About
30 Years at the
Heart of the Industry
Monica Coates™ is a music industry leader with 30 years of proven experience in A&R, radio promotion, publicity, artist management, and publishing.
Over the course of her diverse career, she has worked at the top record labels and with a variety of artists, including Kirk Franklin, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and CeCe Winans.
A celebrated public speaker on leadership and entertainment industry topics, Monica focuses on personal development, value-rich workplace culture, and building authenticity in an AI world.
The Story
A Career Built From the Inside
Monica's journey spans every corner of the music industry. From A&R and radio promotion to publicity, artist management, and publishing, she has built a career defined by versatility, relationships, and results.
Most recently, she served as Co-Executive Director and Vice President, A&R/Creative for Motown Gospel, shepherding the creative direction for the label's award-winning artists, while simultaneously overseeing a roster of songwriters at Capitol Christian Music Publishing.
That depth of experience — across labels, artists, and disciplines — is what makes Monica's speaking and consulting work so distinctive. She doesn't just talk about the industry. She helped shape it.
"In the age of AI, authenticity is the most effective tool we have to protect our art and to safeguard the enterprises we are building to support that art."
Credentials
Background & Recognition
Co-Executive Director & VP, A&R/Creative — Motown Gospel
Author, The Beginner's Guide To The Gospel Music Industry
Creator, The Insider's Guide to the Music Industry (digital curriculum)
A&R, Radio Promotion, Publicity, Artist Management & Publishing
Worked with award-winning artists, including Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and CeCe Winans
VP, A&R/Creative — Capitol Christian Music Publishing
Published Works
Author & Curriculum Creator
The Beginner's Guide To The Gospel Music Industry and The Insider's Guide to the Music Industry — a digital curriculum for music industry creatives and professionals.
Philosophy
What I Believe
Every engagement is shaped by four convictions that have held up across 30 years and hundreds of organizations.
Industry Insider
With 30 years working inside the music industry — not observing it from the outside — Monica brings hard-won, practical wisdom that resonates with both creatives and executives.
Authenticity in an AI World
In an era of automation and artificial intelligence, Monica helps organizations and individuals rediscover the irreplaceable power of genuine human connection and authentic leadership.
Value-Rich Culture
Great workplaces are built on shared values, not just shared goals. Monica's work helps leaders build cultures where people thrive — and where that culture becomes a competitive advantage.
Personal Development
From a studio assistant to the executive suite, Monica's journey is proof that intentional growth changes everything. She equips audiences with the mindset and tools to invest in themselves.
Work Together
Ready to Move Your Team Forward?
Whether you need a keynote that shifts thinking or a consulting engagement that drives results, let's talk about what's possible.