Michael Kassan is described, in Ken Auletta's Frenemies, as "a charming man who relies on relationships to link the artists and managers and clients and scientists," and one of the "characters who represent the points of tension within this world" of advertising. As Michael acknowledges in our engaging Legends & Leaders Conversation, our 30-year relationship offers us both a unique perspective on each other's respective careers. And while I have no debate with Auletta's description of Michael, it fails to do justice to the impact he's had on the media, advertising, marketing and entertainment business.
With his new perspective leading MediaLink's UTA Entertainment & Culture Marketing group following last December's acquisition of MediaLink by United Talent Agency, Michael is better described, as UTA does, as leader of "the marketing and advertising world’s most trusted strategic advisor. Clients include 50% of Fortune's Most Admired Companies, seven out of ten of the world’s top media companies and a wide array of influential brands." Looking forward, Michael believes "we are at the inflection point where content influences everything, but particularly commerce. Marketers," he comments, "have myriad opportunities to play a critical role in co-creating content -- directly engaging with loyal communities, influencing movements and spreading important information."
In that context, Michael speaks with authority in our Conversation, sharing leadership lessons learned as he rose to industry prominence, the unique perspective he brings to his advice to C-Suite leaders, and how one of his skills has been hiring and leading a team across a spectrum of MediaLink capabilities. Most enjoyable are the stories he shares from his unique influence at the intersection of media, marketing and technology during the most transformational time in industry history. Check out the stories, insights, knowledge and the human side of Michael Kassan. Watch our Conversation here.