Est. Talks #4: José Woldring-Walker
José Woldring-Walker is the sparkling force behind The Media Nanny (TMN), a global boutique PR agency representing some of the biggest names in entertainment and lifestyle. Beyond her role as a PR maven, she is also the co-founder of The Brand Father, a cutting-edge brand experience agency, and a champion showjumper proudly representing the Netherlands. José’s multifaceted journey includes stints as a model, a VJ, a breakdancer, and – despite her modesty – a sharp and savvy influencer.
With José’s energy and passion hitting as hard as the beats of clients like David Guetta and Reinier Zonneveld, we’re curious to know what drives her. From rediscovering her talent as a showjumper to remixing her career with exciting new ventures, what fuels this glamorous mother of two to continually reinvent herself and never miss a beat? Established, but new.
1. Describe yourself in three words.
Passionate, Caring, Determined.
2. You’re from Loppersum, in the far North, but could you consider yourself ‘Made by Amsterdam’? (as it says on our label).
Absolutely! I moved down to Amsterdam for my studies and pretty much never left. So many milestones in my life have happened here that I can honestly say I’m ‘Made by Amsterdam.’ From the birth of my two children to starting The Media Nanny, and countless other life events – this magic little city of ours has given me so much.
3. Your name is synonymous with The Media Nanny, the PR agency that propelled the careers of lots of artists and personalities, as well as the awareness of events and brands. Can you share the sparkling inspiration behind the idea?
The idea for The Media Nanny came from my deep passion for storytelling and my desire to connect artists with their audiences. Growing up in the Netherlands, surrounded by vibrant music and culture, I saw a chance to bridge the gap between creativity and strategy. The real spark hit while working with incredibly talented artists who just needed the right platform to shine. Oh, and fun fact: I’m also a huge fan of The Nanny and its fabulous main character, Fran Fine! :-)
In the beginning, I loved to find rising talents with extra potential, and focused on crafting narratives that showcased their artistry within a whole new and emerging scene. The Media Nanny was born from that drive, not just to represent artists, but to champion their unique voices and help shape their legacies in the industry.
4. Showjumping requires skills like building trust, handling setbacks, adaptability, and quick thinking. Do you find these lessons to be equally applicable and valuable in the business world?
I believe there are countless lessons to be learned from sports, not just in showjumping. Whether you’re working as part of a team or going solo, these are invaluable lessons to pick up early and carry with you through life. What you learn in sports applies to everything. In both sports and life, you’ll face unexpected highs and lows. It’s all about how you overcome challenges, celebrate victories, and appreciate the amazing people (and horses) around you!
5. What is your proudest mistake?
I think every mistake is a chance to learn something. For better or worse, mistakes happen, and that’s just part of life and business. Or maybe another answer could be some of my clients over the years... but I can’t name names, haha!
6. Your average working day gallops through the equestrian and music worlds, what excites you the most?
What excites me the most is the balance between two worlds that are both driven by passion and energy. In the equestrian world, there’s a certain elegance, discipline, and connection with nature that grounds me. It’s about precision, patience, and trust, which I find incredibly fulfilling.
On the other hand, the music scene is electric, fast-paced, and full of creativity. It’s about capturing moments and shaping stories that resonate on a global scale. The contrast between the two keeps me inspired. My workday often transitions from the calm focus of the stables to the dynamic hustle of launching artists’ careers and campaigns. That blend of serenity and adrenaline fuels my creativity and makes every day unique.
Some people go their whole lives searching for their passion. I feel incredibly blessed to have found two that I get to work with every day!
7. What drives you, and what ultimately brings you the most satisfaction?
What drives me is the passion for making an impact – whether it’s helping an artist’s career take off or crafting stories that really resonate with people. I’ve always been motivated by the power of communication and the ability to amplify someone’s vision, turning it into something tangible and lasting.
Ultimately, the most satisfying part is seeing the results of all that hard work, both mine and my team’s: an artist achieving their dreams, a campaign making a real impact, or a team thriving and coming together to achieve their goals. Watching people grow – whether it’s the talent I represent or my own team at The Media Nanny – is incredibly fulfilling. It’s knowing that I’ve contributed to something bigger than myself that truly keeps me inspired.
8. Which established person do you admire the most, and why?
There isn’t just one person I admire the most. I’m inspired by so many people in my life; my family, friends, and the incredible team I work with every day. It’s not just about individuals, either; my admiration extends to my horses, who teach me about grace, resilience, and the beauty of connection. Together, these influences shape my perspective and fuel my drive to keep learning and growing.
9. What is something that deserves more celebration?
The courage to follow your own path. This. Needs. Celebrating. Some people see deviating from what you were “supposed” to do, or even what your parents wanted you to do, as a bad thing. But I believe having the courage to know what you truly want and following your heart to achieve it deserves far more celebration and reward than we often give it.
10. What’s next?
At The Media Nanny, we’re always looking ahead, constantly innovating and expanding our global presence. One of the most exciting developments is our recently announced strategic partnership with Circulate, which strengthens our ability to support artists and brands in new and creative ways. Joining forces with Dave and Marcus is a big step forward in delivering cutting-edge campaigns that truly connect with audiences.
Additionally, we’re thrilled about the recent announcement of our new office in the Middle East. This region is brimming with untapped potential, rich cultural diversity, and a growing demand for world-class entertainment. By establishing a base there, we aim to bridge global talent with local markets while nurturing opportunities for collaboration within the region.
