Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chris Wilborn. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Chris, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

“Stop, Look… Listen to your heart, hear what it’s saying!” (Stylistics, 1971). I often remind myself of these lyrics because, at times, our paths can become clouded—especially when facing hardship. These lyrics emphasize the importance of listening to your heart, recognizing your desires, and not being afraid to make decisions based on what you truly feel. Many people can relate to this. As I reflect on these words, I feel a renewed sense of life, reconnecting with my “WHY” and understanding the reasons behind my heart’s yearning.

My name is Chris M. Wilborn (Producer/Director), CEO/Owner of Natural Born Leaders Visuals (Film Production) and Spatial Intelligence (Marketing and Advertising Agency). There have been times when I questioned whether I deserved the role of CEO/Owner of two businesses. I even considered quitting—not because things were difficult, but because I had lost sight of my mission. That was the moment I realized it was time to revisit my goals and aspirations, reminding myself of the true purpose behind my work.

Many people confuse being “tested” with the “end of all things.” Challenges can feel final, as if they signal failure or the need to abandon a path. During tough times, some may think they’re doing something wrong, but in reality, it’s an opportunity to reflect, assess where we are in life, and ensure that what we’re creating aligns with our mission. These tests often serve as checkpoints, encouraging us to pause, recalibrate, and reaffirm the purpose that drives us forward.

This mission, which I’ve been on for the past 12 years, holds immense meaning for me due to the lives I touch, both directly and indirectly. Once I understood, that I was responsible for the influence of others—it made me more intentional about my brand messaging and the businesses I collaborate with. Recognizing that my mission extends beyond my own lifetime has been challenging, but I know that future generations will understand its importance. We must continue to uplift, encourage, and ultimately guide them in the most sensible direction.

Chris, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Chris M. Wilborn – Born in Dayton, Ohio (Nov. 2nd 1994) and raised in Indianapolis, IN. As a child/teenager I moved around a lot between Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana. Which it was an opportunity for me to be to adapt to any environment. It allowed to me to study different cultures, find certain similarities and differences but ultimately how to embrace others. This opened up my mind to other cultures form of art, family customs, fashion, music, films, food, etc.

I’ve always been intrigued by people’s ‘whys’—the underlying reasons behind their actions. In high school, I gravitated toward media and storytelling, taking courses in media broadcasting and interactive media, where I learned documentary storytelling, photography, and digital editing. These experiences helped me understand the art of storytelling beyond just being behind a camera, revealing my potential as a visionary and storyteller. By my senior year, I had discovered my passion and began researching film programs, ultimately finding my way to Western Kentucky University. It felt like a calling. I didn’t realize then that the long nights and sacrifices would be part of that journey, but I knew I was on the right path.

In the fall of 2018, during my second-to-last semester at WKU, I had the opportunity to write and direct my first short film, Willing to Lose Love. Pouring my heart into that four-page script, I created a love story that reflected personal experiences and stories from my family. Surrounded by peers creating horror, action, and comedy films, I challenged myself to depict love and resilience, casting an all-Black ensemble—an unprecedented move at a predominantly white institution like WKU. My goal was to evoke emotion in my audience, and each screening allowed me to study their reactions. In 2020, Willing to Lose Love was selected for a showcase at Atlanta’s Green Lit ATL – TREF Legacy Center, where it was warmly received.

In 2017, I launched my film and media production company (Natural Born Leaders Visuals, LLC.) while at WKU, initially a side hustle for projects with businesses, the university, and nonprofits. Over time, I recognized that ‘content is king,’ and businesses increasingly rely on strong storytelling to thrive. Six years later, I’ve learned that the best way to work with clients is through retainer-based relationships, which demonstrate your value as an asset to their brand. Today, my company empowers brands to tell powerful, authentic stories through cinematic excellence. Natural Born Leaders Visuals empathetic, vision-driven approach captures the true essence of people and communities, creating deep connections and elevating underrepresented voices.

In 2025, I’ll be launching my marketing and ad agency (Spatial Intelligence, LLC). Spatial Intelligence focuses on mastering the art of visualizing, creating, and manipulating ideas in the digital space. We shape brands, navigate cultural shifts, and design impactful experiences that leave a lasting mark. The services my company offers is top-tier: Brand Strategy, Creative Development, Media Planning and Buying, Multicultural Marketing, Content Creation, Experiential Marketing, Digital Advertising, and Market Research.

Currently producing and directing on a faith-based documentary titled Moving With The Spirit, set for release in 2025. This film follows ‘three men on a journey who defy the odds, embracing faith to overcome obstacles on their path to victory.’ This project is tending to bridge the gap between the community and art. I look forward to sharing this project with the world.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Life is about taking calculated, strategic risks and learning to stay consistent through trials and tribulations. In 2023, I realized that I needed to take a different direction with my business. When I first started as a videographer and photographer, it was difficult to secure jobs that provided steady income. As freelancers, we often rely on one-off projects, but the lack of consistent work creates financial instability.

I soon recognized that to generate consistent revenue, I needed to restructure my business to operate more like a marketing and advertising agency. Instead of simply capturing videos and photos, I began focusing on solving pain points within clients’ businesses. I’ve learned that many corporations prefer working with small marketing agencies rather than hiring individual photographers or videographers. This distinction often separates the mediocre from the truly professional.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building my reputation in the market required a shift in approach and a deeper understanding of client needs. When I first started as a videographer and photographer, it was challenging to secure consistent work and maintain a steady cash flow. Freelancing often meant relying on one-off projects, which left gaps in revenue. Over time, I realized that success demanded more than just technical skills—it required positioning myself as a strategic partner rather than a service provider. By evolving my business into a full-service marketing and advertising agency, I was able to offer solutions that addressed key challenges within clients’ operations. This comprehensive approach not only differentiated me from traditional freelancers but also allowed me to establish lasting relationships and a strong reputation in the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://naturalbornleadersvisuals.myportfolio.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yechezqel_israel/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-wilborn-397809186

Image Credits

G (@way.too.g), Gabrielle Marie (g.marie_photography), and De’Sherra Bronston (@melodmusic)