This week we speak to The Fifth’s Talent Manager Chloë Downes on managing Influencers and friends acting in Hollywood films.

We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the working day: so what was on the menu this morning?

Today I had a morning meeting that ran over so I missed breakfast but usually it’s two hash browns, beans and mushrooms… and maybe a veggie sausage if I’m feeling indulgent.

Sum up what you do at News UK in the shortest sentence possible.
I manage social media content creators.

Lay a bit of context on that?
I manage content creators (influencers) commercial brand deals as well as helping them with their brand strategy and growth. One thing we’re really focusing on is diversifying our creator’s content and getting them offline whether that be books deals, commercials or magazine/newspaper features.

What attracted you to the role in the first place?
I have worked in talent management for a few years as it was a role that allowed me to merge my business and creative skills. I was attracted to the role at The Fifth in particular as I am incredibly passionate about diversifying the creators that brands use as, in the past, brands have taken a largely tokenistic approach.

What’s the most interesting/challenging part of your job?
Working with my talent to produce creative and engaging content for brands is the most interesting aspect. The most challenging aspect is trying to convince brands who have not worked with Influencers before how beneficial influencer marketing is!

What are the three most important things on your working agenda today?
Navigating the PR strategy for So Vegan’s book launch in July and working on getting Brett Cobley into press to assist in his verification process on Instagram.

We represent a huge range of creators at The Fifth Talent from non-binary artists to vegan chefs and Australia’s most popular travel couple. We also represent some amazing internal talent including Tracey Lea Sayer from Fabulous and Ava Welsing-Kitcher from The Sunday Times Style. With our internal talent in particular we work with them to develop their brand and navigate the world of paid promotion.

Who is your role model? And why?
Luckily for me I am surrounded by friends who come from a similar background from me who are doing amazing things from acting in Hollywood films, running successful businesses and heading up Magazines. I am inspired by all my friends who are successful entrepreneurs and ‘intrapreneurs’ who have worked their way into successful positions independently and with little to no financial backing.

Who would play you in the film of your life?
Probably Tracey Ellis Ross because people always said I looked like her when I was younger and I aspire to look that good when I’m approaching 50!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t be a sheep, be a shepherd is something my parents have drilled into me… which is funny because I’m a born and bred Londoner so I’ve never lived near any sheep. Essentially the message is to lead and not follow and always make your own decisions.

What one bit of advice would you give someone wanting to do your job?
Be flexible as each talent you work with will be different and will need a different approach.

Tell us something not many people know about you?
I performed in the theatre from the age of 6 -16 and trained as a dancer from the age of 8.