Becky Gardenhire
Lindsey Grace Whiddon
Being a part of someone's journey is one of Becky Gardenhire's favorite things about her job as a partner at William Morris Endeavor.
“The moments that stand out most to me have to be the client milestones that I have been able to be a part of. I love feeling like I am a part of something bigger, and my job allows me to literally help shape artists’ careers,” she says.
“I’ve stood by as young artists signed their first publishing and record deals and also as they’ve headed off in a van on their first club tour. I’ve also stood on the side of the stage as several of those same clients played to sold-out arenas. These little behind the scenes moments in which I feel like I have played even a small part in helping an artist achieve his or her dreams are the sweetest to me.”
It's those moments that made her move to Nashville in 2003 worth it.
"I decided to move from WME's LA office to Nashville to pursue my love of country music. It was a huge risk at the time, but I can honestly say that I have never looked back," Gardenhire says.
When she began her career as an agent, she noticed the lack of female entertainment executives that she could look to for guidance.
"I quickly found that there were even fewer female executives who I had access to, so I made it my mission to build as many relationships as possible, and always had the hope that I could change that one day," she says.
Understanding the need to have a strong network of mentors and peers as a vital ingredient to success, Gardenhire started "Talk the Talk," a monthly lecture series that connects the women in WME's Nashville office with other successful women in the music industry.
"It is imperative for women to support other women at all stages of their careers – whether they are just starting or running the company.”