Ep 59 - Kesi Smyth: On Success, Diversity, and Leadership

Welcome, Vocal Lab family! It's Sara here. In today's episode, I sit down with the incredible Kesi Smyth, General Manager of Human Resources at 604 Records. Kesi shares her two-decade journey in the Canadian music scene, revealing the milestones and hurdles she's encountered along the way. She provides an insider's look into her role during Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" era, highlighting the blend of strategic marketing and operational excellence that helped it reach worldwide success. Kesi opens up about the personal challenges she's witnessed or experienced as a woman of color in this competitive field. She delves into the importance of continuous learning and growth, making yourself invaluable in any role you undertake. She underscores the significance of having a strong support network, emphasizing how mentorship and inclusive practices are crucial for personal and professional development in the music industry. We cover a wide range of topics, including the critical need for diversity and inclusion, the value of building meaningful professional relationships, and the best strategies for newcomers to make their mark. Kesi also shares practical advice on networking and how to connect with industry veterans like herself for guidance. As we wrap up this part of our discussion, it's clear her story is a powerful blueprint for navigating the music industry with integrity and resilience. Stay tuned for part two, where we continue to explore Kesi's influential work in shaping a more inclusive and supportive music community. Find Kesi: Web: www.604records.com https://www.womeninmusic.ca/en/cb-profile/1482-ksmyth.html Also mentioned in our interview: https://cimamusic.ca https://www.factor.ca https://creativebc.com/funding-programs/music-sound-recording-programs/music-company/ https://www.starmaker.ca _________________________ SUBMIT YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS or SUGGEST A GUEST https://bit.ly/TVLBurningQ IG: @thevocallab FB: @thevocallabpopdcast TikTok: @sararamsayvoice YouTube: @thevocallab Web: thevocallabpodcast.com Email: [email protected] Theme music for The Vocal Lab by FreshEars Audio The Vocal Lab Podcast is produced by Alexi Johnson, 604 Podcast Network Some links posted in the show notes may happen to be affiliate or partner links.