The Manager's Playbook - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

The Manager’s Playbook 042: Nick Jarjour - Rihanna, Kanye West, Starrah, Max Martin, Songwriter Rights, Mental Health, Artist Advocacy, Hipgnosis, Blockchain & The Business of Music Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Nick Jarjour has built his career around one mission: protecting the storytellers.

From managing Starrah, the songwriter behind Rihanna’s “Needed Me,” to executive producing In Whose Name, one of the highest-grossing documentaries in recent years, Nick has always stood at the intersection of creativity, leadership, and responsibility.

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Nick opens up about his journey from a young songwriter to becoming one of the most respected executives in the business. He shares what it means to lead with empathy, how mental health fuels creativity, and why protecting artists, writers, and filmmakers isn’t just good leadership. It’s good business.

We dive into his work with Hipgnosis Songs Fund and his mission to revalue songwriters, his philosophy around morals, values, and principles (MVP), and his perspective on the future of music through AI, blockchain, and innovation.

This is a conversation about purpose, partnership, and the power of standing for the people who make culture possible.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

Inside the Playbook: Isabel Quinteros on Being a Publicist to TikTok to AI Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

What does it really take to build lasting partnerships between artists, brands, and technology?

In this clip, Isabel Quinteros, SVP at Jen Music AI and former Global Music Partnerships lead at TikTok, reflects on her career journey from PR to tech, sharing lessons from campaigns with J. Cole, and Beyoncé’s Super Bowl performance. She also breaks down how to balance brand expectations with artist needs, and why the best collaborations leave everyone walking away with value.

We dive into case studies like Jessie Reyez’s Jameson partnership and The Weeknd’s VR concert with TikTok, plus explore how AI is shaping the next era of music and brand integration.

This is practical advice and real-world strategy for artists, managers, and brands preparing for the future of music.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7pcslHOcyo1H9LFh6WMWF8?si=XVoXX_mhSZau35nFFLCu1w

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Inside the Playbook: Isabel Quinteros on Why AI Can’t Touch the Human Soul Oct 05, 2025

Show notes

AI is reshaping how music is created and consumed, raising new opportunities and new risks.

In this clip, Isabel Quinteros, SVP at Jen Music AI and former Global Music Partnerships lead at TikTok, joins us to discuss how AI can amplify creativity while forcing the industry to confront difficult questions about monetization, ethics, and the role of human artistry.

We dive into the harsh realities of streaming payouts, the viral rise of an AI-assisted rock band, and the possibility of AI replacing artists. Isabel also shares why the human connection in music still matters, and how the industry must adapt to protect it.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7pcslHOcyo1H9LFh6WMWF8?si=XVoXX_mhSZau35nFFLCu1w

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Inside the Playbook: Isabel Quinteros on How Kids Are Experiencing Music in a Completely New Way Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

AI is changing how music is created, discovered, and experienced.

In this clip, Isabel Quinteros, SVP at Jen Music AI and former Global Music Partnerships lead at TikTok, breaks down how her team is building the future of personalized music. From their patented Style Filter technology to subscription models, marketplaces, and API integrations, we explore the new tools shaping the industry.

We also dive into how kids are already engaging with AI music through gaming platforms like Roblox, the rise of digital social experiences, and what niche communities mean for the future of music discoverability.

This is a glimpse into where music creation is headed and why the rules are being rewritten in real time.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7pcslHOcyo1H9LFh6WMWF8?si=XVoXX_mhSZau35nFFLCu1w

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Inside the Playbook: Isabel Quinteros on Why Artists Can’t Compete With AI Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

Generative AI is shaking up the music industry, creating new opportunities and new risks.

In this clip, Isabel Quinteros (SVP at Jen Music AI and former Global Music Partnerships lead at TikTok) breaks down the ethical, legal, and cultural questions surrounding AI in music. From text-to-music prompts to copyright concerns, fair use, and artist compensation, Isabel shares how her team is building a “clean base model” to protect creators and ensure sustainable monetization.

We also explore the future of royalties, licensing, and how artists can thrive in an AI-driven world.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7pcslHOcyo1H9LFh6WMWF8?si=XVoXX_mhSZau35nFFLCu1w

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

The Manager’s Playbook 041: Isabel Quinteros - TikTok, AI in Music, Artist Compensation, Blockchain, Ethical Innovation & The Future of the Industry Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Isabel Quinteros, former Global Music Partnerships lead at TikTok and now SVP at Jen Music AI. From her start in PR to shaping TikTok’s rise and now leading conversations on AI, Isabel shares her journey and perspective on the future of music.

They dive into the ethical challenges of AI, artist compensation, the role of blockchain in royalties, and how younger generations are reshaping music through gaming and community. Packed with real-world insights, this episode is for artists, managers, and anyone curious about where music and technology collide.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

Inside the Playbook: Shawn Desman and Managers on What Almost Ended Shawn Desman’s Music Career Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

After stepping away from music in 2015, Shawn Desman found himself questioning if he would ever return.

In this conversation, he shares the pivotal moment with Drake that reignited his passion, the role his wife played in guiding crucial career decisions, and the challenges of navigating management changes. Alongside Steve Zsirai and Chad Walsh, Shawn also reveals the strategic and data-driven approach that made his live comeback possible.

This is a story of resilience, reinvention, and what it really takes to build a second chapter in today’s music business.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1uwdpt8Z2i0PmUt70hhc76?si=ekjULlriRweFoLFGxe57Eg

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Inside the Playbook: Shawn Desman and Managers on How They Sold Out Every Show Sep 28, 2025

Show notes

Shawn Desman’s career looked finished, until it wasn’t.

In this conversation, Shawn, Steve Zsirai, and Chad Walsh break down how a mix of social media strategy, data-driven decision-making, and the “Drake effect” helped spark one of the most inspiring comebacks in Canadian music.

From TikTok virality to reconnecting with nostalgic fans, from analyzing where the audience actually lives to building the right live shows, they share the playbook for turning momentum into a full resurgence. And at the core of it all: authenticity.

This episode is a masterclass in how to rebuild a music career in today’s industry.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1uwdpt8Z2i0PmUt70hhc76?si=ekjULlriRweFoLFGxe57Eg

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Inside the Playbook: Shawn Desman and Managers on The Human Side of Music Management Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

What does it really take to build authentic relationships in music?

In this conversation, Shawn Desman, Steve Zsirai, and Chad Walsh share why keeping a small, trusted circle is essential, how empathy and honesty drive lasting partnerships, and why boundaries matter in an industry that often blurs the personal with the professional.

Shawn also reflects on how personal struggles, including overcoming addiction, shaped his perspective and strengthened his ability to connect with people. Together, the group unpacks the balance between strategy and genuine connection, and why protecting your energy is just as important as protecting your career.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1uwdpt8Z2i0PmUt70hhc76?si=ekjULlriRweFoLFGxe57Eg

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Inside the Playbook: Shawn Desman and Managers on What Really Makes a Great Artist Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

What makes a great artist, and a great manager?

In this conversation, Shawn Desman, Steve Zsirai, and Chad Walsh break down the traits that separate the good from the unforgettable. From delivering “the good stuff” right away to the power of live performance and the rare quality of time feel, they share what truly moves audiences.

The discussion also touches on lessons from Beyoncé, Coldplay, Drake, and legendary producers like Darkchild and Tricky. And just as important, we explore what makes a great manager: vision, empathy, honesty, and the ability to identify opportunities others miss.

Whether you’re an artist or on the management side, this episode is packed with insights to help you elevate your career.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1uwdpt8Z2i0PmUt70hhc76?si=ekjULlriRweFoLFGxe57Eg

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook