Barbara Barna Abel has a reputation for recognizing new and emerging talent and has cast over 100 unscripted/alternative projects since launching her company in 2001 finding Adam Richman, Bert Kreisher, Carson Kressley, Clinton Kelly, Ted Allen, Thom Felicia and many others along the way.

Barbara started in the business during the last century as music director of her college radio station (KSPC, Claremont, CA) and making tea for powerhouse 80s musical acts like Culture Club and Human League as the first college intern for Virgin Records UK. After stints in music management, Barbara gained her comedy chops at APA in Los Angeles working the phones for the legendary and visionary Marty Klein before merging her backgrounds in music and talent at VH1 where she ran the Talent Development department in New York.

As a personal coach and corporate trainer, Barbara believes everyone has a story to tell and is committed to helping people find their authentic voice. Her clients include television networks, pr firms, celebrity chefs, models, business executives and young creatives.

Outside of the office, Barbara is passionate about microfinance and has so far raised funds to start five banks through FINCA’s Village Banking program.

Barbara is also passionate about her family, the beach, grosgrain ribbons, reading cookbooks in bed, 50s fashions, 60s soul music, 80s Britpop, peonies, dry martinis, spy novels and the New York Rangers.