The man who predicted the rise of the influencer, with Gleam Futures Founder Dom Smales

Secret Leaders with Dan Murray-Serter

English - July 19, 2022 06:30 - 47 minutes - ★★★★★ - 20 ratings
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Previous Episode: How I failed: “I didn’t actually believe in the business, I just wanted to work for myself”, with Founder Amelia Sordell

Next Episode: How I failed: not able to pay suppliers, staff or my mortgage with Founder Matt Jones

Dom Smales is the exited Founder of Gleam Futures, which was one of the first social media talent agencies in the world - and the first in the UK.
When Gleam was founded back in 2010, influencers weren’t even a thing, but Dom saw the potential power bloggers could have. He went on to play a big part in the rise of the first Youtube stars, like Zoe Sugg, better known as Zoella; Tanya Burr; and the Pixiwoo sisters, Sam and Nicola Chapman.
Dom exited in 2020 but it wasn't what he thought it would be.
We talk about:

What it was like being the agent for the UK’s biggest social media stars

His tips on how to manage a successful exit, Dom left the company in 2021

Why selling your company might not be all you hope for

What he really thinks of the influencer industry today

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Dom Smales is the exited Founder of Gleam Futures, which was one of the first social media talent agencies in the world - and the first in the UK.

When Gleam was founded back in 2010, influencers weren’t even a thing, but Dom saw the potential power bloggers could have. He went on to play a big part in the rise of the first Youtube stars, like Zoe Sugg, better known as Zoella; Tanya Burr; and the Pixiwoo sisters, Sam and Nicola Chapman.

Dom exited in 2020 but it wasn't what he thought it would be.

We talk about:

What it was like being the agent for the UK’s biggest social media stars
His tips on how to manage a successful exit, Dom left the company in 2021
Why selling your company might not be all you hope for
What he really thinks of the influencer industry today