In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Theron Thomas opens up about the part of the music industry that rarely makes headlines: the grind, the pressure, and the personal history that shapes real artists and leaders.

Theron talks about growing up in poverty, navigating adversity, and how the responsibility of providing for family became the foundation of his success in the world of songwriting, artist development, and the music business. He shares how staying grounded, staying coachable, and staying focused kept him from slipping into the negativity that comes with both online criticism and industry politics.

This conversation touches on everything from the emotional weight of family, to surviving the early stages of a music career, to understanding authenticity, identity, and leadership in creative spaces. Theron also reflects on how life in Atlanta vs. Los Angeles shaped his growth, not just as a hit songwriter, but as a human being.

At its core, this episode is about resilience, responsibility, and the mindset required to build a long-term career in a business that is anything but predictable. It’s a reminder, especially for artists, managers, producers and creatives, that:

Winners don’t hate.
They stay accountable.
They keep building.

If you work in music or are building a creative career from the ground up, this is one you’ll feel in your chest.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ep3gakdSoW33fD99LShrd?si=OUWDoPF-R0-bFJ3jE1dYkQ

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook