The Gstaad Guy sits down with Jeremy Zimmer, co-founder and former CEO of United Talent Agency (UTA), to explore what it takes to build one of the most forward-thinking and culturally influential talent companies in the world. From discovering emerging stars to engineering opportunities across film, music, digital media, sports, and technology, Zimmer shares how diversification, strategic intuition, and innovation have shaped UTA into a modern powerhouse.
The conversation delves into what it means to manufacture success alongside artists, curate teams driven by purpose, and dream in partnership with talent. Zimmer also reflects on the deep responsibility of representation, not just as a business model, but as a noble calling rooted in trust, belief, and legacy. A rare look into the mindset behind building an agency that doesn’t chase culture, but defines it.
Filmed at Nobel LA’s Benedict property.
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro ✨
(01:00) Starting UTA 🚀🏢
(04:20) Building a next-gen agency ⏭️⭐️
(05:02) Fear of big agencies 😨🏛️
(05:38) Curating a motivated team 🔥👥
(06:44) The term “talent” 🎭✨
(09:50) Diversifying UTA 🌐🔄
(10:50) Choosing the right path for growth 🧭📊
(12:36) Pivoting to social media talent 📲🔁
(18:25) Discovering talent 🔍⭐
(20:59) The nobility of representing artists 👑🎨
(21:40) The greatest business tool is a mirror 🪞💼
(25:51) Progress breeds happiness 😊📈
(27:59) Process vs. Outcome ⚙️🎯
(29:52) Perfection is hard to achieve 👌🏻🧗♂️
(31:28) Stepping down from CEO of UTA ⬇️👨💼
(33:15) Focusing on what we need least 🧠📉
(34:25) Unlocking a spiritual life 🧘🏻♀️🌱
(37:34) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨
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