Talent manager Emily Stencel is redefining what it means to build a personal brand by focusing on authenticity and passion.
In today’s social media-driven world, the line between entertainment and personal branding is blurring. Creators are not just influencers; they are shaping culture, setting trends, and building entire businesses on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. But behind every viral moment, there is a dedicated individual with a unique story to tell, and it’s the role of talent managers like Emily Stencel to help them elevate that story into something extraordinary.
“Talent management has always been about more than just getting people brand deals or followers,” Emily says. “It’s about recognizing that deep spark—the unique energy that someone has—and helping them build something powerful around it.”
A New Approach to Talent Management
Emily’s approach to talent management is different from the traditional model. Rather than focusing solely on the number of followers or viral hits, she prioritizes what makes a creator truly unique. For her, it’s all about finding and amplifying the passion that fuels a creator’s content and their journey.
“I’ve spent years building brands and developing products, so talent management feels like a natural progression for me,” she explains. “But the shift is also about focusing on people—their stories, their authenticity, and their potential to connect with others on a real level.”
Emily doesn’t see talent management as just a business strategy—it’s a form of creative collaboration. By working with creators closely, she helps them refine their voices and discover what makes them stand out in an oversaturated digital landscape.
“I think the creators who truly succeed are the ones who embrace their vulnerability,” Emily adds. “They’re the ones who show up every day with their full selves—no masks, no pretenses. That’s the kind of energy I want to cultivate.”
Shaping Brands Through Storytelling
At the heart of Emily’s method is storytelling. Every creator has a unique journey, and Emily believes that by helping them craft their personal narrative, she can help them build a brand that resonates on a deeper level.
“I’m not interested in working with people who just want to make quick content just cause it’s trending. I want to help creators tap into their core story and share that with the world in an authentic way,” she says. “When you build a brand on something real, it sticks. That’s how you stand out.”
For Emily, the process of building a creator’s personal brand goes beyond just creating content—it’s about helping them establish a long-term connection with their audience. The content is just a tool for the real story: who they are, what they stand for, and why their audience should care.
“Building a brand is about consistency,” Emily continues. “It’s about showing up over and over again, in a way that’s true to who you are. That’s how you build trust, and trust is what makes a brand sustainable.”
Helping Creators Take Creative Risks
One of Emily’s greatest joys is helping creators take risks with their content. She knows that true success often comes from stepping out of one’s comfort zone and trying something new—something bold.
“Creativity is all about taking risks. If you’re always playing it safe, you’ll never create anything truly original,” Emily says. “I love helping creators push their boundaries and experiment with their content. That’s where the magic happens.”
Whether it’s trying out a new type of video, experimenting with different storytelling formats, or diving into a completely new area of interest, Emily encourages the creators she works with to be daring in their work. After all, in a world of endless content, it’s the bold, innovative creators who catch the world’s attention.
The Changing Landscape of Talent Management
The way we think about talent management has evolved, especially as social media continues to disrupt traditional industries. Creators are not only entertainers—they’re entrepreneurs, CEOs, and founders of their own personal brands. And the role of talent managers has shifted from just making connections to actively helping creators build their entire business ecosystem.
“I think a lot of people still see creators as just influencers, but they’re so much more than that. They are their own brands, and they need support to build that brand just like any other company would,” Emily explains. “Talent management today is about helping creators manage every aspect of their career—from content creation to partnerships to product development.”
This shift is what makes Emily’s work so impactful. She doesn’t just help creators gain followers or land sponsorships; she helps them grow their personal empire.
Why Passion is the Key to Success
When asked what drives her success, Emily emphasizes one core principle: passion.
“Whether it’s building a brand or managing talent, passion is the cornerstone of everything I do,” she says. “I look for that moment when a creator’s passion shines through. That’s what gets people to follow them, to trust them, and to support them.”
For Emily, it’s not enough to work with creators who are simply chasing fame or money. She seeks out individuals who genuinely care about their craft, who have something important to say, and who want to make an impact beyond just hitting a milestone number of followers.
“I’m not just helping creators build a career; I’m helping them build something they’re proud of—something that will last,” she says.
The Future of Talent Management
As the digital world continues to evolve, the future of talent management will undoubtedly change as well. But for Emily, the foundation of success will always remain the same: passion, authenticity, and collaboration.
“I’m excited for the future because I think we’re entering a time where creators are being seen for more than just their follower count. They’re being seen as the entrepreneurs they truly are,” Emily reflects. “And I’m here to help them navigate that world and build something that’s truly impactful.”
For creators looking to break through and build a brand that lasts, Emily’s expertise could be the catalyst for success. Her focus on authenticity and passion makes her an invaluable ally in the ever-evolving world of social media.
Visit @emilystencel to learn more about Emily Stencel and how she can help you build your brand. Emily works with GRAIL TALENT and can be reached at [email protected]. Start your journey today!