When a living legend walks into a room, the energy shifts. On a recent episode of Sway in the Morning, that legend was none other than Suzanne de Passe. Fresh off being honored as an icon at the 2024 Culture Creators awards and her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, de Passe sat down to share the “golden words and gems” that have defined her historic career.
From her days as the former President of Motown Records to her Oscar-nominated screenwriting and her role in discovering the Jackson 5, Suzanne de Passe is more than an executive; she is a cultural architect. In this deep dive, we explore the lessons she shared about audacity, attitude, and the intuition required to spot greatness before the rest of the world sees it.
The Audacity of Opportunity: How a Limo Changed Music History
One of the most captivating stories Suzanne shared involves the “audacity” it took to get her foot in the door at Motown. Many people assume success is a linear path of applications and interviews, but for de Passe, it started with a limousine she couldn’t afford and a ride given to Barry Gordy.
At the time, de Passe was a resourceful young woman who refused to be limited by the systemic hurdles of the era. “In those days, it was hard to predict if you could get a taxi if you were black,” she recalled. To ensure her friend Cindy Birdsong (who had just joined The Supremes) was celebrated properly, Suzanne rented a limousine.
When Barry Gordy’s own car was unavailable after a rehearsal at the Ed Sullivan Theater, Cindy asked Suzanne if they could give the Motown founder a ride. Suzanne didn’t hesitate. By providing a ride in a luxury vehicle she was barely able to pay for, she created the space for a connection that would change the trajectory of entertainment history. This moment of boldness and resourcefulness serves as a reminder that sometimes you have to “act the part” before you “get the part.”
Attitude Over Everything: The “Coffee” Philosophy
During her speech at Culture Creators, Suzanne touched on a concept that resonated deeply with the Sway in the Morning crew: the importance of attitude. She emphasized that in the early stages of a career, it isn’t just about the task you are performing, it’s about how you perform it.
The Value of Behavior
Suzanne learned early on under the mentorship of Barry Gordy that perfectionism and discipline were non-negotiable. She noted that while many people might feel “above” certain entry-level tasks, the way you handle small responsibilities signals how you will handle big ones.
- Place work before politics: Focus on the quality of your output rather than the social climbing.
- Inner Guidance: Develop a personal set of standards that you adhere to regardless of who is watching.
- Service with Excellence: Whether you are getting coffee or writing a screenplay, do it with an attitude that reflects your ultimate goals.
As Suzanne put it, “Things will happen for you, or not guaranteed, but it is certainly guaranteed that they won’t happen if you don’t do the work.”
Beyond Talent: What It Takes to Be an Icon
As the woman who championed the signing of The Commodores and executive produced The Jacksons: An American Dream, Suzanne de Passe has an unparalleled track record for spotting stars. When asked if there is a quality she trusts more than raw talent, her answer was profound: Character and Work Ethic.
“Talent plus a work ethic, talent plus a character presentation,” she explained. While the world is full of talented individuals, Suzanne looks for the “ingredients” in a person’s makeup that inspire others to want to work with them. Her intuition isn’t just an intellectual exercise; it’s a feeling. She acknowledges that her greatest talent is recognizing the talent of others and knowing exactly what to do with it once she finds it.
The Power of the Sisterhood
A poignant moment in the interview focused on Suzanne’s intentionality regarding women in the industry. At the Culture Creators luncheon, she made it a point to have a table filled entirely with women, including Sway in the Morning’s own Heather B.
As an only child, Suzanne learned early on the value of “robust female friends” who are truly for one another. In an industry that can often be competitive and isolating, she has made it her mission to foster a sisterhood of professional women who support each other’s business and personal growth. This commitment to empowering women of color in entertainment is a cornerstone of her legacy.
Immortal Studios: The Next Chapter
Even with a career that includes being the first Black woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay (Lady Sings the Blues), Suzanne de Passe is not slowing down. She is currently co-spearheading Immortal Studios alongside her partner, Madison Jones.
Immortal Studios represents the next evolution of her visionary work, focusing on high-level production and entertainment facilities that continue to push the boundaries of storytelling. Working with Jones, whom the Sway team described as a “brilliant visionary”, de Passe is ensuring that the future of media remains as innovative as the Motown era she helped build.
Key Takeaways from Suzanne de Passe
- Audacity is Necessary: Don’t wait for an invitation to greatness. Create the circumstances that make you undeniable.
- Master Your Attitude: Your behavior and how you treat others in the “small” moments define your professional reputation.
- Work Trumps Politics: If you concentrate on the work, the relationships and opportunities will naturally follow.
- Invest in Character: Talent is the baseline, but character and work ethic are what create longevity.
- Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who are “for” you, and be “for” them in return.
Suzanne de Passe’s journey from a resourceful young woman in New York to a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee is a masterclass in excellence. Her story reminds us that while the “limo” might be a temporary expense, the audacity to take the ride is an investment in a lifelong legacy. Whether she is discovering the next global superstar or mentoring the next generation of female executives, Suzanne de Passe remains the ultimate blueprint for success in the entertainment industry.
As she continues her work with Immortal Studios, her message remains clear: work hard, stay bold, and always maintain an attitude that reflects where you are going, not just where you are.
