Random Run In! Ok, What do Marlo Thomas, Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, Sherry Lansing, Marie Osmond, and Jane Fonda (and many more) all have in common? Grada Fischer! Grada’s Fischer Ross Group handles top-level speakers, dignitaries and celebrities, and provides program-consultation to corporations, universities and a wide variety of other organizations. The Fisher Ross Group is a “booking agency,” and in the traditional role of an agent, acts as middleman between the speaker or celebrity and the sponsoring organization. They handle any or all aspects of scheduling, negotiations of fees, creation and execution of contracts, “tech-riders,” et al., travel and expense considerations, reimbursements and tax-reporting.
The Fischer Ross Group started over 40 years ago in New York City, as “Ross Associates,” a dozen-head, full service, lecture-management agency. It was the only such nationwide agency owned and operated by a woman. In 1990, Grada Fischer– an account executive in the company– purchased and renamed the business, “The Fischer Ross Group , Inc.”
In 2005 the agency relocated to Greenwich, CT as a “boutique agency,” specializing in representing the many celebrities who had been her exclusive representation from the start.
Fun Fact: I ran into Grada and her gal pal who were having lunch at the table across from the one I was lunching at with my business gal pal. We got to talking (about the food Ha) and I realized we knew each other from back when. Grada was a female entrepreneur pioneer and I was an early fan of hers back in my early radio days. We realized we crossed paths again later on in life during the days we were both working with Avon Products in various capacities. Knew when I ran into her AGAIN she had to join me for a whole show. She’s so dynamic and interesting and yet – after all the years of her representing some of the biggest names on the speaking circuit…has never actually given a speech herself. LOL Tune in Friday 10-11am eastern.
