Industry Professional Interview of Deborah Mannis-Gardner

This is an interview of Deborah Mannis-Gardner my boss and owner of many different companies all within the music industry.

What was the degree you obtained in college?
Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications and Television Production with a minor in French, Theater and Creative Writing.

What is the business you run and how are you putting your degree to use now as a business owner?
I have several businesses: a Music Clearance Company, a Music Publishing Company, a Music Library and launching a Multi-Facet Company for labels that are downsizing offering royalty and accounting, Business & Legal Affairs, A&R Administration and Licensing.

Perhaps I am using my degree in mass communications.

How do you feel that the industry has changed?
The music industry since I have been part of it (over 20 years) keeps evolving but it feels circular when discussing growth. The big companies eat the smaller ones until they burst at the seams and then break apart and down size into small companies again. Then it starts all over again. With regards to technology the advancement - again I can play both sides of the fence. The internet has helped artists to promote themselves but bitten them in the butts GIVING AWAY their music which could have earned them revenue. The labels went after NAPSTER for free music instead of working out a deal with them to allow them to perhaps give away free music of their new artists and pay for established. Isn't it ironic now that majors give away free music with iTunes for at least one week from big artists to little artists?

Do you feel as though college and then moving right into the workforce helped build effective leadership for you?
Yes I do. I started from the bottom learning the ropes of how a company runs. Being an office manager throughout the ranks, especially how to treat people within the confinements of a small business.

Last question, where do you see yourself in the industry in 5-10 years?
I believe I will still be running all of my companies in 5 years. Perhaps in 10 they will be running more on their own with me managing them more than doing all of the clearances. (wishful thinking form a workaholic?)