I am a multidisciplinary strategist with a background in music, business consulting, and stakeholder-facing roles across the creative and financial sectors. I excel at guiding cross-functional teams, translating technical insights into clear solutions, and developing music-led initiatives that connect creators with audiences. In my work with venues, artists, and sponsors, I design live-event strategies, build partnerships, and analyze audience engagement to drive growth. My experience spans Open Minds Edinburgh, RCK Partners, RAF University Air Squadron, and Edinburgh Business School, where I focused on leadership, collaboration, and delivering value through creative and strategic projects.

Gus Stephens

I am a multidisciplinary strategist with a background in music, business consulting, and stakeholder-facing roles across the creative and financial sectors. I excel at guiding cross-functional teams, translating technical insights into clear solutions, and developing music-led initiatives that connect creators with audiences. In my work with venues, artists, and sponsors, I design live-event strategies, build partnerships, and analyze audience engagement to drive growth. My experience spans Open Minds Edinburgh, RCK Partners, RAF University Air Squadron, and Edinburgh Business School, where I focused on leadership, collaboration, and delivering value through creative and strategic projects.

Available to hire

I am a multidisciplinary strategist with a background in music, business consulting, and stakeholder-facing roles across the creative and financial sectors. I excel at guiding cross-functional teams, translating technical insights into clear solutions, and developing music-led initiatives that connect creators with audiences.

In my work with venues, artists, and sponsors, I design live-event strategies, build partnerships, and analyze audience engagement to drive growth. My experience spans Open Minds Edinburgh, RCK Partners, RAF University Air Squadron, and Edinburgh Business School, where I focused on leadership, collaboration, and delivering value through creative and strategic projects.

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Language

English
Fluent
French
Intermediate

Work Experience

Commercial Executive at RCK Partners
December 1, 2024 - October 1, 2025
Managed high-level client relationships and developed new business strategy for a financial consultancy specialising in innovation tax relief. Collaborated across teams to deliver complex financial proposals, including a record-setting £3.5 million capital allowance agreement for a commercial property client. Worked directly with senior stakeholders to design tailored solutions. Developed internal frameworks to streamline communication between technical analysts, finance, and client-facing teams.
RAF Reserve – University Air Squadron at Royal Air Force (RAF)
September 1, 2022 - October 1, 2025
Participated in an elite training programme focused on leadership, communication, and decision-making under pressure. Applied structured operational planning skills, relevant to managing cross-functional projects and running high-stakes meetings.
Director of Music at Open Minds Edinburgh
April 1, 2022 - October 1, 2025
Founded and led a music programme supporting artist development and mental health awareness. Designed and implemented live event strategies that served both audiences and emerging musicians, aligning closely with discovery, engagement, and audience growth objectives. Managed stakeholder relationships with venues, performers, sponsors, and technical teams, providing leadership across marketing, content, and production. Delivered insight on audience engagement strategies based on event feedback and performance analytics.
Project Supervisor at Project Remake & St Paul's Girls School
April 1, 2022 - October 1, 2025
Co-led educational and social outreach projects, including creative workshops and a music-focused fundraiser, requiring multi-stakeholder planning. Designed communication strategies that helped translate organisational goals to diverse audiences. Mentored individuals from non-traditional backgrounds, developing inclusive project facilitation practices.
Consultant at Edinburgh Business School
April 1, 2022 - October 1, 2025
Led strategic development projects for clients in the arts and heritage sectors, including international market expansion and HR infrastructure. Advised leadership teams on stakeholder alignment, internal processes, and user growth. Applied user-centered thinking in the analysis and design of systems that connect cultural institutions with target audiences.
Intern at Loveday and Partners
January 1, 2022 - Present
Supported wealth management advisors through high-touch client interaction and financial product explanation. Observed the design and presentation of service offerings to high-net-worth individuals, including creators and artists. Strengthened client communication skills relevant to artist support and industry adoption of new tools.
Analyst at Edinburgh Trading and Investment Club
September 1, 2022 - October 1, 2025
Researched consumer and media market trends to inform strategic investment decisions. Participated in sessions with firms such as JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs to evaluate innovation in digital media and entertainment.
Musician & Composer at G2 Music
January 1, 2016 - Present
Founded and performed in original music projects; supported chart-topping act Scouting for Girls on tour; produced music for independent film, gaining experience in content delivery pipelines.
Rotational Intern at St James’ Place Wealth Management
December 31, 2021 - October 1, 2025
Gained insight into cross-functional financial operations through department rotations; performed tasks to broaden understanding of financial services and client service.
Commercial Executive at RCK Partners
December 1, 2024 - October 1, 2025
Managed high-level client relationships and developed new business strategy for a financial consultancy specialising in innovation tax relief. Collaborated across teams to deliver complex financial proposals, including a record-setting £3.5 million capital allowance agreement for a commercial property client. Worked directly with senior stakeholders to design tailored solutions. Developed internal frameworks to streamline communication between technical analysts, finance, and client-facing teams.
Participant at Royal Air Force (RAF) University Air Squadron
September 1, 2022 - October 1, 2025
Participated in an elite training programme focused on leadership, communication, and decision-making under pressure. Applied structured operational planning skills, relevant to managing cross-functional projects and running high-stakes meetings. Developed adaptability and focus while operating in demanding environments.
Director of Music at Open Minds Edinburgh
April 1, 2022 - October 1, 2025
Founded and led a music programme supporting artist development and mental health awareness. Designed and implemented live event strategies that served both audiences and emerging musicians, aligning closely with discovery, engagement, and audience growth objectives. Managed stakeholder relationships with venues, performers, sponsors, and technical teams, providing leadership across marketing, content, and production.
Project Supervisor at Project Remake & St Paul's Girls School
April 1, 2022 - October 1, 2025
Co-led educational and social outreach projects, including creative workshops and a music-focused fundraiser, requiring multi-stakeholder planning. Designed communication strategies that helped translate organisational goals to diverse audiences. Mentored individuals from non-traditional backgrounds, developing inclusive project facilitation practices.
Consultant at Edinburgh Business School
April 1, 2022 - October 1, 2025
Led strategic development projects for clients in the arts and heritage sectors, including international market expansion and HR infrastructure. Advised leadership teams on stakeholder alignment, internal processes, and user growth. Applied user-centered thinking in the analysis and design of systems that connect cultural institutions with target audiences.
Intern at Loveday and Partners
January 1, 2022 - Present
Supported wealth management advisors through high-touch client interaction and financial product explanation. Observed the design and presentation of service offerings to high-net-worth individuals, including creators and artists. Strengthened client communication skills relevant to artist support and industry adoption of new tools.
Analyst at Edinburgh Trading and Investment Club
September 1, 2022 - October 1, 2025
Researched consumer and media market trends to inform strategic investment decisions. Participated in sessions with firms such as JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs to evaluate innovation in digital media and entertainment.

Education

MA (Hons) Business Management (2:1) at University of Edinburgh
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2022
Edinburgh Award for Effective and Responsible Leadership at University of Edinburgh
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2025
A-Levels/Pre-U: Philosophy & Ethics (A*), English Literature (B), Business (B) at Uppingham School
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2018
GCSEs (10 subjects including English, Maths, Sciences; grades 5 A*s, 4 As, 1 B) at Uppingham School
January 11, 2030 - October 1, 2025
MA (Hons) Business Management – 2:1 at University of Edinburgh
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2022
A-Levels/Pre-U at Uppingham School
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2018

Qualifications

RYA Day Skipper + VHF License
January 1, 2021 - October 1, 2025
Drone Operator’s Certificate
January 1, 2023 - October 1, 2025
First Aid in the Workplace
January 1, 2022 - October 1, 2025
Clean Driving License
January 1, 2017 - October 1, 2025
RYA Day Skipper + VHF License
January 1, 2021 - October 1, 2025
Drone Operator’s Certificate
January 1, 2023 - October 1, 2025
First Aid in the Workplace
January 1, 2022 - October 1, 2025
Clean Driving License
January 1, 2017 - October 1, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Financial Services, Education, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization