072: Ian Schafer On Building Ensemble with Issa Rae and the Impact of AI for Creators

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am welcoming back serial entrepreneur Ian Schafer, repeat guest and friend of the podcast, for another round of “Gen Xceptional” wisdom and inspiration.

Ian is the President and Co-Founder of Ensemble, a next-generation branded entertainment studio that he co-founded with acclaimed producer, writer, actress, and entrepreneur Issa Rae.

Ensemble collaborates with brands, platforms, and publishers to produce and distribute epic content and activations that shape culture, engage audiences, and move product.

Ian, Issa, and the team at Ensemble is on a mission to make the creator economy more equitable for creators from underrepresented communities.

In this episode, Ian and I unpack:

• Ian’s experiences and journey as a founder, particularly during the disruptive landscape of the 2020 pandemic
• The story of how Ian began his business relationship with Issa Rae and her team at HOORAE Media to launch Ensemble
• Why Ensemble’s mission is focused on creators from underrepresented communities
• The overall state of the creator economy, especially in the age of AI
• Why mid-career professionals (i.e, Gen X) can thrive and create value in the creator economy based on their seasoned experience and expertise, coupled with deep knowledge and unique insights.
• And more!

Ian’s Personal Theme Song

• “Electric Relaxation” by A Tribe Called Quest

About Ian Schafer

Ian is an award-winning global brand, marketing, advertising, and sports & entertainment entrepreneur and executive.

He is and currently the Co-Founder of Ensemble, a next-generation branded entertainment studio that he co-founded with acclaimed producer, writer, actress, and entrepreneur Issa Rae.

Ensemble collaborates with brands, platforms, and publishers to produce and distribute epic content and activations that shape culture, engage audiences, and move product.

Ian is also a strategic advisor to ROCK THE BELLS, the preeminent voice for classic and timeless hip-hop founded in 2018 by LL Cool J.

Also, Ian is the co-founder of ON_Discourse, owner of Queensboro FC, and an advisor to Accelerator.

Previously, Ian Co-Founder & CEO of Kindred, a membership organization that’s on a mission to build a more equitable society by advancing the actions of today’s leaders.

Prior to launching kindred, Ian was the founder, CEO, and Global Chairman of Deep Focus, a transformative advertising agency that eventually he sold to Engine Group in 2015.

Before he began his entrepreneurial journey with Deep Focus, Ian worked at Miramax Films as the VP of New Media, where he learned many lessons on the power of content and innovation.

Previously, Ian started his career as a Sr. Account Executive at i-Traffic, which was one of the first digital agencies in the world.

In 2015, he was inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Achievement, named one of “100 People Who Make Advertising Great” by the 4A’s in 2017, and was also named named a “Media Maven” by Advertising Age.

 

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