Meet Sam Rossiello

 

We were lucky to catch up with Sam Rossiello recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

I don’t think you ever fully “overcome” imposter syndrome, and I don’t know if you should. If you’re pushing yourself and stepping outside of your comfort zone, it’s natural to feel like you’re in over your head sometimes. That feeling is a good thing—it means you’re growing.

For me, it’s less about overcoming it and more about managing it. I regularly take time to re-evaluate where I’m at as a leader and business owner, looking at where I’m strong and, more importantly, where my weak spots are. That process helps me stay grounded. It reminds me that feeling like an imposter is just a sign that I’m challenging myself to get better, and that’s exactly where I want to be.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m the Creative Director and Co-Founder at Captiv Creative and Captiv Studios. Captiv Creative is a video agency we launched back in 2013, where we specialize in creating commercial films for major brands and ad agencies. Our projects range anywhere from $10K to $500K, and what excites me most is the storytelling. It’s not just about making videos, it’s about crafting stories that connect with people and inspire them.

More recently, we expanded by opening Captiv Studios, which is the largest virtual production and film studio in Houston. This has been a game-changer for us and for the local creative community. We wanted to create a space where filmmakers, ad agencies, and creatives can come and push the limits of what’s possible with virtual production. What’s really cool is that Captiv Studios isn’t just a space, it’s a hub for innovation. We’re working on hosting workshops and building partnerships with local universities and creatives to really foster a community around this industry.

Right now, one of our biggest focuses is on expanding the use of virtual production in Houston and across the state. We’re implementing this technology across as many projects as we can, and it’s exciting to see how it allows us to execute ideas that would have been impossible or cost-prohibitive in traditional production setups.

Overall, what drives me is the idea of creating work that not only serves the client but also pushes the boundaries creatively. We’re always looking for ways to make our productions bigger and better while keeping that collaborative, community-driven vibe that makes Captiv stand out.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three most impactful qualities/abilities I’ve learned along the way have been leadership, thoughtful communication, and the ability to see the goal line.

Leadership through collaboration – Success in business comes from bringing the right people together and creating a space where everyone’s ideas matter. My advice – invest in your team, listen, and create a culture of collaboration, it’s where the best ideas happen.

Thoughtful and constructive communication – Clear communication and feedback are crucial. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. Early on, focus on communicating clearly and supportively (with your team, clients, vendors, everyone!). It builds trust and keeps everyone aligned.

The ability to see the goal line: Keeping the bigger picture in mind helps you stay focused and guide you and your team through challenges. Always ask yourself, “How does this step get us closer to the end goal?” or “Does this align with what I want out of my life and career?”

Mastering these three, and you’ll be able to lead projects and people with ease.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that’s really stuck with me is “The Way of the Shepherd” by Dr. Kevin Leman and William Pentak. It’s a short read, but it delivers some powerful insights on leadership that I’ve been able to actually use on a day-to-day basis.

A couple of key takeaways that resonated with me:

Know the condition of your flock – This is all about understanding the people you’re leading, their strengths, weaknesses, and what motivates them. It reminds me to always stay in tune with my team and not lead from a distance.

Set the right example – The book emphasizes that leadership is about modeling the behavior you want to see in your team. For me, this means showing up with integrity, transparency, and a strong work ethic. You can’t expect your team to go above and beyond if you’re not doing the same.

The book has helped me see leadership as more than just managing people, it’s about guiding, supporting, and empowering them to succeed.

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