We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Byron-gabriel Proutt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Byron-Gabriel below.
Byron-Gabriel, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
May I be completely honest? I have not overcome imposter syndrome. It is something that I do not think I want to overcome and let me tell you why.
When I step into a room, situation or approach a new project, I like that I am a bit nervous and have that “Oh shit, I should not be here, and they all know it” feeling. In that moment, to proceed, I must talk to myself. Remind myself that my ancestors helped me get here. FOUGHT for me to get here.
With those first few thoughts, not only does it help, but it makes me proud. Which in my opinion, is different than having an air or a hint of entitlement.
And let me tell you, people can see all of that and I am okay with it. Because usually in those situations, I typically speak to someone that’s struggling with the “I don’t belong here’ feeling and they usually approach me.
So, in short, I am okay with the imposter syndrome, for a short time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Well in December of 2023, I was laid off for the VERY FIRST TIME in my tech career. During this time, not only was I was top performer in my department, I was also the Pride Co-Chair and POCC (People of Collective Cultures) Co-Chair at this company.
These ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) were near and dear to my heart because I am of two marginalized communities. I was at this company during the summer of 2020 (the summer of Mr. George Floyd).
Without going into too much detail, that summer ignited something in me. Pain, sadness, fear and even more distrust in people that did not look like me. I didn’t want to stay in those feelings. Although, those feelings were very valid. I did, however, want to use that energy to help others, be a listening ear and educate others on all the differences that make this country of mine beautiful.
So, I got HEAVLY involved with the ERG programs and made sure that my 9-5 job was not suffering. During the time of service on both ERGs, I would hear ramblings of “who does this guy think he is?” and “why does everyone like him so much?’ A manager even asked me to ‘calm it down’ when it came to sharing the work I was doing with and for the company. It broke my heart.
Months later, I was laid off. Shocker (sarcastic tone)!
The following month, I started Good Duck Productions and started producing documentaries that educated the ‘masses’ on the differences that I mentioned earlier. I wanted to continue my work and now I can AND call my own shots!!
A few months after that, I turned Good Duck Productions into a 501c so that my supporter could donate and get a bit of a tax break. Win, win!
It’s been great. We are still UNDER a year old and have some great projects coming up in 2025!
In April of 2025, I plan on raising money to do a project in Ireland. I JUST found out some key connections to Ireland and the United States. Some similarities during the slave trade, the connection to Manhattan (outside of Ellis Island…YES). It’s going to be great. I am doing a documentary about it AND doing a Podcast while I am there about this journey and project.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Yes. I am of the ‘suck it up’ generation. lol!! It’s a good thing and a bad thing. Good part is that we learned early on (in the household) that shit sometimes does not work out and you are not going to get your way every time. This also taught us conflict resolution.
My same generation was extremely hurt by that, so they overcompensated with their kids. I got 1,000%! There were still good lessons that we learned that the following generations do not learn and/or understand.
So, we are tough. We figured it out. We dust ourselves off and go back in for the ‘swing’,
The bad part about that is that we don’t have much patience for other generations that do not have these same qualities. Especially in business. I must check myself CONSTANT:LY before I respond because I must remember that he/she/they are not of my generation.
Before learning to check myself, I was not kind out of frustrations. It took making ONE person cry. That changed my entire outlook. It is 20 plus years later and I still feel badly about that.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Now this question ‘got to me’ a bit. When you start a business like this, filled with so much hope, love and dedication, it becomes risky. Risky in the sense of your feelings will be hurt. My feelings have been incredibly hurt by my people saying they will support me and then they disappear.
The reason why it hurts is because this company is my ‘baby’. And the not keeping of their word and then disappearing makes me feel like they think my baby is ugly. LOL!! I KNOW, I KNOW that sounds so silly but in those moments that is how I feel.
Through therapy I’ve learned that their actions have NOTHING to do with me. Even if they are resentful, jealous or just don’t like me, it has nothing to do with me and it is none of my business.
One of my favorite scriptures is “….no weapon formed against you shall prosper.”. The part we miss is that it does NOT say that the weapon won’t strike or do damage. The promise it that it will not prosper. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.GoodDuckProductions.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/GoodDuckProductions AND www.instagram.com/TheByronGabriel
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byrongabriel/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
