The Manager's Playbook

Director X is the embodiment of innovation, authenticity, and masterful storytelling. With a legacy built alongside some of the biggest names in music—think Drake, Rihanna, and Usher—Director X has reshaped the visual language of the music video industry. But his path to success wasn’t a straight shot to stardom. In this can’t-miss episode of The Manager's Playbook, hosted by Mauricio Ruiz, Director X opens up about his early days hustling to make a name for himself, the defining moments that tested his craft, and the relentless passion that pushed him to the top. From pioneering visuals that captured the essence of hip-hop and R&B to leading high-stakes production teams, Director X shares the raw truth about his journey. He dives into the art of building genuine connections with artists, his approach to creating visuals that resonate in the digital age, and the importance of a strong, authentic visual identity. Throughout, he provides invaluable advice for emerging directors and creatives, revealing the dedication and depth of collaboration that go into making standout projects. This isn’t just an episode about directing—it’s a blueprint for resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of artistic excellence. If you’re looking to get inspired by one of the industry’s most influential figures, this episode delivers unmatched insights from the master himself.

Byron Wilson’s journey from a small-town dreamer to managing global superstars like Jessie Reyez and SonReal is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Byron opens up about the grind behind the glitz—sharing the challenges, hustle, and key relationships that helped him build a creative empire from the ground up. From booking DIY shows to navigating record labels, Byron’s deep insights into artist management and viral success, like with SonReal’s hit “Everywhere We Go,” will captivate anyone with aspirations in the music industry. Tune in to hear Byron’s strategies on artist development, the power of teamwork, and how smart decisions can turn indie dreams into global recognition. This episode is packed with gems for hustlers, creatives, and future managers alike. Byron Wilson on building global success, one hit at a time.

Cory Litwin is the MASTER of Getting into a Room! You cannot question his ability to help build and cultivate global superstars like Murda Beatz and Busta Rhymes. And that’s what you need and want from your manager. Especially in the beginning. In the world of artist management, connecting the dots and building relationships is key, and few do it as naturally as Cory Litwin. Known for his mastery of networking, Cory has cultivated an impressive career, from managing top-tier talent like Murda Beatz, Da Baby, and Busta Rhymes to organizing some of Toronto’s most iconic events. Starting at the University of Western Ontario, Cory’s journey has been defined by relentless hustle, deep connections, and a vision that always looks beyond the present moment. Today, we sit down with Cory to explore the art of making lasting impressions and how strategic partnerships have helped him excel at the highest levels of the music industry. He reflects on key moments that shaped his career, such as his ability to spot talent early and build it into global recognition. Beyond business, Cory speaks passionately about fostering creativity and supporting the next generation of artists, offering a rare glimpse into the world of a true industry connector. To all the hustlers and dreamers out there, this one's for you. A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap. The unstoppable Cory Litwin for ‘The Manager’s Playbook’ Podcast.

In this episode of The Manager's Playbook, host Mauricio Ruiz interviews the legendary Kardinal Offishall about his extensive career spanning 30 years as an artist and music executive. The discussion explores Kardinal's transition from artist to A&R executive, emphasizing the importance of human connections, authenticity, and global perspectives in the music industry. Kardinal shares behind-the-scenes stories, including early interactions with artists like Drake and Rihanna, and offers insights on identifying and nurturing raw talent. The episode sheds light on the complexities of music business contracts, the solitary nature of being a visionary, and the challenges faced when striving to make an artist a priority in a major label. Kardinal's enduring success is attributed to his genuine care for others and his commitment to staying true to himself. Ladies and gentleman, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Without further ado, Kardinal Offishall.

In this episode of The Manager's Playbook, we sit down with Gordan Dillard, the powerhouse manager behind superstar artists like Doja Cat. Gordan shares his incredible journey through the ups and downs of the music industry and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way.  From interning at Motown to working at BET, Maverick Urban, and Capitol Music Group, to co-founding Good Day Management and In Addition, Gordan offers insight into the worlds of A&R and artist management. Throughout the episode, he highlights the importance of teamwork, work ethic, and having a clear vision, while sharing behind-the-scenes stories that shaped his career.  Ladies and gentleman, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Without further ado, Gordan Dillard.

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, host Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Shara Senderoff, a visionary at the crossroads of entertainment, technology, and innovation. From selling a script to Steven Spielberg at just 20 years old to co-founding a fund Raised In Space with Zach Katz and Scooter Braun, Shara's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Join us as Shara shares her transition from film and TV to the music industry, her groundbreaking work in blockchain and AI, and her unique approach to the Blue Ocean Strategy. She also dives into the power of meditation, the importance of curiosity, and the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels her success. This episode is packed with insights on technology, music, personal growth, and running multiple businesses while seemingly bending time. Ladies and gentlemen, a conversation like this doesn’t come cheap. Without further ado, Shara Senderoff.

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz dives into the transformative world of country music with The Core Entertainment. Discover why the genre is surging in popularity, the unique challenges faced by artists when mainstream acts crossover, and learn about the evolution of artist development, they’re pivotal deal with kingmaker Michael Rapino- CEO/President of Live Nation, how artists are succeeding with minimal resources, and the powerful role of social media in shaping their careers. Join us as Kevin "Chief" Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, the founders of The Core Entertainment, share their experiences working with major acts like Nickelback to rising stars like Bailey Zimmerman and Nate Smith.  We also explore the importance of building a strong team, setting boundaries, and maintaining mental health and well-being in the demanding music industry. Don’t miss this deep dive into the hard work and dedication that drive success in music. Ladies and gentlemen, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Without further ado, Chief Zaruk & Simon Tikhman.

In this episode of The Managers Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Chip Sutherland, a seasoned entertainment lawyer and artist manager who was recently honored with the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award. Chip’s behind-the-scenes work has significantly impacted the careers of artists such as Sloan, Feist, The Rankin Family, and many more. Chip offers valuable insights into the music business, covering key topics such as management agreements and terms, business management and finances, and funding opportunities for Canadian artists. He also shares his experiences co-authoring the Canadian edition of All You Need To Know About The Music Business with Donald Passman, and provides his perspective on the current music industry landscape. Ladies and gentlemen, a conversation like this doesn’t come cheap. And without further ado, Chip Sutherland.

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, host Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Che Kothari, a multifaceted visionary whose work spans photography, artist management, festival production, and much more. Che’s career is a testament to the power of creativity, community, and spirituality. Join us as we explore Che's incredible path, from discovering his passion for photography at a young age to founding Toronto’s Manifesto Festival and managing top-tier artists like Machel Montano and Mustafa The Poet. Che’s professional life is also marked by a profound spiritual exploration. His path crossed with renowned spiritual leader Sadhguru, whose teachings on mindfulness, balance, and stillness have significantly impacted Che’s life and work. In this episode, Che shares how his spiritual journey has informed his approach to managing burnout, maintaining creativity, and fostering authentic connections. A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, host Mauricio Ruiz sits down with acclaimed record producers and songwriters Matthew Burnett and Jordan Evans. Known for their exceptional work in the music industry, Matthew and Jordan have seamlessly transitioned into the realm of artist management, co-founding Golden Child Recordings and guiding Daniel Caesar to international stardom as an independent artist. Mauricio, Matthew, and Jordan delve into their journey from growing up in Ajax, influenced by legendary producers like Boi-1da and T-Minus, to landing major placements with top-tier artists such as Drake and Eminem. They share the serendipitous story of meeting Daniel Caesar, their strategies for managing his career, and the advantages of operating independently in the music industry. Mauricio also shares the story of his first encounter with Matthew and Jordan during his time managing Jessie Reyez with Byron Wilson. Both their teams were involved in intense bidding wars and discovered they had the same approach and mindset to artist management, providing them with unique insights into the high-stakes nature of the music industry. This episode offers an in-depth look at the nuances of record production, the intricacies of artist management, and the contrast between major labels and independent routes. It’s a masterclass in music industry dynamics and the art of nurturing talent.  A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.

Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Lex Borrero, a prominent figure in the Latin American music and entertainment industry, for this  episode of The Manager’s Playbook Podcast.  Lex has worked with some of the biggest names in pop music including Tainy, Bad Bunny, Dua Lipa, J Balvin, Will Smith, Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, The Montaners Family, Kali Ucis and several other prominent figures.  In this episode, Mauricio and Lex discuss Lex's work as an artist manager, producer, executive, and entrepreneur. They explore his early days breaking the mold in non-secular music, the power of narrative and intention, his groundbreaking partnership with Tainy, brokering deals with powerhouse film studios and broadcasting networks, following his gut intuition, non-traditional mentorships, his strong bond with head of creative Ivan Rodriguez, having skin in the game and much more. Most importantly, Ruiz & Lex highlight highlight his unique talent as a creative executive and his exceptional clarity of vision. Lex Borrero is a dynamic force in the entertainment industry, known for his innovative vision and strategic acumen. With a career spanning over two decades, Lex has established himself as a leading figure in talent management, music production, and media entrepreneurship. He is the co-founder of NEON16, a multi-faceted creative company that he established alongside the renowned producer Tainy. Together, they have rapidly transformed NEON16 into a powerhouse in the Latin music scene, launching numerous chart-topping hits and nurturing the careers of top artists. Lex's keen eye for talent, coupled with his relentless drive and industry expertise, complements Tainy's creative prowess, earning them a reputation as transformative leaders who consistently push the boundaries of what's possible in the entertainment world. Lex is also the co-founder of NTERTAIN STUDIOS (along with Tommy Mottola and Ivan Rodriguez) a Latin Entertainment and media company focusing on the creation, development, and production of premier content across television, film and digital. We bring Latin stories to the forefront by representing the global power and success of Latin celebrities, talent, brands and culture. Some of those properties include LA FIRMA & LOS MONTANER.

Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Tyler Henry, one of the youngest superstar Artist Managers in the game, for the next episode of The Manager’s Playbook Podcast. In this episode, Ruiz and Tyler talk about his humble upbringing leading to his career in the music industry. From being a sound engineer, tour manager, artist manager, managing partner at Range Music while working with the biggest names in music like Drake, Rihanna, Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Kendrick Lamar, PARTYNEXTDOOR and more.  A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.

Mauricio Ruiz sits down with American music manager, entrepreneur, and investor, Troy Carter for the inaugural episode of The Manager's Playbook Podcast. In this episode, Mauricio and Troy discuss the role of a great artist manager, how to identify a great artist, TikTok vs UMG and where AI is going in the next 5 years, how to get from small venues to stadiums, super fandom and data collection, and much more. A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.