Meet the MusicWorks Panelist: Nathalie Kleinschmit

Strategic planning is a key element to building any successful career in music. Setting goals and preparation is as necessary for people working in music as it is for any other entrepreneur. In this interactive workshop session, selected participants will have the opportunity to be mentored by Nathalie Kleinschmit, a strategic planning expert, who will lead them in setting and mapping out goals for their career in music. Participants will walk away from this session with realistic timelines for creation, business development, and important milestones relevant to their own project.

Nathalie Kleinschmit, founder and manager at Prairie Mix, brings to the table 25 years of business consulting and training for multinationals. After receiving her MBA in Change & Innovation with a focus on strategic planning in the arts industry, she decided to trade in her business suit for a pair of jeans and work with artists full time. She was the acting executive director of Le 100 NONS, Manitoba’s Francophone music organization, from Oct 2015 to March 2017. She founded Prairie Mix as a vehicle for developing and showcasing Western Canadian talent. She manages William Prince, Justin Lacroix, and Del Barber.

Get to know her better with our little Q+A...

Q: If you could spend a day with anyone in music, who would it be, and what would you do?

A: I would love to spend a day with Sting, an Englishman in New York... I'd want to hear his stories of how songs like Russians came to be, learn more about how he reinvented his career and grew with the times. Ask him about his own personal growth as a world citizen with strong roots in multiple homes. I think I'd have to have more than a day... maybe take a week's holiday with him?!

Q: What is your favourite material object that you own and why is it special?

A: When my cottage burned down two years ago, my favorite objects (book collection, childhood dolls and teddy bear, artwork) went up in flames. I was surprised at how little that loss mattered (I was just so grateful no one died).

Q: If you were a city, town, or village, which one would you be and why?

A: I would be Buenos Aires. I've often described it as New York and Paris morphed in one, with creative energy and old world elegance. I embrace my paradoxes even if sometimes, others find them disorienting...  

Q: What is the best part about your job?

A: I love being an advocate for artists, being able to help feed a positive working environment where they can thrive and share their music!

Q: What is the most challenging?

A: Not being a "mama-ger" which my 96-year-old grandma calls me when I get too involved. Making sure I carve out time for myself and my loved ones.

Don't miss your chance to connect with Nathalie on March 17 at our MusicWorks session, DIY Series: Strategic Planning & Goal Setting. To apply for a limited spot, fill out the online form before 9:00am on Monday, March 12.