Professor Jonathan Shalit, OBE, is Chairman of ROAR Global the largest independent talent management agency in London. He was honoured in the Queen’s 2014 Birthday Honours list for his services to the Entertainment Industry. Jonathan is also an Honorary Professor of the Arts at Henley Business School. ROAR Global represents around 200 individual talents. During the last year its stars have broadcast over 5000 hours of television, sold over 1 million CDs and appeared in the best-selling book charts. Jonathan also provides personal consultation and introductions to private individuals, commercial and public sector organisations.
1) What is your current position?
I am Chairman of ROAR Global – the largest independent talent management agency in the UK representing around 200 clients including Jamelia, Joan Collins, Kelly Brook, Lorraine Kelly, Mel B, Myleene Klass, Pixie Lott, Rebecca Ferguson and Gregg Wallace.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
Being awarded an OBE for Service to the Entertainment Industry this Summer and being made an Honorary Professor of the Arts at Henley Business School. Having my parents with me at the investiture at Buckingham Palace ensured the day was one I will treasure for the rest of my life.
3) What inspires you?
Talented people with conviction and belief
4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
Not knowing anyone in the industry I am in when I started out. Now I know everyone in the great entertainment family which is wonderful professionally and personally.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
In recent years wife Katrina whom I have known for 11 years – we married four years ago. In the past, undoubtedly the late great Larry Adler through whom I worked with Elton John, Sting, Cher, Sir George ‘Beatles’ Martin, Jim Carrey and Robin Williams.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
Working with inspiring and talented people and now being in a position where my success gives me the opportunity to create opportunities for others.
7) And the worst?
Paperwork
8) What are your long term goals?
To see one of my clients win a Grammy, Oscar and Emmy.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I would lessen the debt burden on students in further education. Education is the key to the future and should not come at the cost of delivering our brightest talent into a world of overwhelming debt before they even start on the career ladder.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Nikola Tesla, a Serbian American inventor, best known for his contributions to the design of the modern electricity supply system. He was a visionary who saw and understood the future. If only we could all see into the future, we could avoid wasting so much time chasing down blind alleys!
