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 doesnβt chase culture, but defines it.
Filmed at Nobel LAβs Benedict property.
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro β¨
(01:00) Starting UTA ππ’
(04:20) Building a next-gen agency βοΈβοΈ
(05:02) Fear of big agencies π¨ποΈ
(05:38) Curating a motivated team π₯π₯
(06:44) The term βtalentβ πβ¨
(09:50) Diversifying UTA ππ
(10:50) Choosing the right path for growth π§π
(12:36) Pivoting to social media talent π²π
(18:25) Discovering talent πβ
(20:59) The nobility of representing artists ππ¨
(21:40) The greatest business tool is a mirror πͺπΌ
(25:51) Progress breeds happiness ππ
(27:59) Process vs. Outcome βοΈπ―
(29:52) Perfection is hard to achieve ππ»π§ββοΈ
(31:28) Stepping down from CEO of UTA β¬οΈπ¨βπΌ
(33:15) Focusing on what we need least π§ π
(34:25) Unlocking a spiritual life π§π»ββοΈπ±
(37:34) Γ La Poubelle vs. Fantastique ποΈβ¨
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
