Ep. 291: From Budweiser to Brad Pitt: RLC Talent Agency's Leila on 23 Years Building Hollywood's Model & Talent Empire

Guest: Leila, Founder & CEO, RLC Models and Talent Agency In this episode, Zach sits down with Leila, the powerhouse behind RLC Models and Talent Agency, who has spent 23 years building one of LA's most versatile talent and modeling operations. Leila shares the story of landing her first major client, Budweiser, just months after opening her agency, and how that relationship (along with Tecate) led to years of work sponsoring major sporting events in boxing, football, and basketball. She talks candidly about working alongside major names like Drake, Enrique Iglesias, Bad Bunny, Snoop Dogg, and Jamie Foxx, and reflects on one of her proudest personal moments: meeting Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in 2025. Leila also opens up about what she looks for when scouting new talent, the personality traits that matter more than looks, and how her own 19-year career as a performer shaped the way she runs her agency. The conversation covers the evolution of RLC's fashion show business (post-COVID reinvention that grew into 55+ shows), the launch of RLC Talent Magazine featuring cover stars like Eric Roberts, Corey Feldman, and Sofia Milos, and the 2025 debut of her docuseries RLC Backstage at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. She also shares the heart behind her work — her Bambino foster kids initiative — and her vision for the next five years, including new ventures supporting working artists in an AI-disrupted entertainment industry. Topics discussed: Building RLC Models and Talent Agency from the ground up Landing the Budweiser/Tecate partnership and major sports sponsorships What Leila looks for in new talent (hint: it's not just looks) Working behind the scenes with A-list celebrities Launching RLC Talent Magazine and choosing cover stars The RLC Modeling School in Calabasas Producing the docuseries RLC Backstage and its Chinese Theatre premiere The Bambino foster kids charitable initiative Leila's five-year vision for her business and giving back Learn more about Leila Ciancaglini at https://rlctalentagency.com/.   Follow Leila Ciancaglini on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leilaciancaglinitv Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.