equally remarkable partner, and in my life, that partner is my beloved wife, Plamedie Muteba. She is not only my life partner but also my best friend and confidant. Her unwavering support and understanding have been my rock through life’s storms. Plamedie has provided a safe haven within our home, where peace and tranquility reign, allowing me to pursue my passions, such as running a podcast. Her support has been nothing short of extraordinary, even at times when it required personal sacrifice.
As I delved into the world of books, I discovered a steadfast mentor in the writings of Dr. John C. Maxwell. His words became my compass for navigating life’s lessons, complemented by the timeless wisdom of the Bible. Zig Ziglar’s teachings enlightened me about the potency of setting goals, finding a clear purpose, and maintaining unwavering motivation, even when confronted with challenges.
However, what truly solidified my love for reading was a transformative statement that I encountered: “If I can read, I can learn anything.” This revelation was shared by Dr. Ben Carson in his autobiography, “Gifted Hands.” His account of how reading revolutionized his life sparked a profound motivation within me to pursue reading and continuous learning with unbridled zeal.
Website: https://www.unboundedgrowth.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unboundedgrowth/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unbounded-growth
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unboundedgrowthpodcast/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@unboundedgrowth6084