Casting the Perfect Fit: Inside Steve Ruskin’s Career at Eagles Talent
Steve Ruskin, Sales Team Member at Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau.
At Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau, finding the right speaker is a lot like casting the right role. Today we’re introducing Steve Ruskin, Â a Talent Consultant whose background in the film industry gives him a unique eye for matching personality, story, and delivery to a room.
We sat down with Steve to talk about what he learned from casting productions, the moment a mid-show mishap turned into a career highlight, and why “know your audience” is the one phrase that guides every recommendation he makes.
What’s your role at Eagles Talent, and what does a typical week look like for you?
“I help clients pick the right speaker for their meeting. Everything from content to style of delivery. We want to match the right personality and the right story to your attendees.”
What first drew you to the speaker/event industry?
“I came from the film industry. I always enjoyed putting deals together. Casting not only the actors but the crew for a production is very much like putting all the best components together for a meeting.”
What’s one thing corporate event planners often get wrong when booking a keynote speaker, and how do you help them avoid it?
“Managing expectations. Being clear about what you want out of the speaker or entertainer. A name may look impressive on paper, but when they are there in person, working the crowd from the stage and mingling with everyone, you want that to be satisfying and memorable.”
When a client comes to you without a clear idea of what kind of speaker they need, how do you help them figure it out?
“Do you need the speaker to help draw attendance, sell tickets? Do you want them to impart a particular point of view? Do you want them to ignite the crowd, fire them up? Do you want to reward everyone for doing so well? Be clear about what you want your speaker to accomplish. Have a good understanding of what budget you are working with.”
What’s a moment from a past event that reminded you why you love this work?
“I booked a well-known band for a big event. During soundcheck, they wanted to check an extra microphone. The tech crew balked. I asserted myself and insisted on it. The celebrity emcee noticed that. During the big show that night, a microphone shorted out. Backstage, I calmly handed the extra mic to the celebrity emcee, who danced onstage with it, handed it off, and as he passed me, gave me a high five.”
If you could give one piece of advice to someone planning their first big corporate event, what would it be?
“Picture yourself in the audience. Think of why you attended, what the experience has been like for your attendees. Then think about what feeling, what information they will take away with them. How would you like them to feel as they stand up and leave the room? What experience are they taking home with them from your convention?”
How do you match a speaker’s style to a company’s culture or the tone of an event?
“You want to be clear on the goal of the speech. That phrase, know your audience, is the real key. Is this a group of seasoned road salespeople who are all outgoing and boisterous? Are they technical folks who appreciate detail? Are they planners, strategizers? How do you want the speaker to connect? Humor? Personal story? Famous achievement?”
What’s a request you’ve gotten that seemed impossible at first but you found a way to make it work?
“I worked with a southern supermarket chain that wanted to use a famous singer’s song in a commercial. We thought the request was too far-fetched, almost ridiculous. But it turned out that he loved the chain and was delighted they wanted to use one of his songs.”
What’s your go-to solution when something goes wrong day-of?
“Take a moment to analyze and be clear about what you want to solve. Tell the client and speaker it will be okay, then fix it quickly and quietly. Understand if you need help, and if you do, get it. And tell the client and speaker what you are doing.”
Outside of work, what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
“I teach martial arts — Wing Chun Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and stick fighting.”
“Know your audience” isn’t just advice Steve gives to clients — it’s the philosophy behind every recommendation he makes, whether he’s casting a film crew or casting the right voice for a stage.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our keynote speakers for corporate events, leadership and management speakers, sales speakers, motivational speakers, AI Speakers, and diversity, equity, and inclusion speakers. Planning something more specialized? We can also help with executive retreats, leadership summits, annual sales meetings, customer conferences, association events, and company kickoffs.
You can also browse our event planning resources, client success stories, and speaker videos to help you find the perfect fit for your audience.
Ready to start planning your next event? Contact Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau today!
Email us at info@eaglestalent.com or call us at 1-973-313-9800.
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Email us at or call us at 1-973-313-9800.
