Rhianne Starbuck, wife of former Spurs player Paul McVeigh, has co-founded a celebrity booking platform, playfully noting she bypassed the traditional ‘WAG era’.
Rhianne Starbuck launches speaker platform
Rhianne Starbuck, an entrepreneur and former actress, has co-founded a new business venture. She is married to Paul McVeigh, 48, a retired former midfielder for Tottenham and Norwich. The couple married in 2021, over a decade after McVeigh ended his professional football career.
Starbuck recently shared a video on Instagram, playfully acknowledging her unique position. She captioned it, “Married a former pro footballer just after he retired. Missed the Wag era and skipped straight to the Spurs legend era.” The video included clips of McVeigh playing for a Spurs legends team.
Her career prior to this included acting roles in British television shows like Emmerdale and Fresh Meat. She also worked as a model while auditioning for parts. Starbuck stepped back from acting as her family grew.
Married a former pro footballer just after he retired. Missed the Wag era and skipped straight to the Spurs legend era.
Speakify’s celebrity roster and McVeigh’s career
Rhianne Starbuck and Paul McVeigh are the founders of Speakify, a platform for booking celebrity speakers.
- Paul McVeigh, 48, retired from professional football more than 10 years ago.
- He made just three league appearances for Tottenham during his playing career.
- The couple married in 2021.
- Speakify lists former F1 team principal Guenther Steiner and ex-NFL star Justin Forsett.
- Footballing icons Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic, and Hugo Lloris are also available through the platform.
The ‘WAG era’ and its cultural shift
The ‘WAG era’, short for Wives and Girlfriends, traditionally referred to the partners of high-profile footballers. This period, often associated with the early 2000s, was characterised by significant media attention on their glamorous lifestyles. Their public image was often tied to their partners’ fame.
Rhianne Starbuck’s comment about “missing the Wag era” reflects a recognition of this specific cultural phenomenon. Her marriage to Paul McVeigh occurred well after his active playing days. This timing naturally placed her outside the intense media spotlight that once followed footballers’ partners.
Her playful jab also suggests a shift in how partners of public figures are perceived, or how they choose to define themselves. Instead of being solely identified by their partner’s profession, there is a growing emphasis on individual careers and entrepreneurial pursuits.
New venture offers celebrity access
Speakify offers a direct channel for organisations to book prominent figures for events, potentially streamlining a complex process. This business model addresses a clear demand in the corporate and public speaking circuits for recognisable personalities.
The platform’s roster includes a diverse range of stars, from sports legends to business leaders. This variety allows event organisers to find speakers with specific expertise or appeal. It caters to different audiences and event types.
For the celebrities themselves, Speakify provides a structured way to monetise their experience and public profile post-career. It offers a professional avenue for engagement, moving beyond traditional endorsement deals or media appearances.
Athletes and partners build new careers
The move by Rhianne Starbuck and Paul McVeigh into entrepreneurship aligns with a wider trend of public figures and their partners seeking post-career ventures. Many athletes, once their playing days are over, transition into business, media, or coaching roles. This ensures continued engagement and financial stability.
Paul McVeigh himself, having retired over a decade ago, has clearly found a new path, now co-founding a business with his wife. This demonstrates a proactive approach to life after professional sport. It contrasts with historical patterns where many athletes struggled to adapt to retirement.
Similarly, partners of famous individuals are increasingly forging their own professional identities. This shift moves beyond the traditional supportive role. It sees them establishing independent careers, often leveraging their networks and personal brands in new and innovative ways.
Entrepreneurship defines modern partnerships
Rhianne Starbuck’s playful observation about bypassing the ‘WAG era’ speaks to a significant evolution in public life. It highlights a move away from partners being defined solely by their association with a famous individual. Instead, there is a clear push towards independent professional achievement.
The co-founding of Speakify by Starbuck and McVeigh is a tangible example of this shift. It demonstrates a collaborative entrepreneurial spirit. This model allows both partners to contribute their skills and networks to a shared venture.
This approach is a healthier, more sustainable model for individuals connected to public figures. It champions personal agency and career development. The alternative, remaining solely in a partner’s shadow, offers less personal growth and professional fulfilment.
Speakify’s future expansion
The immediate focus will be on how Speakify expands its roster of celebrity speakers and its market reach.
- Will the platform attract more current or recently retired high-profile athletes?
- What new sectors or types of events will Speakify target for speaker bookings?
- How will the platform differentiate itself in a competitive celebrity booking market?
