How a six-month favour turned into 13 years of stability, strategy, and surprise at the heart of our finance team.
We sit down with Judith Hoch, Co-CEO of Battle Royal Studios, to revisit one of the company’s “golden stories.” Back in 2012, while laying the foundations of a boutique creative agency, Judith asked veteran accountant Liane for a referral, never imagining she’d volunteer herself. Liane offered six months to help build BRS’s accounting systems; thirteen years later, she’s still here.
By Judith Hoch
What has kept Liane on board long after the “six-month” brief expired?
Honestly, we should probably ask her directly. But from our many chats over the years, three things stand out. First, variety: every BRS project is brand-new terrain. One week, we’re decoding Spanish withholding-tax rules, and the next, we’re tackling Swiss invoicing rules. That constant puzzle-solving keeps her curious. Second, creative energy: Even though she’s a numbers person, she loves being surrounded by highly creative work. And third, the team, she sits at the heart of a crew that spans ages 22 to 73 and half a dozen nationalities. That mix lights her up.
The ever-changing challenges, creative environment, and vibrant team keep her constantly engaged.
How has Liane’s multi-industry background shaped BRS’s finance culture?
In two words: depth and calm. She’s done fashion, travel, theatre, no compliance riddle scares her. In the early days, that breadth was priceless; it still is today. Whenever a “mission-critical” topic threatens to derail a deadline, Liane’s love of numbers settles the room. Her ability to view a problem through several industry lenses is now baked into our culture: we invite and challenge critical viewpoints from our teams. There’s always a solution to a problem, and there’s a way forward to create and produce a new concept. That diversity of thought keeps us flexible in each department and project.
Her depth of experience brings calm and clarity, embedding critical thinking into our company’s DNA
What does Liane’s 13th anniversary say about BRS?
Liane jokes, “Why leave if the ride’s still fun?” It tells me two things: she still finds purpose here, and we’ve managed to keep the process as enjoyable as the outcome. That’s the best compliment founders can receive.
It shows that purpose and joy can coexist when the ride stays meaningful.
While BRS’ accounting team is growing, what strengths does new team member Johanna Withelm bring to the finance team?
Johanna brings a rare mix of production insight and funding know-how, shaped by her work across theatre and the independent arts. Her background supports our team where creative planning meets operational detail, a valuable asset, even in a smaller role today.
She bridges creative ambition with financial precision, thanks to her arts and production roots.
How will Liane and Johanna complement each other as BRS scales?
Liane anchors the ship; Johanna adds more sails. Liane’s institutional memory provides stability, while Johanna’s fresh, cross-disciplinary eye helps refine accounting and controlling with our project leads. Together, the extended team of accounting, finance, and project leads give every production a 360-degree financial view, from concept through to final invoice.
Liane brings deep-rooted stability, while Johanna offers fresh perspective to drive evolution.
What lesson can other founders take from this story?
Find the right people to run with early. The systems, processes, and mindset you set up in year one becomes your cultural bedrock. Choose teammates whose ethics and curiosity align with yours; they’ll shape not just your balance sheet but your client experience. That alignment is still paying dividends for us 13 years later.
