515 ROBERT SHERMAN: How to Build Loyalty and Retain Employees
Release Date: 09/23/2024
530 DAVID TUTERA: A Candid Conversation
The Wedding Biz
Andy is thrilled to have guest back on the show for this episode! David is a globally celebrated event expert, and he joins Andy to offer another look at his decades-long career. Known for working with some of the most recognizable names in entertainment, David reflects on what it really takes to deliver unforgettable events beyond just the glitz and glamor. Listeners get an inside look at how David manages demanding clients, shifting visions, and the chaos that can unfold behind the scenes. This conversation goes beyond just logistics, though, and David reflects on the emotional core of...
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529 DAWSON HAYNES MITCHELL: Easton Events’ Executive Director
The Wedding Biz
Andy is excited to share this interview with , executive director of . Dawson pulls back the curtain on what it means to be the right hand of one of the industry’s most respected planners, Lynn Easton. She discusses how luxury event planning is all about seamless execution and stunning experiences and, behind the scenes, it's really a high-pressure world demanding adaptability, sharp problem-solving, and in-depth attention to detail. Listen in as Dawson shares how she rose from intern to a leadership role over the course of ten years, managing everything from budgets and timelines to client...
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528 REVISIT MAURICIO KIRSCHNER: Architect of Dreams and Deep in the Heart of Event Design
The Wedding Biz
Andy brings us a revisit of his March 2023 interview with Mauricio Kirschner, the founder and chief designer of . They create out-of-this world interior and event design, and are also professional architects which enables them to design and produce unique constructions and designware beyond the usual. In this insightful revisit, Andy and Mauricio discuss Mauricio's childhood passion for construction, structure, and architecture, and Mauricio talks about how he started his career as an architect and then got pulled into the event industry, then diving deep into the heart of what event design...
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527 JULIE NOVACK: PartySlate’s New Book, Rising Wedding Trends, and AI
The Wedding Biz
Andy is thrilled to have of on the show again! Julie is no stranger to the show as she has been on several times. Julie is the CEO and co-founder of PartySlate, a groundbreaking photo-rich website connecting event professionals, planners, and venues! Join Andy and Julie in this episode as she provides some updates, since the last time that she was on the show, including the publication of their book ! Listen as Julie discusses the inspiration behind the book, revealing how it serves as both a practical planning guide for couples as well as a valuable tool for industry professionals. She and...
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526 MARISSA MORRISON: Utilizing Gratitude & Manifestation to Create Your Dream Life & Career
The Wedding Biz
Andy sits down for this episode with , a successful destination wedding photographer, transformative mindset coach, and host of podcast. Listen in as Marissa opens up about her journey from being a 19-year-old single mother with no support to establishing a thriving business and helping others achieve their dreams! She also shares how gratitude and manifestation played incredibly important roles in her success and explains how these practices continue to guide her now. Marissa and Andy also discuss the power of gratitude, love, and presence in creating a fulfilling life and career, with...
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525 PRESTON BAILEY: A $600M Wedding, AI, and Embracing Creativity
The Wedding Biz
Andy is excited to have floral and event designer , a true icon in the industry, once again on the show! Tune in as he shares some fascinating insights into his work, including his involvement in one of the most extravagant weddings ever held for the Ambani family in Mumbai! With a rumored price tag of $600 million, the event pushed the boundaries of design, and Preston was at the heart of it all. He reveals how he worked on over 70 monumental floral animal sculptures, crafted from Indian flowers, which became some of the most talked-about aspects of the wedding! However, the conversation...
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524 LARRY WALSHE: An Evolving Journey to Artistic Triumphs in Event Design
The Wedding Biz
Andy welcomes listeners back to the show for this episode in which he sits down with , founder and CEO of , a world-renowned floral and event designer with studios in London, Lake Como, and New York City! Larry's impressive portfolio includes collaborations with top-tier names like Rihanna, Adele, Benedict Cumberbatch, and even royal households. He is truly a trailblazer in the industry, known especially for his 100% plastic-free luxury floral service, , and his venture! Listen as Larry discusses his creative journey, beginning with his artistic upbringing, an unexpected career shift after an...
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523 JOSH SPIEGEL: Collaborations, Company Culture, & How True Listening Can Transform Design Plans
The Wedding Biz
Join Andy this week as he enthusiastically welcomes guest Josh Spiegel, the visionary founder and Chief Creative Officer of , to catch up on the evolution of his company since they last spoke four years ago in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen as Josh opens up about the challenges and victories of being in the luxury event space, including his team’s expansion, collaborations, and the creative strides that they have made. He and Andy discuss the importance of being adaptable in the post-pandemic world and how these elements have reshaped both personal and professional landscapes,...
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522 ABI MATESUN: Break Limiting Thought Patterns and Unlock Your Full Creative Potential
The Wedding Biz
Andy is excited to welcome to the show Abi Matesun of and ! Abi is a trailblazing Nigerian-American filmmaker and creative visionary with impressive accolades that include two Emmy Awards, two Telly Awards, and the People of African Descent Award. Abi has made waves in both the wedding industry and the broader creative space, and his Netflix series celebrates the artistry of African architects and designers, while his transformative Creative Mind Shift Masterclass helps entrepreneurs unlock their full potential! Abi joins Andy in this episode to discuss his philosophy behind the Creative...
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521 REVISIT SARAH WINWARD: A Master Floral Designer’s Process and from Creativity Blooms Beauty
The Wedding Biz
Andy welcomes you to revisit his November 2022 interview with ! Sarah is based out of Salt Lake City and is a destination wedding florist who creates flower arrangements that are inspired by the changing of seasons in nature. Believing that flowers should feel natural in the environment in which they are going to be viewed, Still, she also finds many of her materials in the immediate area where the event will be held. Sarah primarily does flowers for events but also works on installations for private and commercial clients. She also offers various workshops and is a master of her craft! Sarah...
info_outlineAndy is so thrilled to be welcoming his business partner, Robert Sherman, back to the show! Robert is Andy’s business partner at Kushner Entertainment and is also the owner of Washington Talent, a legendary entertainment company established over 55 years ago.
Together, Andy and Robert tackle the topic of employee retention, discussing how to keep employees engaged, happy, and loyal over the long term. Robert shares some valuable insights from his decades of experience, explaining how hiring for company culture is just as crucial as hiring for skill sets and emphasizing the importance of communication, ensuring that employees not only understand but also believe in the organization's goals.
Robert's approach to management is rooted in collaboration rather than hierarchy. Avoiding terms like “boss” and “employee,” he instead opts to lead through transparency and mutual respect. He also discusses the importance of flexibility in modern workplaces, citing examples from his own company where remote work has helped retain top talent.
Tune in to hear practical tips on employee motivation, such as offering periodic bonuses, staying ahead of salary increases, and understanding individual motivations beyond monetary compensation. This conversation is filled with actionable advice for leaders looking to foster loyalty and long-term commitment within their teams while maintaining a positive and productive work culture!
If you enjoy and get something out of the show, then Andy urges you not to keep it to yourself! Share it with a few people you know who might also enjoy it and get something out of it, and he would also be grateful if you were to subscribe to the podcast if you aren't already so that you never miss a new episode! Be sure to also leave a top review wherever you listen because that really helps out the show and helps people find it!
Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.
SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ
Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!
Time Stamps
[0:47] - Andy and his business partner Robert are talking all things employee retention.
[2:54] - Robert reveals his philosophy regarding his relationship with his employees.
[4:08] - Robert argues that clear communication with employees is essential to ensure that they understand and respect company goals.
[6:19] - Finding culturally compatible employees is key, and compensation isn't the only factor that Robert considers.
[8:10] - Robert points out that passion plays a significant role in the entertainment industry, with some success attributed to luck.
[10:04] - Robert, in interviews, describes jobs in a less glamorous way to help temper expectations.
[13:35] - Appreciation, Robert asserts, whether through bonuses or non-financial gestures, is vital for retaining employees.
[15:10] - Robert stresses the importance of empathy and understanding between managers and employees, even in professional settings.
[18:20] - Robert sees himself as a manager, not a boss, and believes in balancing authority with empathy.
[21:09] - It's important to find the appropriate balance between personal and professional boundaries while hiring.
[24:33] - Robert argues direct communication with employees fosters trust and respect in any company.
[26:11] - Hear where Robert can be found online.
RESOURCES
Robert's Previous Guest Spots on The Wedding Biz
Find Robert:
Kushner Entertainment - Website
Washington Talent - Website
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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment.