The Manager's Playbook - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

The Manager's Playbook 030: Mag Rodriguez - EVEN, J Cole, LaRussell, Direct-to-Fan Strategy, Global Monetization, and the Future of Artist Ownership Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, I sit down with Mag Rodriguez, founder and CEO of EVEN, a platform redefining how artists connect with fans and monetize their work across the globe.

We unpack how EVEN helps artists go direct-to-fan, unlock new revenue streams, and build real community beyond the limitations of streaming and traditional industry models.

Inside the episode:→ Building for global, underserved fanbases→ Why direct-to-fan is the smarter play, not anti-DSP→ Lessons from tech founders applied to artist careers→ Community, ownership, and scaling with intention

We also dive into Mag’s journey as a Latino founder in the VC world, the J. Cole collaboration, and what it takes to lead with both culture and clarity.

If you're an artist, manager, or entrepreneur thinking long-term, this one’s for you.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

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

Inside the Playbook: Laurie Lee Boutet on Why Women Make Great Music Managers Jul 12, 2025

Show notes

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Laurie Lee Boutet unpacks what it really means to lead as a woman in the music business.

From empathy and collaboration to navigating bias and building strong teams, Laurie shares how her values and vision have shaped a powerful approach to artist management. She also discusses the importance of choosing the right distribution partners, like AWAL, to stay flexible and in control.

It’s a conversation about leadership, trust, and building careers that last.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0YU2Jxx1lX4wgjzCxC3Iuw?si=ApA2Bf2vTg-C51-VQ307IQ

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

Inside the Playbook: Laurie Lee Boutet on What Every Artist Should Do After Going Viral Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Laurie Lee Boutet dives into why CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is a game-changer in today’s music industry.

We break down the shift from radio to streaming, the rise of TikTok and algorithmic discovery, and how smart data collection powers meaningful fan connections. Laurie shares how tools like CRM helped guide The Beaches through viral growth and sustainable fan engagement.

It’s a must-listen for anyone serious about building careers, not just hype.

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

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0YU2Jxx1lX4wgjzCxC3Iuw?si=ApA2Bf2vTg-C51-VQ307IQ

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

Inside the Playbook: Laurie Lee Boutet on How to Win Without a Major Label Deal Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Laurie Lee Boutet breaks down why today’s music managers need to think like marketers and strategists.

From her work with The Beaches to using platforms like Laylo to gamify fan engagement and build powerful email lists, Laurie shares how data, innovation, and artist alignment create real growth.

Whether you're managing artists or building a brand, this conversation is packed with practical tools and sharp insight.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0YU2Jxx1lX4wgjzCxC3Iuw?si=ApA2Bf2vTg-C51-VQ307IQ

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

Inside the Playbook: Laurie Lee Boutet on The Truth About Canadian Record Labels Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

Laurie Lee Boutet reflects on a major turning point in the music industry, when independent acts began rising and the label system struggled to keep up.

She shares how Canada’s lack of infrastructure compared to the U.S. created unique challenges, and how going independent led to breakthrough moments with artists like Charlotte Cardin.

A sharp look at strategy, innovation, and navigating change in a shifting industry.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0YU2Jxx1lX4wgjzCxC3Iuw?si=ApA2Bf2vTg-C51-VQ307IQ

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

The Manager's Playbook 029: Laurie Lee - The Beaches, Charlotte Cardin, Artist Development, Viral Strategy, Canadian Music Industry, CRM, & Women in Music Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, we’re joined by Laurie Lee Boutet, Billboard Canada’s Manager of the Year and the powerhouse behind Charlotte Cardin and The Beaches.

Laurie shares how she transitioned from Universal Music Canada to artist management, what she learned inside the label system, and how she’s built long-term success by trusting her instincts and empowering her artists.

We unpack her strategies around TikTok, viral moments, and CRM, dive into the advantages of the Canadian grant system, and explore what it means to lead with clarity, kindness, and conviction in today’s music business.

Whether you’re managing artists, building a brand, or chasing longevity in the industry, this episode delivers real tools and honest insight.

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

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

Inside the Playbook: Lola Plaku on What Artists Should Know Before Signing a Record Deal Jul 06, 2025

Show notes

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, we take a closer look at the relationship between artists, managers, and record labels, focusing on what it really takes to work effectively within a major label system.

Lola Plaku and Mauricio Ruiz unpack the realities behind the title "Head of Marketing," offering insider knowledge on how labels operate, where communication often breaks down, and how artists and managers can better align with internal teams.

From submitting budget requests to managing release schedules, this episode offers actionable strategies for building strong, collaborative relationships that lead to more successful outcomes.

If you're navigating the label world or preparing to, this is required listening.

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

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3G8OCBFZER7GC2NSXBnHPu?si=sS6Pek34TOuNbg1ybC3a0w

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

Inside the Playbook: Lola Plaku on The Mentorship Program Changing the Industry Jul 05, 2025

Show notes

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Lola Plaku shares the vision and journey behind Girl Connected: a mentorship program built to empower women pursuing careers in the music industry.

Launched in 2018, Girl Connected is more than a mentorship initiative. It’s a platform for access, education, and career readiness. Lola unpacks how the program was designed to provide real-world experience, vet job candidates, and guide participants through the complexities of the music business.

She also reflects on success stories, the importance of building a strong vetting process, adapting to the realities of touring and COVID, and how the program continues to evolve.

Whether you're an aspiring executive, creative professional, or industry leader, this conversation is packed with insight on building platforms that truly move the culture forward.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3G8OCBFZER7GC2NSXBnHPu?si=sS6Pek34TOuNbg1ybC3a0w

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

Inside the Playbook: Lola Plaku on Artist Development Jul 04, 2025

Show notes

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Lola Plaku joins Ruiz for a masterclass on artist development and marketing that actually moves the needle.

Lola dives deep into how understanding an artist’s audience is the foundation of every effective strategy, from branding and content to touring and fan engagement. She shares personal stories and real-world lessons from her work with artists like The Weeknd and Trinidad James, illustrating how performance, positioning, and timing create long-term impact.

Whether you're managing talent, building your own brand, or trying to connect with your core fans, this episode is filled with tactical insight and grounded leadership.

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

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3G8OCBFZER7GC2NSXBnHPu?si=sS6Pek34TOuNbg1ybC3a0w

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

Inside the Playbook: Lola Plaku on Building Toronto's Music Scene Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

Lola Plaku joins The Manager’s Playbook for a powerful conversation on building a career in hip hop from the ground up.

One of the few women to carve out real space in the industry, Lola reflects on her journey, from supporting local artists like Embassy to her early work with HipHopCanada, promoting shows, launching the I Luv Lola blog, and eventually managing artists and founding Girl Connected.

We explore the hustle behind the headlines, the evolution of social media, and the mindset required to lead with purpose in an industry that often overlooks the people doing the real work.

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

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3G8OCBFZER7GC2NSXBnHPu?si=sS6Pek34TOuNbg1ybC3a0w

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