We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gina Stoj a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Gina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

I am happy, yes! I love my job. I love working with my team. I love working with casting agents, producers, directors and other industry professionals – many of them have become my very close friends over the years. It’s tough work but it’s rewarding. It’s a 24/7 job, my day starts at 3am and typically finishes around 6pm. There are often fires to put out and dramas to handle, but it all becomes worth it when one of my clients books THAT role.

I’ve thought about doing a typical 9-5 job, but I love being my own boss. Before I was a manager and talent agent, I had a background in business, running a medical practice. I gave up my secure full-time job so that I could pursue something I’m passionate about and be my own boss. After 20+ years working in the industry, being involved in some enormous projects and productions, I’m not sure I could ever go back to a “regular job”. It’s just not me!

Life is too short to not do what you love.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Gina Stoj, I am a Talent Agent and Manager based across the US and Australia.

Gina Stoj Management started in 2002 in response to the need for talented actors to be represented by an agent. Known for my proactive, results-driven approach, I work with more than 300 actors across Los Angeles, New York, Australia and beyond!

With over 20+ years of experience, my agency is dedicated to developing acting opportunities for exceptional talent. Building & strengthening working relationships in the industry with casting agents, producers, directors & other managers has been the foundation stone for creating successful opportunities for my actors. But, as any agent knows, success in this industry also requires the development and nurturing of talent. I believe that a “good actor is a working actor” where experience and exposure is the key to progress. GSM encourages actors to continually work on their acting skills, & manage their careers like a business. I expect my actors to adhere to the high standards that I set for both myself and my agency.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My strong work ethic and proactive approach have given me the reputation of being professional and reliable within the industry. I’m constantly working with actors, having conversations with industry professionals, negotiating contracts, and working with my talent. I pride myself in always being contactable and getting things done quickly. It’s such a fast-moving industry and time is money. I carry 2 phones and an iPad on me AT ALL TIMES.

Another big factor is the talent that I represent. Every audition they attend or job they book is putting both their reputation and mine on the line. When an actor is professional, organised, and reliable, then that also reflects positively on me. If they’re not… then they better watch out.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I’m a big fan of “Outliers” by Malcom Gladwell, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey, and “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (bet you weren’t expecting that one!)

But the truth is, nothing beats hands-on experience. You could read every book in the world and still not understand what it takes to run a business. You need to live and breathe it. Make mistakes and then learn from them. It’s good to read up on things and study, but you’ve got to go out there and do the work too.

A few quotes I love too are:
“If you can dream it, you can achieve it.” – Zig Ziglar
“Be brave. Even if you’re not, pretend to be.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
“Choices, not chances, determine your destiny.” – Aristotle
“RESPOND TO YOUR EMAIL” or “PICK UP THE PHONE!” – Gina Stoj

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ginastoj.com
• Instagram: @stojgina
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gina.stoj
• Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/company/gina-stoj-management