Katie McCartney has a big job. As SVP of Marketing & Operations for ubermanager Jason Owen and turbo-songwriter Shane MacAnally’s Monument Records, she not only launched the Sony reboot, she’s handling the day-to-day strategies, development and operations of the company. With the successful launch of singer/songwriter Caitlyn Smith and breaking country star Walker Hayes, the Gorham, Kan., native is readying Teddy Robb, Brandon Ratcliff and Anna Moon for their shots, as well as overseeing the podcast Shady Ladies of Music City. “With all the additional outlets and discovery tools, it can be difficult to perfectly time out releases to be firing on all cylinders at once,” she admits. Pictured is Michael Baum from SMACKManagement, Owen from Monument, Hayes, McCartney and McAnally from Monument and Robert Carlton from SMACKManagement

How has breaking artists changed?
We really focus on true artist development. In order to break an artist, you have to build step by step, so if you stumble, you never fall back to the bottom. The direct connection that artists are able to have with their fanbases immediately following artist discovery is the biggest opportunity we have. That direct line allows us to super-serve fans, building a strong foundation for a career-lasting base.

Best lesson learned?
Surround myself with people who are smarter than me in different areas, and who are willing to challenge me. Taking in different perspectives provides a much wider view.

Pictured is Michael Baum from SMACKManagement, Owen from Monument, Hayes, McCartney and McAnally from Monument and Robert Carlton from SMACKManagement