Ever wondered how top creators build loyal audiences and turn their passion into a thriving business? In this episode, I sit down with Jake Lee—founder and CEO of Alpha Talent Group—who started his agency at just 21 and now manages some of the UK’s most influential creators and athletes.

We dive deep into what really matters in the creator economy, busting myths about follower counts, brand deals, and overnight success. Jake shares actionable insights on:

Why engagement beats virality every time

How to build a community that supports and monetizes you

The mindset shift that helped him grow from cold DMs to managing top-tier talent

The platforms and strategies most creators are still sleeping on

The importance of authenticity, proactive pitching, and mental resilience in the creator journey

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your content to the next level, Jake’s story and advice will inspire you to build something real, lasting, and meaningful—with a community that has your back.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Jake Lee's Journey: From Recruitment to Talent Management
• 00:03:39 Building Alpha Talent: Starting Out and Securing First Clients
• 00:06:25 What Makes a Successful Talent Agency?
• 00:09:43 Talent Selection: Hard Work, Drive, and Engagement
• 00:12:07 Advice for Aspiring Talent Managers
• 00:16:52 Understanding the Realities of Talent Management
• 00:20:21 The Evolving Creator Economy & Monetisation
• 00:22:12 Monetisation Strategies: Beyond Brand Deals
• 00:30:42 Networking, Events, and Building Relationships
• 00:36:22 Leveraging LinkedIn and Multi-Platform Growth
• 00:39:23 Content Creation, Consistency, and Thought Leadership
• 00:51:02 Growth, Trends, and Tools for Creators
• 00:56:22 Looking Ahead: Alpha Talent's Future & Success Stories
• 00:58:51 Quick Fire Round