Marc Dunston is the host and executive producer of “The Magic Marc Show,” a television program that teaches children manners, giving, kindness, and goodness through magi cation — a combination of magic and education. Accompanied on the show by his pets Bingo, Showbiz, Wizard, Bubba, and Fluffy, he gives the children of Savannah, Ga., a place to gather and have fun on Saturday mornings. Such publications as Savannah Magazine, Savannah Morning News, the Skinnie Magazine, and the South have featured Dunston and “The Magic Marc Show.”
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
The opportunity to meet people from the world over and make them smile.
How did you determine your career path?
Fell in love with magic at age 6 and found that everyone enjoys watching magic. I was hooked from the beginning and knew I wanted to be a magician.
What other industries connect to your career choice?
Television, sales and marketing
Describe the skill sets that are essential to future business leaders and innovators.
The ability to communicate with others and maintain harmonious relationships.
Define innovative methods you apply to your business and life.
All of the techniques used in magic, conjuring, dexterity and patter, assist me in everyday life.
How do you set goals and evaluate your success?
I set reachable goals with reasonable expectations. My success is gauged by seeing the smiles of my audience.
Who do you consider peers in your field? Who is setting a great example of best practices?
My first encounter with magic was a book and movie about Houdini. He understood how to relate to the audience and make his shows interactive and fun. Doug Henning, Mark Wilson (my Magic Castle Sponsor) and Harry Blackstone were examples of how I wanted to conduct my career.
How do you stay abreast of changes in your field?
Conferences, the Internet, reading and being a member of International Brotherhood of Magicians.
Name your favorite role models for success in two industries.
Houdini, Mark Wilson, Ching Ling Su, Doug Henning, Lance Burton and David Copperfield
Names three books that changed how you saw life that you would recommend to others.
The Bible, Mark Wilson’s Book of Magic and Tuesday with Morrie.
Explain why lifelong learning is important to you.
The world is constantly changing and in order to stay cutting edge you must constantly explore new ways to improve.
Describe the voice of success that you hear in your head.
Encouraging, helpful and caring.
Community success based on what you do in the community means what to you?
The opportunity to give back by using your time, talent and treasures sharing with others. The most important thing we can do in any given day is to help someone else have a better day.
What role does technology play in your daily life?
So many ways, from computers to manage my store’s sales and inventory to show management and communication with my fans and family: Facebook, Twitter, etc.
What software and technology tools have made the biggest difference in your life?
Smartphones and iPad.
How do music and cultural events define your self-identity?
My love of music has head me to become the chairman of the Savannah Jazz Festival, one of the oldest Jazz festivals in the US. I’ve been around music my entire life and have several family members who earn their living in the business.
Define your personal culture.
I am all about greeting people with a smile and engaging them in conversations that bring us together.
Describe your favorite vacation spot.
Costa Rica because of the weather, the flora and fauna and people.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would you change?
I would erase all prejudices and hatred.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change?
I wish I could forgive easier.
