By World Licence 
As the CEO of CKS Creative Management, what drives and motivates you in the world of talent management and business development?
What drives and motivates me in the management business is my background as an artist and photographer. Having experienced both sides of the industry, I have worked with numerous talents and their management teams. I believe there is a gap for talents transitioning into business founders and owners. CKS Creative Management was established to focus on the management of individual talents’ intellectual property and brand identity. Our mission involves exploring new business opportunities through personal connections. We define our services as the architect for personal blueprint building. If you are a talent, business founder, or entrepreneur looking to develop your next step in branding and personal IP, I am eager to connect with you.
How would you describe your approach to nurturing and developing talent or clients within the industry?
My approach to nurturing and developing talent or clients is centered around three essential principles that align with my core values: Trust, Vision, and Responsibility. My primary goal is to understand the ambitions of each talent or company and their potential for growth across various areas. We then create a structured blueprint for execution. I also believe that achieving short-term goals is critical to long-term success.
Can you share a standout project or collaboration that exemplifies your expertise as a talent manager and business developer?
Certainly. We have successfully collaborated with various US-based talents, facilitating their entry into Asian Pacific markets while integrating their intellectual property with brands in the region. This structure remains highly effective today. In the U.S., we have elevated individual IPs and their businesses through strategic relationship-building, fostering deeper conversations for productive business collaborations. It is important to note that we do not operate as a Public Relations or Marketing agency.
When selecting talent to represent or work with, what criteria or qualities do you look for?
I encourage talents to reflect on their readiness for representation. I firmly believe that every talent has a vision for themselves and an understanding of their goals. The key question is whether those goals are realistic. Before engaging in discussions about representation, I assess three key criteria:
1. Are you ready?
2. Are you willing to trust and collaborate with a team that seeks a win-win situation?
3. Are you at the top of your field with your craft and talent?
What emerging trends or shifts in the industry do you find most exciting or impactful for talent management and business development?
I am particularly excited about the trend where anyone can become a talent and develop intellectual property, provided they are authentic, unique, and have a voice in their field. With a sufficient social media following, one can easily build a brand and expand their IP into various areas. Brands are increasingly interested in collaboration, but success in selling and moving products remains paramount. I am also enthusiastic about the advancements in data, technology, and AI within the fashion and entertainment sectors. These new tools will significantly enhance both business development and management.
In your opinion, how do you envision the future of talent management and business development in the creative industry?
The future of talent and business in the creative industry will retain certain fundamentals. Talent management and business development are inherently based on personal relationships; without trust, there can be no meaningful conversation. Surrounding oneself with creative and talented individuals who possess vision and ideas is crucial. I believe that personal connections will seamlessly integrate with emerging technologies, making it easier for clients and management to clearly identify their goals and the trajectory of their collaborations.
What advice do you have for aspiring professionals seeking to enter the field of talent management and business development?
It is essential to learn how to manage yourself before you can effectively manage others. Seek a good mentor, and uphold loyalty, honesty, and knowledge of current trends in pop culture and the business world. Although I did not have a mentor in management, I trusted my instincts and arrived at my current position. I would say that 90% of my success comes from being loyal and treating people well.
Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives from CKS Creative Management that you would like to share with us?
Yes, we are thrilled to announce that we are working on our first website, set to launch in 2025. I tend to maintain a low profile and rely on word-of-mouth for visibility. With a new team and partnerships forming, we are expanding our services and look forward to greater visibility through our upcoming website.
Proud of you!