What does a business manager actually do?

For successful musicians, actors, sports personalities, entrepreneurs and creative professionals, the answer often extends far beyond accounting and tax compliance.

Emily explains how business managers support clients with everything from financial planning, tax compliance and restructuring to mortgages, insurance, international relocations and business growth. She discusses the realities of working with talent, managing cross border financial affairs, supporting international tours and helping clients navigate an increasingly complex business environment.

The conversation also explores trusted advisor relationships, collaboration, international tax planning, creative industry finance, sports and entertainment businesses, the impact of AI on professional services and why human relationships remain central to delivering great advice.

For entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, entertainers and professional advisors, this episode offers valuable insights into building trust, managing complexity and supporting long term success.

Key Moments:

0:00 — Introducing Emily Au and her role in SRLV’s creative division
00:34 — Moving from Hong Kong to the UK and adapting to a new culture
01:30 — Struggling to find a job and volunteering to gain experience
02:49 — Accidentally entering the entertainment industry
03:54 — Working with famous singers, actors and creative talent
04:22 — Leaving entertainment accounting to experience corporate life
05:07 — Returning to the creative industries and joining SRLV
05:49 — Why collaboration and culture matter
06:57 — What business management actually means
07:51 — Becoming the trusted advisor clients rely on
08:39 — Supporting musicians, actors, athletes and entrepreneurs
09:54 — Why creative careers often evolve into business empires
10:58 — Managing complex businesses across multiple industries
11:43 — How economic changes affect creative professionals
13:30 — Why AI struggles to replace human relationships
14:05 — The value of understanding a client’s full story
15:10 — International clients, touring artists and global tax challenges
15:38 — The phone call that changed everything overnight
16:23 — Managing international tours and cross border tax planning
17:06 — Why mobility creates both opportunity and complexity
18:00 — Supporting clients through major life and business decisions
18:49 — Fly fishing, sport and switching off from work
21:37 — Emily’s advice for aspiring accountants and business managers
22:03 — Why humility, learning and collaboration matter
23:04 — Becoming a trusted advisor

Prefer to watch? Head over to our YouTube channel to watch the full episode.

About the podcast

Not Just a Number is a podcast for entrepreneurs, creatives and industry pioneers who want to grow businesses and protect what matters most to them and to their families.

Each episode’s candid conversation focuses on personal stories, business strategies, leadership, top tips and trends – from scaling up companies and international relocations to creative rights and real-world business growth. Whether they are clients or professional contacts, all our guests are shaping global industries and friends of our business. As with everyone we work with, they are really not “just a number”.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is published for the information of clients and contacts. By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that SRLV LLP makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured and contained within this Podcast. The information, opinions and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance you place on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast provides only an overview of the regulations in force at the date of publication, and no action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Therefore, no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained within this Podcast can be accepted by the authors, hosts, guests or SRLV LLP. The views that are expressed in the podcast are that of individuals and not SRLV LLP’s own. SRLV LLP makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. SRLV LLP expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, reliance on or inability to use, this Podcast or the information presented within.