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 doesnโt chase culture, but defines it.
Filmed at Nobel LAโs Benedict property.
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro โจ
(01:00) Starting UTA ๐๐ข
(04:20) Building a next-gen agency โญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
(05:02) Fear of big agencies ๐จ๐๏ธ
(05:38) Curating a motivated team ๐ฅ๐ฅ
(06:44) The term โtalentโ ๐ญโจ
(09:50) Diversifying UTA ๐๐
(10:50) Choosing the right path for growth ๐งญ๐
(12:36) Pivoting to social media talent ๐ฒ๐
(18:25) Discovering talent ๐โญ
(20:59) The nobility of representing artists ๐๐จ
(21:40) The greatest business tool is a mirror ๐ช๐ผ
(25:51) Progress breeds happiness ๐๐
(27:59) Process vs. Outcome โ๏ธ๐ฏ
(29:52) Perfection is hard to achieve ๐๐ป๐งโโ๏ธ
(31:28) Stepping down from CEO of UTA โฌ๏ธ๐จโ๐ผ
(33:15) Focusing on what we need least ๐ง ๐
(34:25) Unlocking a spiritual life ๐ง๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฑ
(37:34) ร La Poubelle vs. Fantastique ๐๏ธโจ
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