Los Angeles-based talent manager Stephanie Massman chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about her latest endeavors in the entertainment industry.
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” A woman that embodies this wise quote is Stephanie Massman.
What do you love most about this industry?
There is something undeniably magical about the entertainment industry. I love collaborating with creatives and witnessing stories come to life on screen. There is an incredible amount of talent in this world, along with countless stories that deserve to be told.
If I can play even a small role in inspiring someone, encouraging an artist, or simply giving audiences a momentary escape from reality—to feel something meaningful or uplifting—then I feel I’ve truly done my job.
How does it feel to be a talent manager in the digital age?
I am one of those people who is a little afraid of technology and how fast it is growing, however the one thing that all the digital advancement cannot do is facilitate true human connection. In the end, nothing can replace the human touch and being a great manager means fostering and nurturing relationships with your clients and casting directors alike.
It’s about not just looking on casting platforms for opportunities, but networking and finding outside opportunities. Because I love people and especially because there is nothing more rewarding than being a part of someone you care deeply about achieving their goal, I feel especially blessed that I am able to manage my amazing roster of clients
Can you tell us about your use of technology in your daily routine?
In my daily routine, technology plays an important role as Breakdowns for work comes in on many platforms. Every day my team gets on Breakdown Services and Casting Networks to submit our actors for everything from Film, Television, Vertical Shorts, commercials, voice-overs and gaming projects to name a few.
It’s also important to use technology platforms like Instagram to promote our actors and connect with industry professionals across the globe.
What motivates you each day?
Loving what I do is at the heart of everything. Every day brings the chance to discover new opportunities and champion my actors by connecting them with projects that can truly move their careers forward.
What motivates me just as deeply is the people I get to do this with. Since taking over the company, I’ve built a team that is passionate, driven, and deeply invested in the success of our clients—including leaders across our vertical and commercial divisions, and my fabulous business partner, Julia Parmeter.
Their dedication and belief in our actors inspire me constantly. Together, we’re not just building careers—we’re building trust, momentum, and a management company where artists feel seen, supported, and genuinely cared for. That shared vision is what pushes me to show up and give my best every single day.
What do your plans for the future include?
Beyond the dream of one of my actors thanking me during a Golden Globe acceptance speech (one can hope!), I plan to continue doing what I love most: building meaningful, lasting relationships with industry professionals and championing compelling work. I’ve produced three short films so far and look forward to producing many more.
Working on projects like Bug Eyes and helping people share deeply personal, poignant stories—such as Carly Durrer’s—feels incredibly impactful. Knowing I played a part in bringing those stories to life is, to me, how legacies are truly made.
What is the greatest lesson the entertainment industry has taught you?
Perseverance changes you. When you truly believe you have a gift meant to be shared and commit to constantly improving yourself, you grow not only as a professional, but as a person. This industry demands an extraordinary amount of dedication and resilience—especially in the face of constant rejection.
I’ve learned that those who ultimately find success are not always the most talented, but the ones who refuse to quit when things get difficult and choose to keep showing up, believing in themselves, and moving forward.
What is your advice for hopefuls who wish to become talent agents and managers?
It may sound counterintuitive, but one of the most important lessons is learning to protect your energy. This business can easily consume you, and burnout helps no one—especially your clients. Your actors deserve someone who shows up each day inspired, present, and genuinely excited to champion them.
You become a stronger manager when you allow space for balance, joy, and restoration in your own life. At the core of it all, this career has to be about people. If you truly care about helping others achieve their goals and dreams—and if that purpose matters more to you than the money—you’ll not only build a meaningful career, you’ll build one that lasts.
What does the word success mean to you?
To me, success means having clients who are both happy and thriving. Their growth and achievements are my ultimate measure of accomplishment.
If I can help them share their gifts, positively impact audiences, and still enjoy full, balanced lives with their families and friends—while also making casting directors’ jobs easier by consistently providing talent capable of elevating projects and turning films into box-office successes—then I know I’m doing my job well.
Helen Keller once said: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” This quote applies to Stephanie Massman.
To learn more about talent manager Stephanie Massman, follow her on Instagram.
