This week on Managed we're joined by Dom Smales, creator economy OG and founder of Gleam Futures. Started in 2010 as a small consultancy, it became one of the first digital talent management companies of its kind, with offices in London, Los Angeles and Sydney. Dom signed the first wave of full-time YouTubers, including Zoe Sugg and Marcus Butler, and helped launch brands like Real Techniques, Zoella Beauty and TA/LA. He looks back at what has stayed the same since then (audiences still want value and authenticity) and what hasn't: shrinking brand budgets, an oversaturated market, and AI that can now negotiate deals.
He also opens up about the emotional process of selling Gleam, and what life looked like immediately after. He's also touching on identity after founding, life as a non-exec chairman and investor, why the creator economy is moving from the attention economy to the ownership economy, and how Glow Motion Studios is helping brands stop selling and start entertaining. It's an episode full of heart and expert insights, you don't want to miss it!
Managed is a podcast/ digital show interviewing industry leaders across media, business, sports and more who found success at a young age. Hosted by talent agency owner Hannah Holland who founded HLD in 2019 at 24 years old, she has witnessed the struggles and less than Instagram-worthy realities of building a business to a 7 figure success at a young age.
Follow Hannah Holland: https://www.instagram.com/hannahroseholland/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/managedpod/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@hldtalent2655
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@managedpod
HLD TALENT: https://hldtalent.com
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