

The Manager's Playbook
The Manager's Playbook
Hosted by Mauricio Ruiz, a music industry executive of 15 years, The Manager's Playbook is your essential podcast for insights into the music industry. Whether you're an artist, aspiring manager, music industry professional, or just passionate about the behind-the-scenes of the music business, this podcast is for you. Mauricio brings you in-depth interviews with top artist managers, entertainment lawyers, and other industry execs. Each episode is packed with valuable tips, real-world experiences, and expert advice to help you navigate the complexities of the music business.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 12, 2025 • 18min
Inside the Playbook: Laurie Lee Boutet on Why Women Make Great Music Managers
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-VQ307IQWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Jul 11, 2025 • 20min
Inside the Playbook: Laurie Lee Boutet on What Every Artist Should Do After Going Viral
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-VQ307IQWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Jul 10, 2025 • 13min
Inside the Playbook: Laurie Lee Boutet on How to Win Without a Major Label Deal
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-VQ307IQWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Jul 9, 2025 • 14min
Inside the Playbook: Laurie Lee Boutet on The Truth About Canadian Record Labels
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-VQ307IQWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Jul 7, 2025 • 2h 22min
The Manager's Playbook 029: Laurie Lee - The Beaches, Charlotte Cardin, Artist Development, Viral Strategy, Canadian Music Industry, CRM, & Women in Music
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

Jul 6, 2025 • 20min
Inside the Playbook: Lola Plaku on What Artists Should Know Before Signing a Record Deal
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=sS6Pek34TOuNbg1ybC3a0wWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Jul 5, 2025 • 22min
Inside the Playbook: Lola Plaku on The Mentorship Program Changing the Industry
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=sS6Pek34TOuNbg1ybC3a0wWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Jul 4, 2025 • 15min
Inside the Playbook: Lola Plaku on
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=sS6Pek34TOuNbg1ybC3a0wWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Jul 3, 2025 • 17min
Inside the Playbook: Lola Plaku on Building Toronto's Music Scene
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=sS6Pek34TOuNbg1ybC3a0wWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Jun 30, 2025 • 2h 11min
The Manager's Playbook 028: Lola Plaku - French Montana, A$AP Rocky, The Weeknd, A$AP Yams, Artist Management, Girl Connected, Tour Strategy, Label Dynamics & Women in Music
In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Lola Plaku unpacks her dynamic journey from the early days of HipHopCanada to managing global tours and launching her mentorship platform, Girl Connected.From building street teams for Big Sean to orchestrating major moves for French Montana, Lola’s story is a masterclass in hustle, strategy, and staying power. She breaks down the realities of artist management, the critical role of communication with labels, and the importance of audience connection in today’s music landscape.We also get into the business of live events, lessons from the road, and how she’s elevating the next generation of women in music through community and mentorship.This is an unfiltered, high-utility conversation for anyone serious about turning passion into long-term purpose in the industry.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook