Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael Payton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Michael, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome wasn’t a single moment of realization but an ongoing process of growth, self-acceptance, and proving to myself that I belonged—not by conforming, but by owning my unique path.
For much of my life, I felt like an outsider. As a homeschooled only child, I didn’t have the same social upbringing as many of my peers. When I entered SF State, I struggled to connect with the Black community on campus, realizing that even within my own culture, there were layers of identity, expectations, and unspoken rules about who “belonged” and who didn’t. Later, working in the Governor’s Office, I found myself as one of the only Black men in my cohort, navigating a world that wasn’t built with people like me in mind. And when I moved to New York for grad school, I felt like I had to start from scratch again, constantly questioning whether I was really prepared for the spaces I had fought to be in.
At every stage, the doubt crept in: Am I supposed to be here? Do I measure up? Did I just get lucky? But what ultimately helped me overcome imposter syndrome was realizing that everyone feels it at some point—especially those of us who come from communities where opportunity isn’t handed to us. I started to recognize that my perspective, my background, and my unconventional journey were actually my greatest strengths. In politics, my media background gave me an edge. In entertainment, my government experience gave me a unique lens. I wasn’t just fitting into spaces—I was adding value to them.
That realization was put to the ultimate test when I got the opportunity to direct The Murder Inc Story for BET. Irv Gotti personally selected me to take on this massive project, even though I didn’t have any major TV directorial credits under my belt. I was walking into rooms with the biggest names in music—Jay-Z, Nas, Ja Rule, Irv himself—legends I had grown up idolizing. I had studied their work, memorized their lyrics, shaped my own journey based on what I learned from them. And now, here I was, not as a fan, but as the director, the person responsible for bringing their story to life.
The weight of that moment could have crushed me. The doubt could have taken over. But I had to find the strength and the gall to step into it fully. I told myself, If not me, then who else? I knew I was ready, even if the world didn’t see it yet. So I carried myself with the confidence that I belonged. I led the project with vision, precision, and a deep understanding of the culture.
That experience reinforced what I had come to learn—imposter syndrome isn’t something you wait to “overcome” before you take action. You just step into the role, do the work, and prove—mostly to yourself—that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Another key moment in overcoming imposter syndrome was shifting my mindset from waiting for validation to creating my own lane. Instead of trying to squeeze into an industry mold, I built CSUITEMUSIC. Instead of waiting for someone to give me a shot, I made my own projects. I learned that confidence isn’t about always feeling like you belong—it’s about knowing that even if you don’t fit the traditional mold, you can redefine what belonging looks like.
Imposter syndrome still creeps in from time to time, but I’ve learned to silence it by remembering that I didn’t get here by accident. I worked for this. I built this. And I’m still building.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My journey has always been rooted in storytelling—whether through music, media, or film—but at the core of it all, my work is about impact. I am the founder and CEO of CSUITEMUSIC, a full-service production company that sits at the intersection of culture and civic engagement. Our mission is to use storytelling as a vehicle to inspire, inform, and mobilize people toward meaningful change. We’ve worked on projects that amplify underrepresented voices, from documentary films to campaigns that drive civic participation.
What excites me most about what we do is the power of narrative. Storytelling is one of the most effective tools for shifting perspectives, shaping culture, and influencing action. Whether it’s producing a documentary on criminal justice reform, helping a nonprofit reimagine its digital presence, or crafting a campaign that connects young people to the political process, my focus has always been on using media as a force for engagement and empowerment.
One of the most special aspects of our work is the ability to bridge gaps—between communities and institutions, between culture and policy, and between entertainment and impact. I’ve always believed that people engage with issues when they see themselves reflected in the narrative. That’s why I’m intentional about using storytelling not just as a form of entertainment, but as a means to push the conversation forward on important societal issues.
Currently, we’re gearing up for the release of a documentary we produced in partnership with the City of San Francisco, which focuses on public safety and community engagement—shedding light on the complex relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. At the same time, I’m directing a documentary about Jay-Z and his mother, Gloria Carter’s nonprofit, The Shawn Carter Foundation, which highlights their work in providing educational opportunities to underprivileged youth.
Another project close to my heart is a documentary about Soul Beat, the first Black-owned cable network in the U.S. that was a cultural institution in the Bay Area. The documentary explores its legacy and impact on Black media and community programming. We are also wrapping production on a documentary about Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff, which examines his case within the broader misgivings of the criminal justice system, questioning the fairness of sentencing and the systemic issues that disproportionately affect Black men in America.
I’m expanding my focus beyond just storytelling—I’m exploring how media, technology, and policy can intersect in ways that create lasting systemic change. I see this next chapter of my journey as one that goes beyond just documenting the moment and instead actively shaping it. I want to continue using my platform to create work that not only entertains but also educates and inspires action.
As for what’s next—there are some exciting projects on the horizon. My company is working on several documentary projects, including collaborations with some of the most influential names in entertainment and policy. We’re also building out initiatives that help bridge the gap between culture and civic engagement, ensuring that more people, particularly young and historically marginalized communities, see themselves as active participants in shaping the world around them.
Ultimately, everything I do comes back to impact. Whether through film, digital storytelling, or other media, my goal is to continue creating work that doesn’t just tell a story, but sparks a movement.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, adaptability, and strategic storytelling. These three things shaped my career and allowed me to navigate industries that didn’t always have a clear path for someone like me.
1. Resilience: The Ability to Keep Pushing Forward
No matter what industry you’re in, setbacks are inevitable. There were times in my journey when I felt stuck—working at Lowe’s, struggling to get my music career off the ground, facing rejection from schools and jobs. But each time, I had to remind myself that failure wasn’t the end; it was just another chapter in my story. Resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship—it’s about finding ways to push forward despite it.
Advice: For those early in their journey, understand that rejection and obstacles are part of the process. The key is to learn from each setback, pivot when necessary, and keep moving forward. Surround yourself with mentors, read about the journeys of those you admire, and remind yourself that no one’s path is a straight line.
2. Adaptability: The Willingness to Evolve
I started my journey wanting to be a rapper, but along the way, I realized that my love for storytelling and impact could take many different forms. If I had been rigid in my vision, I might have missed out on the opportunities that led me to become a filmmaker, work in government, or build CSUITEMUSIC. The industry changes, the world changes, and the people who succeed are those who can evolve with it.
Advice: Stay open to where your journey takes you. Develop multiple skills that complement your primary passion. If you’re a musician, learn about the business side of the industry. If you’re a filmmaker, study marketing and distribution. Be willing to pivot when necessary, because the next opportunity might not look like what you originally planned—but it could be the thing that changes your life.
3. Strategic Storytelling: The Power to Shape Your Own Narrative
Storytelling is at the heart of everything I do, whether it’s producing a documentary, working with nonprofits, or crafting a brand. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that people engage with stories—not just ideas, not just facts, but stories that make them feel something. Learning how to tell a compelling story—whether through music, film, or even a job interview—has opened doors for me that talent alone never could.
Advice: Learn how to articulate your vision. Whether you’re a creative, an entrepreneur, or someone trying to build a career, being able to tell your story effectively is key. Practice public speaking, write about your experiences, study the way successful brands and leaders communicate. People don’t just invest in talent—they invest in stories that move them.
For anyone just starting their journey, my biggest piece of advice is this: stay committed, stay flexible, and learn how to tell your story in a way that makes people believe in you as much as you believe in yourself. Your journey is yours to shape—so make it one worth telling.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my mother did for me was instill in me an unshakable belief in myself. She always told me that I was special, that I had something unique to offer the world, and that no matter how hard things got, I had to keep pushing forward. She carried the weight of so many struggles, but she never let me see her break. Even when we were barely making ends meet, she never let me feel small. She made sure I knew that my dreams were valid, that my voice mattered.
Even though she passed away, I still feel her presence guiding me. And that became especially clear on one of the hardest days of my life—the day I buried her. That same day, out of nowhere, I got a call from Irv Gotti. He had seen an unauthorized documentary I made about him on YouTube and was so impressed that he asked me to direct The Murder Inc. Story for BET. I didn’t have any TV directorial credits under my belt at the time, but my mom had raised me to believe in my talent, so I stepped up to the plate. I knew that if not me, then who?
That moment was surreal. It felt like the universe—and my mother—were still pushing me forward, still reminding me that I was destined for more. She didn’t just give me love; she gave me resilience. She made me believe that no matter where I started, I could shape my own story. And that belief has carried me through every challenge I’ve ever faced.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://csuitemusic.com
- Instagram: michaeljordanpayton
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/csuitemusic
Image Credits
All images courtesy CSUITEMUSIC, LLC
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