Jeff Lesh Agent/Manager/Ringmaster
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Before becoming an independent entertainment consultant, I was head of William Morris Endeavor’s Lecture/Speaker’s Division. I’ve traveled extensively with all manner of musicians, actors, authors, celebrity chefs, business leaders and leading comedians. I have relationships with top PR reps, talent managers, Literary agents, and performing arts groups around the country.
I’m committed to helping to discover and support diverse voices and cutting-edge performers and thinkers. One of my core functions at WME was transitioning our vast roster of authors to the speaking arena and in doing so, I had to be familiar with the latest and greatest IP and written work.
With a BA in Journalism, I began my career as a production assistant for NBC at the Atlanta Olympic Games, then entered NBC’s storied Page Program. I was an NBC Network News Promotions Producer before moving to talent representation and event curation.
I’m easy-going, but incredibly hard-working; a team player with what my wife tells me is a very good sense of humor. I would be excited for the opportunity to meet or speak by phone or via zoom to discuss this position.
Sincerely,
ENTERTAINMENT CONSULTANT 2021 – Present
Entertainment curator and live event consultant, providing talent solutions, connecting buyers with A-list speakers, authors and comedians for live and virtual corporate events while maximizing programming budgets and developing stand-out events.
WILLIAM MORRIS ENDEAVOR 2000-2021
DEPARTMENT HEAD, SPEAKERS/LECTURES
Talent Representation and Event Curation Experience
Curated, created and arranged celebrity appearances for live events, including conferences, conventions, private functions, college appearances, paid-ticket lectures, concerts and comedy shows, as well as corporate appearances both private and public.
Provided professional representation and career guidance to WME’s wide roster of talent including comedians, actors, celebrity chefs, athletes, authors, influencers, thought leaders, musicians, business executives and politicians.
Negotiated fees and contracts; managed client travel needs; served as liaison for clients and major corporations and institutions; increased client visibility and marketing power; worked inter-departmentally to meet client needs across variety of mediums and opportunities, including television, film, publishing, advertising and new media.
Managed WME’s acclaimed Speakers/Lectures Department, during which time the Department redesigned and relaunched our website, improved and created new account relationships, and increased profitability ten-fold. Directly developed and managed a ten-person team including sales agents, marketing coordinators, support staff and event coordinators.
Coordinated acquisition of the world’s largest and most prestigious speakers’ agency, The Harry Walker Agency, into the WME fold.
Oversaw integration, liaised between merged companies. Directly managed Department and employees during the transition.
Transformed business model from live to virtual, spearheading the pivot to virtual celebrity appearances and events for corporate and institutional buyers.
University of Rhode island journalism BA
