We were lucky to catch up with Sahir Champion recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sahir, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Our mission is to provide a voice for the voiceless—to amplify the stories of those who have been overlooked, dismissed, or told they don’t belong. We stand for the fighters, the ones who have had to break barriers, navigate silence, and carve out space in places that weren’t built for them.

This mission is deeply personal. I come from a place where the odds weren’t in our favor, where success wasn’t handed out but had to be earned through persistence, sacrifice, and heart. I’ve lived the struggle of being underestimated, of having to prove my worth again and again. That experience taught me that the real secrets to success are perseverance and the refusal to give up—no matter how many doors are closed.

What drives us is the belief that some of the most powerful voices come from those who’ve had to fight the hardest to be heard. We’re here to listen, to create space, and to make sure that those voices echo far beyond where they started. This mission isn’t about fitting in—it’s about standing out and standing strong, even when the world tries to keep you quiet.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m the founder of S7 Studios, an award-winning full-service production and creative studio/ agency. Our mission is to provide a voice for the voiceless, focusing on socially conscious storytelling that amplifies underrepresented communities. We specialize in producing commercials, documentaries, branded content, music videos, and more—from concept to final delivery.

At S7 Studios, we tackle the problem of visibility for marginalized voices by creating content that not only entertains but also educates and empowers. We believe in the power of storytelling to drive social change and are committed to producing work that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences.

What sets us apart is our dedication to authenticity and inclusivity. We collaborate with a network of freelance POC creatives, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to those who have historically been excluded from mainstream media. Our team is united by a shared belief that representation matters and that everyone deserves a platform to share their story.

I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had in elevating voices that might otherwise go unheard. Whether it’s through our work with clients like Pepsi, Adidas, and Def Jam, or through our internships and entry-level positions for emerging talent, we’re committed to making a difference in the industry and beyond.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that S7 Studios is more than just a production company—we’re a movement. A movement that believes in the power of storytelling to inspire change, challenge the status quo, and create a more inclusive world.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale is all about creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and empowered. I’ve learned that fostering a positive, supportive culture is key to not only keeping morale high but also driving productivity and creativity.

One of the most important things I’ve learned is that leadership starts with action. As a leader, it’s crucial to lead by example. People follow what they see, not just what they’re told. When I set high standards, I make sure I’m living up to them myself. Whether it’s being punctual, staying committed to the mission, or putting in the hard work when things get tough, showing my team that I’m all-in helps to inspire them to do the same.

The first piece of advice I would give is to lead with empathy. Everyone brings their own unique experiences and challenges to the table, so understanding your team members as individuals is crucial. When people feel understood and respected, they’re more likely to go above and beyond. I take the time to check in with my team members, not just about their work, but about how they’re feeling. Building that trust is essential to creating a high-functioning, cohesive team.

Another key aspect is recognizing effort and celebrating wins, both big and small. I learned EPR, Encouragement, Praise & Recognition. Everyone works harder when they’re appreciated, plain and simple. It’s easy to get caught up in deadlines and objectives, but recognizing the work and dedication your team puts in is a huge morale booster. Whether it’s a simple “thank you,” a team lunch, or a shoutout in a meeting, showing appreciation goes a long way in building a positive, motivated atmosphere.

It’s also important to empower your team and give them a sense of ownership over their projects. When people feel like they have the freedom to bring their ideas to the table and have a say in the creative process, it builds confidence and enthusiasm. I make sure to involve my team in decision-making whenever possible and encourage them to take risks and innovate.

Lastly, maintaining high morale is about creating a balance between work and personal life. Encouraging your team to take breaks, setting realistic expectations, and respecting boundaries is important for sustaining long-term motivation and preventing burnout.

Above all, I believe in creating a culture where everyone feels they are part of something meaningful. At S7 Studios, that means we’re all working toward telling stories that matter—stories that represent those who are marginalized.. When the work has purpose, the morale naturally follows.

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

One of the most significant times I had to pivot was early on when I was starting S7 Studios. I initially envisioned the business focusing primarily on traditional media projects like commercials and branded content. But after a few months of working in that space, I realized there was a deeper need that wasn’t being addressed—a need for more inclusive, socially conscious storytelling, particularly for marginalized communities.

This realization came to me after several conversations with friends and collaborators, many of whom were creators from underrepresented backgrounds. I began to notice that there was an untapped market for content that truly reflected diverse voices and lived experiences—content that wasn’t just about pushing a product, but about sparking meaningful conversations.

Pivoting wasn’t easy. It meant shifting not only our business model but also the type of projects we took on. Instead of focusing on traditional commercial work, we began producing documentaries, music videos, and digital campaigns that centered around social justice issues, cultural representation, and empowering individuals who didn’t always have a platform.

The financial risks were real—there was no guarantee that clients would understand or support this new direction. But I felt deeply that it was the right thing to do. And I’m so proud of how it paid off. This pivot not only helped us carve out a unique niche, but it also aligned with the core values of the business and the mission I wanted to Champion. Our work became more meaningful, and the impact we’ve been able to have has been incredible.

Another major pivot came during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the world shut down, businesses and freelancers who didn’t have a solid online presence were immediately at risk of going under. For those of us in creative fields, it was a harsh reality—no one was holding in-person meetings, and events were canceled. If your business relied solely on face-to-face interactions, it felt like you were drowning.

At that point, we had to shift almost everything about how we operated. Our team transitioned to fully remote work, and we quickly doubled down on digital production—producing more virtual events, digital storytelling, and remote collaborations. We leaned into social media and online campaigns like never before, staying connected with our community and clients despite the physical distance.

If your business or freelance skill didn’t have an online presence during COVID, you were essentially left treading water. It was a matter of pivot or perish. Even brick-and-mortar businesses had to rethink their models completely. If they didn’t find a way to adapt to the online landscape, they faced the very real risk of going out of business.

That experience taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, the toughest pivots are the ones that bring you closest to your true purpose. But I also believe that you can’t just wait for moments to force a pivot—you have to always be ready to adapt and innovate. In this industry, and in life, you have to keep your head on a swivel, always staying ahead of the curve and watching for opportunities, shifts in the market, or changes in culture. You can’t be reactive—you have to be proactive, constantly questioning the status quo and finding ways to innovate.

It’s not about sticking to a plan if it no longer aligns with your vision or values—it’s about being agile, recognizing when it’s time to shift, and being ready to make those changes before they’re forced upon you.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://s7studios.tv
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s7studios
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/sahirselfsavior
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/selfsavior
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@sahirselfsavior
• Other: http://sahirchampion.com