Ask a Former Assistant: Lindsay Samakow (Paradigm)

Lindsay Samakow

Head of Speakers Department, Paradigm

Interviewed by: Emily Reece, Assistant at Paradigm Talent Agency

From musical theatre student to pioneering agent at one of the industry's top agencies, Lindsay Samakow's unconventional journey is a testament to the power of bold moves and fearless ambition. Discover how she broke into the unique role of a Speakers agent, what being a Speakers agent really means, and how clients and buyers differ in this particular area of the industry.

If you’re a budding agent trying to make your mark, you’re gonna want to read this one.

Let’s talk about your background. How did you break into the industry?

I learned how to be an agent in a pretty unconventional way. I studied Musical Theater at Penn State, and right after college, I started working at a small speakers bureau in Washington, D.C., called Keppler Speakers, where all I did was book keynote speeches for colleges and universities. By age 21, I was the youngest Vice President of the College and University Department at Keppler Speakers. Then I moved to California to start the Speakers department at ICM (which later merged with CAA), and now I’m at Paradigm, where they hired me to start and run the Speakers department. It has been awesome so far!

Can you tell us about what a Speakers agent does?

I handle engagements for clients at Paradigm and also for clients who are not necessarily represented by my agency. This could be anything from a college and university speaking engagement to a corporate sales retreat and anything in between. It’s not necessarily someone standing at a podium delivering a speech for 45 minutes. Nowadays, it’s usually a moderated conversation or an interview on stage. This way, buyers can moderate the conversation and sculpt the questions to be what the audience would want to hear.

What types of clients do you gravitate towards?

There are several factors that go into the types of clients I represent. They have to be someone with a good story, someone who has overcome an obstacle or taken an unconventional route to get to where they are.

How do you balance the needs and goals of both the speakers you represent and the clients seeking speakers?

That’s a good question! I make sure to listen to both parties and ask as many questions as I can to ensure that everyone involved is on the same page and understands the exact nature of the deal. I have to make sure the buyer knows upfront that there isn’t going to be, you know, a cocktail party or a frat party that my client is attending. I've been asked multiple times for clients to go to buyers' houses. There is no stone I leave unturned in terms of explaining everything that is expected of both parties and setting clear expectations. Sometimes people try to take advantage of situations and gray areas—especially when I’m not there.

What advice would you give to assistants in the industry?

Always ask for what you want because no one will hand it to you. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call someone. People are really responsive to phone calls, especially because it doesn’t happen frequently nowadays. Regardless of what you do, be bold, courageous, respectful, and honest. All the time.