We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Angela Durden. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Angela below.

Alright, Angela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with something countless entrepreneurs have had to figure out on the fly – how have you dealt with the rise of remote work?

Remote work has become very popular since Covid. Although we do have the ability to work in the office, I have been fortunate enough to be able to work remotely both pre and post-covid. With remote work, you have some obvious downfalls- not having the daily office socialization is one I have experienced personally. There is something to be said for human interaction and daily conversation. Virtual meetings have had a positive impact on being able to hold meetings from all over the world. I have been able to meet with industry professionals in Europe that I would not have been able to without the technology. I think this has been the most beneficial advancement for remote work. I do enjoy and make attempts to still meet personally, however. There is no better way to connect than in-person. Most recently, working remotely has been wonderful to give me the opportunity and flexibility to raise and train our new puppy, Bandit, and spoil our senior girl, Chloe.

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

I have been an Entertainment Talent Manager since 2013. I originally started as a mom-ager to my daughter and her emerging career. When I began, I had no knowledge of the business. My main objective was to make sure my daughter wasn’t going to fall victim to a predatory situation. After 3 years of freelance managing, I decided this was my calling, and I was in for a profession change. I sold my salon and spa business of 10+ years and went full-time into Talent Management. Since I have entered the industry, I have learned, grown, celebrated and cried. I have survived Covid and a strike or 2. I love what I do and I feel fortunate to have been able to remain in and thrive in an industry that has been hit really hard the past few years. I think that a few factors play into what makes me most proud of my work. I feel anyone in the industry that has survived Covid and the strikes is a champion. It has really taken a toll across the industry with many switching gears altogether. For me personally, I took that time to push harder and not give up, making those years my most profitable to date.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I remember when I was first starting out in management , I was in a Facebook group for industry professionals. The group was meant to help others and share tips in the industry. It was a public forum with members that included actors, casting directors, agents, directors, anyone in the industry. I remember asking a question in the group and being called out by one of the casting directors saying that I did not know what I was doing and should NOT go into management. I would be lying if I told you it did not hurt my feelings, because it did. What it also did was spark a fire under me and made me want it even more. Here I am 11 years later – still loving what I do and I am so glad I trusted in me. This industry can be tough and test you at times. Sometimes it makes us question whether we are good enough. Always believe in YOU! Anything worthwhile doesn’t happen overnight. It took me many years to get where I am, and I am not finished on this journey!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

When I first began in the industry, my only talent was my daughter. I had to search for talent on my own, and without much of a work history in the industry, it wasn’t easy to get talent. Unlike when I was new in the industry, I am fortunate enough to have talent referrals now. Some of those referrals come from agents, other referrals from current and former clients. At times I have even had casting directors reach out to represent talent that they have worked with. Referrals are a compliment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.citizenskull.com
• Instagram: @Angela_Durden
• Other: Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8309173/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Image Credits

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