Georgii Speakman is the Founder and Managing Director of OUT.LI.ER, a talent management, record label and entertainment company representing artists, creatives and executives across entertainment, innovation and disruptive media.

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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?

I am from Australia and have been living and working in Los Angeles for the past 6 years. Since arriving in LA (beg. 2013), I have worked with startups, playing an instrumental role in building companies from scratch and/or establishing new divisions within existing companies – predominantly across entertainment, disruptive innovation, media and new technologies:

• Film production companies (i.e. Anonymous Content, Pulse Films, Adaptive Studios, INE Entertainment)
• Brands (i.e. Disney, Open Road Films, NBCUniversal, Pernod Ricard, Rachel Zoe, Sonos, Creative Recreation, Revel)
• Talent agencies and management firms (i.e. Untitled Entertainment, CAA, ICM Partners, IMG, Paradigm, Roc Nation, WME, Influencer Studios, Studio 71)
• Media platforms (i.e. VICE, The Zoe Report, West Hollywood Lifestyle Magazine, Dash Radio, LA Times, Business Rockstars, Perez Hilton)
• PR and Publicity (i.e. talkTECH PR, Element Brand Group, ID PR, R. Couri Hay, Kristin Shrader, ASTRSK PR, Sunshine Sachs, Walker Drawas, The Brand Agency)
• Media agencies (i.e. OMD, MEC Global, Initiative, Horizon Media, Maxus Global)
• VR / AR / Robotics (i.e. SAMO VR, Upload VR, Ozobot, Livit Now)

I also worked with IZEA (the largest influencer marketing network in the (USA) – home to over 300K + influencers, across all leading social channels, including celebrities, athletes, musicians, reality TV stars, YouTubers, Bloggers, etc) as the Director of Influencer Marketing.

Fast forward to 2018, I had to chance to moderate the ‘DIY Tools & Financing for Artists’ for The Rights Tech Summit (Digital Advertising Week, NYC) and has been interviewed by Josh Levine of Rebel Radio; Stephanie Michele of Relatable; profiled in Voyage LA Magazine, and on Kevin Horek’s ‘Building The Future Show’.

I now operate OUT.LI.ER (USA/AUS) – a talent management and entertainment company, representing talent in music, FTV, innovation and media. I have also been hosting OUT.LI.ER TV (OTV); a radio show (in partnership with Dash Talk X / Dash Radio) and content platform.

Prior, I was appointed as the Global VP of Marketing + Brand Strategy for blackpills – establishing the marketing team and division from scratch; developing all foundational material for the brand (internally and externally) as it pertains to marketing, communications and PR.

I also played an instrumental role in establishing from the ground up, and launching “Vol. 4” for ROC Nation as Director of Strategic Business Development: A new creative + consultancy agency.

2) What does a typical day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?

Rise and shine around 7 – 8am; meditate (vedic meditation) and/or exercise (home yoga, home pilates or running). Writing my book, LA DIARIES (between 8am – 10am).

From 10am often until late; my day consists of answering emails, business development, phone calls, in person meetings and activity against my label, OUT.LI.ER Records: contract negotiations, creative development, operations.

3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?

I am not a fan of corporate offices, or spaces that are too air conditioned or lacking natural light. I work from home as much as I can, as I am super effective working from home.

I love curating music; having access to home cooked food, and being able to step outside with my dog Cookie for a walk break if I’m on a call. Otherwise, I am at one of the Soho Houses for work sessions and/or meetings.

4) Do you have any tips, tricks or shortcuts to help you manage your workload and schedule?

Having a routine. Blocking out your calendar for certain tasks; such as strategy, working through emails or doing calls; along with exercise and making time for self care is critical.

Giving yourself time in the morning for meditation, exercise, etc, is also so important. I love to get into my body, and get centered before starting the work day. It allows you to think so much more clearer/clearly.

Focusing on one task or initiative at a time (amidst serious multi-tasking) helps being really effective at one thing at a time. Looking at and planning your calendar week as much possible; being consciously aware of what you have going on in advance, and knowing how to block out time to get things done is really important.

Balance is everything. I don’t want to state the obvious, but having a great diet; early nights (at least a few times a week) is absolutely key. And basic things like hydration helps with concentration and energy.

5) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?

Work-life balance has been something I’ve struggled with in the past. I’ve always been a hard and fast worker. I can pack into a day or two what a lot of people take a week to accomplish. But that’s not necessarily sustainable. And so doing as much “self care” as possible is really important.

Knowing how to listen to your body, soul and mind. Ensuring you make time for friends and quality relationships / interactions is important. It’s about quality and not quantity. I am becoming more and more astute to how certain people or situations make me feel, and so I give more and more time to those things or individuals that empower healthy growth and sharing.

Starting the day off with a routine and having daily goals in mind really helps you be intentional and focused.

6) What do you think are some of the best habits you’ve developed over the years to help you strive for success and balance?

Routine. Spiritual development: Yoga, meditation, reiki. Having regular massage or steams. Quality time with girlfriends and people that really understand you. Healthy eating and learning to hydrate consistently. Regular exercise – mostly for the mind. Not setting the alarm on a weekend and embracing “rest” when my body actually needs it.

7) Are there any books that have helped you improve over the years?

• Conversations With God (Neale Donald Walsch)
• My client’s book, Open Wide (Melissa Ambrosini)
• Ancient Wisdom, Modern World: Ethics for the New Millennium (Dalai Lama)
• Malcolm Gladwell’s books
• Eckhart Tolle’s books
• Tony Robbins material (books, videos)
• The Fifth Agreement: A Practical Guide to Self-Mastery (Miguel Ruiz)

8) What is the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day?

Cuddle with my dog Cookie; tell him how much I love him many times a day! I am a routine cleaner – always ensuring my environment is pretty impeccable. I burn Dragon’s Blood and Sage for a very clean, warm and positive environment. Meditate and engage in prayer or affirmations.

9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?

Life is nothing but a journey, and so you have to recognise that there will always be highs and lows; good and bad moments. There are constant lessons and reflections in everything, and so, it’s important to have perspective and embrace the notion of curiosity at all times.

Never ever stop the journey of self improvement. There are limitless areas for improvement in all areas of our lives at all times, and in the spirit of staying hungry and to continue to grow and evolve positively, it’s important to really embrace self care: reading, writing, meditation, health and wellness, etc.

Challenge yourself to look at things, and/or do things differently. Find ways to stimulate your mind in new ways. Consume new content and media that are positive and will allow you to expand your thinking. Listen and ask questions. There is power in seeing things from others perspectives.

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