Manager Spotlight: Frances Barber Shillito

28 March 2024

The manager spotlight offers a small insight into the heads of incredible managers.⁠ This week in the spotlight is Frances Barber Shillito!

How long have you worked in Management?

4 years.

Who do you manage now?

Alex Culross, Louis Millne, Calvin Logue, Toriah.

Where did you find your first client and what inspired you to take them on?

They came to me. I decided to take them on because I was excited by their brand, their music, their talent and them as a person!

What does a good/bad day at work look like for you?

Good day = everything running smoothly, lots of yes’s, lots of responses (unusual in this game) and happy artists…I feel like the saying ‘happy wife happy life’ applies very much to happy artists happy life too! Haha. Bad day = hard to come by when you love what you do but a bad day would consist of artists being let down, a plan falling through or a snarky email!

What has been the highlight of your management career to date?

Hard to pin point the exact one as there are so many lovely highlights along the way and so many ‘pinch me’ moments. But I guess the standout ones will be when you find yourself in full circle moments: headlining shows you used to attend yourself in days gone by, finding yourself sat at tables and rubbing shoulders/gaining respect from people you once looked up to, that sort of thing!

What do you think are the big challenges for a manager in 2024?

I would say breaking new artists in an ever changing industry that seems to be moving faster and faster as the years go by.

Why would you recommend the MMF?

The MMF provides us managers with a support, a network and guidance to build your career and help take you to the next stages. I was lucky enough to secure a place on the accelerator programme which changed my life! I will be forever grateful

What did you gain from the Accelerator Programme?

A community like no other! Financial support that meant I could work my business full time. Guidance. Companionship. Workshops. Life long memories!

What music are you currently listening to?

Bad Omens, Bring Me The Horizon, Chris Stussy, Tate McRae, Luuk Van Dijk.

I like to keep it varied haha!

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