The Manager's Playbook

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/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

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=ekjULlriRweFoLFGxe57EgWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

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=ekjULlriRweFoLFGxe57EgWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

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=ekjULlriRweFoLFGxe57EgWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

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=ekjULlriRweFoLFGxe57EgWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Shawn Desman’s story is one of highs, lows, and a powerful comeback. From topping the charts to stepping away from music, Shawn opens up about the pressure of fame, battling depression, and finding sobriety. With Drake’s encouragement at an OVO event, he rediscovered his love for music and returned on his own terms.Alongside managers Steve Zsirai and Chad Walsh, the conversation dives into the strategy behind rebuilding a career in today’s industry; from leveraging social media and data, to understanding touring, to balancing family life with success.Packed with honesty, lessons, and laughs, this episode is for anyone who believes in resilience, reinvention, and the power of the right team.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz speaks with Milana Lewis (CEO of Stem) about her journey from having no background in music to becoming a leading entrepreneur in the industry.Milana explains how building around clear vision and values, and using frameworks like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), helped her align her company. She shares why the right team matters more than anything, how creating a culture that learns from failure drives growth, and why investing in employees is non-negotiable.We also talk about the company retreat that immediately boosted performance, why naivety can be an advantage in innovation, and how borrowing ideas from other industries can break through the limits of traditional music business thinking.This episode is a playbook for leadership, culture, and building companies that last.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qj5aAUZJEh9bVIWWq596j?si=kORo9PheQ4G3mqg_t5X1PAWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Milana Lewis (CEO of Stem) to unpack the realities of artist development and partnerships in today’s music business.Milana shares how artists can get noticed without relying solely on social media, why consistent storytelling is key, and the tough decisions behind who gets signed and when. She also dives into the challenges of timing, capacity, and staying true to your vision while finding the right partners.We explore real-world examples, from artists like Frank Ocean and Chappell Roan, and draw parallels between the entrepreneurial journey of startups and the path of an artist testing and refining their craft.This conversation is packed with insights for artists and managers navigating growth, making strategic decisions, and building long-term careers in music.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qj5aAUZJEh9bVIWWq596j?si=kORo9PheQ4G3mqg_t5X1PAWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Milana Lewis, CEO of Stem, to break down how Stem approaches artist partnerships and deal-making differently.Milana explains why Stem works on a project-by-project basis, how they manage capacity to protect quality, and how their simulator tool helps artists actually understand the financial reality of a deal. She also unpacks the new Concord partnership, designed to expand reach while keeping fairness and flexibility at the core.The conversation doesn’t shy away from hard truths, including why major labels sometimes sign artists just to shelve them and control market share.If you’re an artist, manager, or anyone navigating the music industry, this is a must-listen for understanding how to build smarter, more autonomous careers.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qj5aAUZJEh9bVIWWq596j?si=kORo9PheQ4G3mqg_t5X1PAWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Milana Lewis, CEO & Co-Founder of Stem, to break down one of the music industry’s biggest flaws: royalty accounting.Milana shares how Stem set out to simplify payments, give artists clarity on what they own, and make sure money flows where it should. She also explains the early challenges of distribution, the struggles YouTube stars faced, and the legal roadblocks that eventually led to the creation of Tone.This is a look at how smarter contracts and transparent royalty systems can reshape an artist’s career, and why fixing the “boring stuff” might be the most powerful move in music.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qj5aAUZJEh9bVIWWq596j?si=kORo9PheQ4G3mqg_t5X1PAWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook