📞 The Call Log: Julia May, Agent, Global Talent Brand Partnerships
Julia May is one of my favorite people in the Industry. We’ve known each other for 16+ years and it’s been inspiring to see her grow from the mailroom to Agent at WME.
She now works with some of the biggest Music Artists, Actors, Athletes and Influencers on the brand side.
Her story, in her own words, is below:
AvA: Ok before we jump in, break down your role like you're trying to explain it to your parents.
May: In the simplest terms, I broker brand partnership deals for talent - any scenario where talent is paid to publicly endorse a brand. At the strategic level, I’m helping them tell bigger stories by aligning with brands that reinforce their narrative and identity.
AvA: How did you get your foot in the door at WME, and what tips would you have for someone trying to land a role in Entertainment?
May: When I started, it was all about networking - I networked like crazy and built a relationship that led to an interview. Relationships were everything back then and remain important, but they’ve since leveled the playing field. Anyone can apply, but the competition is steep. Your experience matters, but what will set you apart is articulating why you want to work at that specific agency. They’re all different, so do your homework. A thoughtful, well-researched answer will get you further than another bullet point on your resume.
AvA: You've helped to put together some incredibly innovative and forward thinking partnerships for your clients. Can you talk about 2 and why you felt they were the right fit for each other?
May: One example was Victoria Monét’s partnership with Meta Ray-Ban during her iHeart performance. It was a seamless integration - she was able to express her artistry through a product that highlighted its functionality in a way that felt natural and elevated her performance.
Another was Dove Cameron’s recent collaboration with Urban Decay during their brand refresh. The campaign was built to reassert the brand’s legacy rooted in unapologetic self-expression, which seamlessly mirrored Dove’s own journey as an artist. It wasn’t just a transactional deal - it was a true alignment of brand DNA and personal voice.
AvA: Talent are becoming founders and entrepreneurs more than ever before. Launching brands, media companies, even funds. What do you think separates the ones who succeed from the ones who fizzle?
May: Authenticity is everything. For talent to succeed as founders/owners, they have to be invested beyond what’s written in the contract. If building the business feels like pulling teeth, it’s not going to work. The ones that thrive are the ones that are wholeheartedly supported by their partners.
AvA: What are the three most important qualities you see in successful peers?
May: Curiosity, fearlessness, and integrity. Curiosity keeps you evolving, fearlessness pushes you into new spaces, and integrity ensures you’re building something sustainable and real.
AvA: What advice do you have for current assistants looking to stand out and move up the ladder?
May: People often overthink this, but the answer is actually pretty simple: put ego aside and be excellent at the fundamentals of your role in a way that earns trust. The admin work can feel perfunctory, and a lot of people weed themselves out early by getting impatient. Hang in - there’s a reason the system works the way it does. Every agent who came up from the mailroom started by pushing a cart.
Your boss is your first client, and nothing is more valuable to their business than a great assistant. Take care of them, build that trust, and they’ll open doors for you when the time is right.
AvA: First concert?
May: Kenny Chesney - Merriweather Post Pavilion.
AvA: Favorite concert?
May: Billie Eilish, Coachella 2022.
AvA: Show you are binging right now?
May: The Pitt.
AvA: Who was on your Spotify Wrapped? (don't lie)
May: Metro Boomin’.
AvA: Least favorite corporate buzzword?
May: “Soup to nuts” and “low-hanging fruit” - both a huge bummer.
AvA: Whose career do you admire most?
May: Michelle Jubelirer.
AvA: What would you be doing for a career if working in Entertainment wasn't an option?
May: The Wolf - IYKYK.
Want this newsletter in your inbox every week?
This newsletter is written by Warner Bailey and edited by Riley Furey and Dominik Sansevere.
Get in touch! Email us at [email protected].
Want to partner with us and reach 215k+ music and entertainment professionals? Email [email protected]
