We are excited to introduce Nick Slegel, our newest team member in the Gaming and Entertainment division at Dulcedo. With a diverse background and extensive experience, Nick brings a unique skill set and a passion for supporting talent in the gaming and content creation industries. Read more about Nick and how he became a part of Dulcedo below.
Tell us about your background and experience that translated into where you are today at Dulcedo.
Each of my previous positions has provided me with a wealth of valuable experience, contributing to a diverse skill set that I find immensely applicable in my current role. Throughout my tenure at Apple, as a Loan Officer, and in various retail positions, I honed essential abilities in communication, marketing, and negotiation, which continue to serve me well today. With over 20 years of professional development, these skills have become deeply ingrained in my daily practice.
In recent years, I have had the privilege of working in key roles such as Talent & Marketing Manager at G FUEL Energy, Head of Talent for Luminosity Gaming, and Growth Manager for Ader Agency. These distinct opportunities have provided me with invaluable insights into every aspect and facet of the gaming and influencer industries, while also affording me the chance to connect with and learn from exceptional individuals. As a Talent Agent, I bring a unique perspective to the table, having experienced firsthand the perspectives of brands, organizations, and talent.
How did you find out about Dulcedo?
Some of the talents I signed to Luminosity Gaming were represented by Dulcedo, and I struck up a great relationship with the talents as well as their agents.
What sparked your interest in becoming a gaming/content creator agent? Could you share any specific experiences or influences that led you to pursue this career path?
I've always had an intense passion for gaming and content creation. For years, I tried everything to break into the industry, from internships to organizing tournaments. Then, out of the blue, the opportunity to join G FUEL came knocking, and it felt like a dream come true. I got to split my time between marketing partnerships with major IPs and collaborating with influencers. It didn't take long to realize my genuine enjoyment stemmed from working closely with individuals.
There's this one moment that sticks with me. I was negotiating with a client and their agent, and we all knew my offer was way too low. The thing is, as the brand rep, I was stuck with limited options. It left me feeling pretty bad about creators being taken advantage of. At TwitchCon, I had the opportunity to meet Agent and Manager acquaintances and really pick their brains, plus see them interact with their talents; which solidified my resolve to "switch sides" and advocate for creators, supporting their career growth.
In your opinion, what are the key qualities or skills required to excel as an agent?
Communication, networking, industry knowledge, negotiation skills, business acumen, client management, honesty, adaptability, and resiliency.
What are the biggest differences between working on the brand/client side as opposed to the agency side?
Definitely the human factor. Brands (most of the time) just see a budget and a target, and (generally) are against trying new things. On the client side, it’s all about understanding their content, their passion, their drive, and goals; and how to best achieve those. Sometimes it’s hard to get a brand to see eye-to-eye, but the best collaborations usually happen when the brand’s willing to listen and be more open.
What do you hope to gain from your role here and what do you hope to contribute to Dulcedo?
I’m eager to gain valuable insights from highly-experienced professionals spanning various industries. I anticipate learning new skill sets, enhancing my workflow, and acquiring tips and tricks that have propelled them to their current level of success. Regarding my own contributions, I aim to assemble a stellar team of talented individuals and leverage my extensive network and experience wherever I can provide assistance.
Where do you see the Gaming division at Dulcedo five years from now?
As a household name in the industry. Dulcedo possesses the internal infrastructure necessary for the success of any division through hard work. With a solid 15-year track record as a company, it's easy to believe in the continuous growth and triumph of this division. Especially now, when the industry is going through major changes and we're seeing smaller agencies and boutiques struggling to survive.
Collaboration is often crucial in the gaming industry. How do you foster strong relationships with game developers, brands/sponsors, and other industry professionals to benefit your clients?
Overall, by prioritizing effective communication, networking, trust-building with credible information, providing value, and collaboration; I can foster strong relationships to benefit my clients. Building genuine connections and relationships is the key to long-term success.
The gaming landscape is ever-evolving. How do you help talents adapt to changes in the industry and maximize their opportunities?
By combining knowledge of the industry and upcoming trends, strategic guidance, plus a personalized approach, I provide my clients with the information and tools to build successful and sustainable careers in the industry.
Lastly, what advice would you give to someone looking to change their career path after establishing themselves in a specific industry?
Transitioning to a new industry can be challenging, but it's definitely possible. Every industry has its own set of skills and knowledge that can be transferred elsewhere. The key is to find an industry you know and love, and where you can build a network. When applying, it's important to clearly communicate your goals and explain how your past experience makes you a valuable candidate. You need to convince the company why it's worth taking a chance on you and investing in your training. Show them the long-term value you bring to the table.
