Press Start to Change and Level Up with Donald Harris
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In the season 1 finale of Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life, we meet Donald Harris, a man whose life could easily be a video game—complete with challenges, power-ups, and a clear mission to level up the gaming industry. Harris, known online as “Tall Gamer,” has spent nearly 20 years in the gaming world and is the founder of ATX Game Makers, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity in gaming through mentorship, inspiration, and entrepreneurship.
In an industry often stuck on Level One when it comes to inclusivity, Donald is showing us how to break through barriers like a true boss.
But every hero has an origin story.
For Donald, it starts with two formative NPCs: his parents. His dad, a part-time entrepreneur, spent his weekdays in a 9-to-5 and his weekends filming weddings and events, modeling what it meant to hustle for a dream. Meanwhile, his mom created and ran the Black Arts Festival in Fort Pierce, Florida, transforming the Civic Center into a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community. Together, they showed young Donald the value of creativity, hard work, and lifting others up.
And then came the magic box that would change everything: his dad brought home a computer. For Donald, it was game over for any other interest. By 17, he had his own office, handling jobs for clients as varied as local orange juice plants (yes, that’s a thing). His dad eventually gave him a key piece of advice: “Your knowledge is value.” Translation? Stop charging five bucks an hour.
A gamerpreneur was born.
Donald’s career eventually took him to Texas during the dot-com boom, where he honed his skills at Dell, spent time at EA, and landed at FarBridge, where he’s worked for the last seven years. Along the way, he learned an important lesson: you don’t have to know everything to succeed.
“I didn’t know how to make games, but I could sell them."
He parlayed his talent for connection into roles that aligned with his love of gaming, proving that passion and curiosity can open even the most guarded doors.
But Donald’s story isn’t just about grinding XP for himself—it’s about pulling others up with him. During the pandemic, he founded ATX Game Makers, a community for people who don’t see themselves reflected in the gaming industry.
“Come to us, ask any dumb question. We’re not going to shame you.”
Whether it’s through workshops, mentorships, or the ATX Game Makers Book of Talent—a CV book he sends to companies struggling with diversity—Donald is creating spaces where creativity thrives and barriers crumble.
His dedication to mentorship stems from his own experiences. Early in his career, a mentor, now known as “The Game Attorney,” AKA Tom Buscaglia, taught him the power of advocacy.
At a gaming conference, this mentor literally grabbed Donald’s hand and walked him past a security guard at a Sony after-party, saying, “He’s with me.” That simple act not only gave Donald access to an exclusive event but also showed him how impactful it is to vouch for someone who doesn’t yet have a seat at the table.
Throughout the episode we also listened to some Gen Z voices. One of them was Edwin asking:
“How do you keep emotional balance during tough times and even during good times?”
Donald's response:
“You’ve got to feel your feelings. Don’t just smile through the sad times or try to suppress them. Be aware of your pain, figure out what’s causing it, and see if there’s a solution.”
He emphasized that emotional balance isn’t about ignoring your highs and lows but understanding and embracing them.
And when the good moments come?
“Celebrate that win! If you’re happy, you did something great—lean into it.”
The hosts chimed in with their own insights. Natalie reflected on the importance of self-awareness and leaning on friends during emotionally turbulent times.
“I’ll go to Dan with a problem, and even if it has nothing to do with work, it helps to talk it out and get a fresh perspective.”
Dan, ever the optimist, reminded us to focus on the bigger picture:
“Sometimes, the downs are just failures that help you grow. The next door that opens might be even better.”
Leon, drawing from his love of Stoic philosophy, summed it up beautifully:
“Things are rarely as good or as bad as you think they are. Celebrate the wins but keep your perspective balanced.”
Donald’s insights reflect a larger question posed during the episode: how do you find balance in a world that constantly demands more? For Donald, it’s about letting go of the need for perfection.
“Things get worse the tighter you try to hold on to them."
His advice is as relevant in gaming as it is in life: just like in a game, every failure is an opportunity to respawn and every success a reason to celebrate—even if just for a moment before moving on to the next challenge.
Looking ahead, Donald is committed to building spaces where inclusion and innovation thrive. He hints at exciting events and projects in the works, so stay tuned. Like any great game, his journey leaves us with a cliffhanger, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Now it’s your turn, reader:
How do you find balance in your own life? Are you leaning into the peaks, learning from the valleys, and celebrating the small wins along the way?
Let us know—because we’re all in this game together.
Listen to Donald Harris on Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life – Episode 12, Season 1
Donald Harris: Donald Harris is a seasoned leader with experience spanning startups like Chaotic Moon (acquired by Accenture) and Honest Dollar (acquired by Goldman Sachs) to global powerhouses such as EA Games, Dell, and Goldman Sachs. Passionate about fostering diversity, he founded ATX Game Makers to champion inclusivity in the gaming industry through education, inspiration, and entrepreneurship.
Natalie Peyton: Peyton studied theatre and film in Australia, New York and LA and performed stand-up on the “three coasts.” She honed her podcast executive skills over the last 4 years developing and producing dozens of podcasts and even hosts a children’s mindfulness bedtime program. If you would like to listen to her work, here it is: Snoriezzz
Leon Vanstone: Leon brings his curiosity and sharp interviewing skills to the table, facilitating insightful discussions with our mentors, extracting valuable lessons and insights to empower listeners on their own path to growth and achievement.
Dan Dillard: Dan, with his thoughtful approach and engaging style, delves into the minds of our mentors on the podcast, crafting compelling interviews that uncover the wisdom and experiences driving their success and impact.
This blog was written by Anais Schmidt, one of the hosts of the Uncharted Podcast. Anais is also an aspiring musician. When not in her studio, she tours Europe with Monte Mai.
If you would like to join the conversation email us at anais@foundingup.com
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