We had the good fortune of connecting with Francesco Da Vinci and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Francesco, how do you think about risk?
I came from a dysfunctional family, and was determined not to let that define my future. There’s a saying that I took to heart: You cannot be defeated unless you accept the defeat.

From childhood on I became a risk-taker, determined to turn my disadvantages into advantages.
I didn’t want to live a life spent in regret. My first step out of the abyss was to read every self-help book I could get my hands on.
Motivational books prompted me to take a self-inventory, which made me aware of what I truly liked and didn’t like. That helped build my self-confidence and pride and allowed me to push through my fears and doubts. My mantra became: Dream, believe the dream, and make it happen!

Most of us are socialized to keep our dreams to ourselves and settle for a life we really don’t want. That was me at the outset.
I came from a family of five doctors. It was assumed I would be No. 6! When I realized I was becoming a doctor more for my family than for myself, I packed everything I owned into my car and drove from San Diego to LA to chase my dream of becoming a full-time photographer. In effect, I burned my bridges behind me and forced myself to succeed! It was hell in the beginning – a hand-to-mouth existence. But in a few years I became a full-time photographer and signed with Getty Images.

The results of risk-taking enhanced my life, and inspired me to pursue other seemingly impossible goals, like writing my memoir as a peace activist. Eventually, I completed my book and it was published in 2021 – I REFUSE TO KILL (Sunbury Press). www.irefusetokill.com

Currently, I offer a mentorship program through my photo studio in West LA which emphasizes success, happiness and the value of risk-taking.
www.francesco-da-vinci.com

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the unique things about my art is that its a hybrid of my photography, writing, filmmaking, and science.

Whatever I’ve achieved is due to being relentlessly positive and persistent. Another lesson was learning how to balance my personal and professional life. In the beginning I focused too much on business which left me stressed. Eventually I learned to make the journey as important as the destination. When I lived more in balance, it bumped up my happiness.

I believe it’s important to make the way you do something, just as important as the goal. As Gandhi said, make the means harmonious with the end. I tried to exemplify that when I applied as a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War, never accepting the notion of ‘destroying in order to save.’ And today, in my podcasts, I still champion nonviolent action and commonality with others over violence and divisiveness. In my view, we’re all basically one family.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The morning start with lox, eggs & onions at Bagel Nosh in Santa Monica
Then we’d head to LaLa Land in Santa Monica or Caffe Luxxe in Brentwood for lattes
Next a museum like The Hammer or The Getty
A beach like Santa Monica or Malibu
Boba tea in Westwood Village or Seven Mile on Sawtelle
Mini golf at Castle Park in Sherman Oaks
El Cholo – Mexican Restaurant in Santa Monica
Griffith Park Planetarium
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood for a movie

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m grateful for Lawrence Knorr, my publisher at Sunbury Press, who believed in my story of nonviolent activism (illustrated with my photos). Publishing my memoir as a conscientious objector to war gave me a national platform, which I use to promote social justice and nonviolent resolution of conflicts.

Website: https://www.francesco-da-vinci.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davinciscamera/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesco-da-vinci-457133133/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IRefuseToKill/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaVincisCamera

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davinciscamera

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