Agency Bytes

Featuring: David Wain-Heapy, Prodigi In episode 149, I sit down with David Wain-Heapy, founder of Prodigy, a company that helps agencies and digital businesses build flexible, scalable remote teams through global talent sourcing. David spent 14 years building and running a Magento-focused e-commerce agency out of central London before selling it to Brave Bison PLC. We talk through what that exit process actually looked like, why the right acquirer matters as much as the right offer, and how building systems independent of the founders made the transition possible. From there, we get into the real substance of what David does now: helping agencies shift from an outsourcing mindset to an offshore hiring mindset. There's a difference, and it matters. Agency owners will come away with a clearer framework for when and how to integrate global talent, how to think about time zones, which roles translate well offshore, and what AI is actually doing — and not yet doing — to development teams in agencies right now. Key Bytes • Outsourcing and offshore hiring are not the same thing — one is a handoff, the other is a hire. • The fix for a failed first attempt wasn't better talent, it was better integration — sprints, tools, and cadence. • Building a business that runs independently of you isn't just good leadership, it's what makes you acquirable. • The right acquirer matters as much as the right offer — alignment on team and culture is what made a six-month handoff possible. • East Coast agencies fit well with Eastern European talent; West Coast agencies are better served by South and Central America. • AI handles contained tasks well, but it still can't hold the context of an enterprise-scale project. • The people who will thrive in an AI-augmented world are the ones who bring real creativity — the architects and problem-solvers, not just the executors. Chapters 00:00 Why this conversation matters for agency owners right now 01:45 David's 14-year agency journey and building in a competitive London market 05:10 The first attempt at offshore talent and why it failed 08:30 Selling to Brave Bison: what the exit process actually looked like 13:15 Choosing the right acquirer and making a clean handoff 17:00 Outsourcing vs. offshore hiring: why the mindset shift changes everything 21:30 How to think about time zones when sourcing global talent 24:45 What systems agencies need before hiring offshore 28:00 Where AI is actually helping agency dev teams right now 33:20 Which roles work well offshore and which don't 37:50 Rapid fire: surfing in Bristol, letting go of control, and a risky bet that paid off David Wain-Heapy is an experienced founder currently focused on building remote teams for digital businesses with Prodigi. Having sold my digital agency to Brave Bison PLC, I am now working to provide a flexible and scalable solution that enables companies to take control of hiring by looking at a global talent pool. I have many years experience building globally distributed teams of digital professionals and leading them to help great businesses win in the race for attention and accelerate their digital growth. Contact David on LinkedIn or the Prodigi website.

Featuring: Cameron Herold, COO Alliance In episode 148, I sit down with Cameron Herold, founder of COO Alliance and one of the most recognized voices in operational leadership, to talk about the mindset shift agency owners desperately need right now: stepping into the role of CEO and building a true COO mindset inside their business. Cameron has helped scale companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK and advised hundreds of growth-stage businesses, and in this conversation, we unpack what it really means to work on the business instead of being trapped inside it. We talk about the operator’s lens, how founders accidentally become bottlenecks, and why operational maturity is often the difference between a lifestyle business and a scalable asset. If you’re an agency owner who feels stretched thin, stuck in delivery, or unsure how to elevate your leadership team, this one is a masterclass in stepping up and leveling up. Key Bytes • The CEO’s job is vision. The COO’s job is execution. Most agency owners are trying to do both — and burning out. • Operational discipline isn’t about bureaucracy — it’s about freeing the founder from the day-to-day. • If you’re still the glue holding everything together, you don’t have a scalable business — you have a dependency. • Working on the business requires intentional systems, delegation maturity, and the courage to step back. • Strong operators build companies that can grow, sell, or run without the founder in the weeds. Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Cameron’s Scaling Background 04:12 The Difference Between a Founder and a CEO 09:48 Why Most Agencies Don’t Truly Work “On” the Business 16:35 The COO Mindset Explained 23:10 Founders as Bottlenecks 31:42 Building Operational Discipline Without Red Tape 40:18 Hiring & Developing Strong Operators 49:03 Scaling vs. Lifestyle Businesses 57:25 Final Advice for Agency Owners Cameron Herold is the mastermind behind the exponential growth of hundreds of companies globally. Founder of the COO Alliance and Invest In Your Leaders training. Cameron is known as the "CEO Whisperer" and is also the former COO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, where he engineered the company's spectacular growth from $2 million to $106 million in revenue in just six years. The publisher of Forbes magazine, Rich Karlgaard, stated, "Cameron Herold is the best speaker I've ever heard...he hits grand slams”. Cameron is the host of the Second In Command podcast, author of 6 bestselling books, including The Second In Command, Vivid Vision, Meetings Suck, Free PR, Double Double, and The Miracle Morning for Entrepreneurs. Cameron is a top-rated international speaker and has been paid to speak in 26 countries and on all 7 continents, including Antarctica in early 2022. Contact Cameron: www.cooalliance.com www.cameronherold.com https://www.instagram.com/cameron_herold_cooalliance https://www.facebook.com/COOAlliance/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronherold https://www.linkedin.com/company/coo-alliance/ https://twitter.com/cooalliance https://www.youtube.com/@CameronHerold?sub_confirmation=1 https://cooalliance.com/vivid-vision/

Featuring: Amy Hood, Hoodzpah Design In episode 147, I sit down with Amy Hood, designer and co-founder of Hoodzpah Design, the Southern California brand identity studio behind work for Disney, Nike, Netflix, Target, and the Lakers. Amy and her twin sister Jen built Hoodzpah out of necessity after realizing they were “unhireable on paper,” and turned it into a nimble, right-sized studio that’s intentionally stayed small to protect speed, momentum, and creative quality. We talk about why “make the work you want to get” is still the most reliable path to better clients, how relationships compound when you lead with curiosity (not strategy), and why creatives have to treat marketing as part of the job if they want opportunities to find them. Amy also shares the story behind Hoodspa’s Adobe MAX banner plane stunt (“No more broke creatives”), what they learned from taking a big marketing swing, and how they’re shifting from service work into products like their updated book Freelance, and Business, and Stuff and the Fort font subscription app. Key Bytes • Making the work you want to get is still the fastest way to change the caliber of clients you attract. • Staying small on purpose can be a growth strategy — speed and momentum beat bureaucracy. • If you don’t share your work, people can’t refer you because there’s no proof you exist. • Spectacle marketing works when it’s aligned, intentional, and captures attention in a sea of noise. • Diversifying income through products creates longevity — especially when your body can’t grind forever. Chapters 00:00 Welcome + who Amy Hood is 01:05 Hoodzpah’s origin: “unhireable on paper” to studio owners 02:59 Twin partnership: dividing roles and avoiding scorekeeping 08:41 Staying small on purpose (and why bigger can be slower) 11:18 Landing better clients by making the work you want 18:03 Dream clients + putting your hat in the ring 21:00 Adobe MAX banner plane: “No more broke creatives” 28:40 From service to product: book, fonts, and Fort app 31:48 Font licensing fear and why clients are gun-shy 38:44 Rapid fire: resets, creative myths, and boundaries Amy Hood is a designer and co-founder of Hoodzpah, Inc, a brand identity studio in Southern California that has worked with companies like Disney, 20th Century, Nike, The Lakers, Target, and Netflix. Amy's logo and identity work centers around custom lettering solutions. She is the font designer behind Palm Canyon Drive, Beale, and Beverly Drive. When she's not stress-watching Laker games, Amy can be found at the beach, plein-air doodling, and practicing her Smashball backhand. She co-authored the book “Freelance, and Business, and Stuff: A Guide for Creatives” (and its related online course) with her sister Jennifer, based on the Professional Practices class they taught at Laguna College of Art & Design. Contact Amy, grab their book, or fonts all on the Hoodzpah website, Instagram, or YouTube channels.

Featuring: Dorien Morin-van Dam, More In Media In episode 146, I’m joined by Doreen Morin-van Dam, a content strategist with more than 15 years of experience helping brands grow through smart, sustainable marketing. Doreen works with teams on how to use AI responsibly and effectively, hosts the Strategy Talks video podcast, and is known for blending emerging tech with deeply human content strategies. We dig into what really happened when companies rushed to replace humans with AI in 2025—and why many of them quietly reversed course by Q4. Doreen shares what she’s seeing brands regret most, how “AI slop” became a real problem, and why human-led content is becoming a competitive advantage again. We also explore how agencies can use AI as a strategic partner (not a shortcut), why long-form content matters more than ever, and how organic and paid media must work together. This is a grounded, practical conversation for agency owners trying to navigate AI without losing trust, quality, or their voice. Key Bytes • Why replacing humans with AI backfired for many brands in 2025 • How AI slop diluted trust, performance, and differentiation • Why humans must remain the source of truth in content strategy • How to use AI to analyze, enhance, and scale—not replace—expertise • Why long-form, opinionated content performs better with LLMs • How organic social still drives testing, trust, and paid performance • Why being different beats being “better” in crowded markets • How agencies should rethink in-house marketing investment Chapters 00:00 Why 2025 became the “AI correction year” 02:30 What brands got wrong when they replaced people with AI 05:45 Why agencies must treat themselves as their best client 08:55 AI avatars, ethical concerns, and consumer trust 11:30 From AI slop to human-led strategy 15:05 Humans as the source of truth in content 19:45 Why long-form content matters for AI discovery 21:20 Organic social isn’t dead—it’s misunderstood 26:25 Organic + paid: why they must work together 28:00 Rapid-fire questions and practical takeaways Dorien Morin-van Dam is a Vermont-based content strategist with over 15 years of experience helping brands grow through smart, sustainable strategies. A Certified Social Media Manager and Agile Marketer, she also consults on AI strategy for small businesses, showing teams how to use AI in marketing responsibly and effectively. Dorien turns organic content and emerging tech into measurable results, speaks internationally, and hosts the Strategy Talks video podcast. You’ll recognize her on stage and online by her signature orange glasses, a nod to her Dutch heritage. Check out Dorien’s website, connect on LinkedIn, or tune into the Strategy Talks podcast.

Featuring: Jessica Hische, Studioworks In episode 145, I sit down with Jessica Hische—a world-renowned lettering artist, New York Times bestselling author, and one of the most thoughtful creative voices of our generation. And full transparency: I’ve been a huge fan of Jessica’s work for a long time. Her ability to pair obsessive craft with clarity, intention, and humanity has influenced how I think about creative work for years. This conversation goes far beyond tactics or tools. We dig into what it really means to answer a creative calling—and then protect it. Jessica shares how she’s built a career that honors her instincts, values her time, and stays deeply connected to her craft, without burning out or selling out. We talk about the choices she’s made to stay true to her creative voice, even when external pressure—clients, platforms, trends, or scale—could easily pull things off course. We also explore the less romantic but absolutely essential side of creative freedom: boundaries, systems, pricing, and self-advocacy. Jessica opens up about how she’s learned to put structure around her work not as a constraint, but as a way to preserve joy, sustainability, and long-term creative integrity. Whether it’s choosing the right projects, saying no without guilt, or building tools that support creatives instead of exploiting them, her through-line is clear: creativity thrives when it’s respected. For agency owners and creative leaders, this episode is a powerful reminder that building a business—or a career—on your own terms isn’t about sacrificing ambition. It’s about defining success for yourself, staying grounded in your craft, and making intentional choices that allow your work, and your life, to evolve together. This one felt special to record—and I think it’ll resonate deeply with anyone trying to build something meaningful, creatively and personally. Key Bytes • Why answering a creative calling is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time decision • How staying true to your craft doesn’t require self-sacrifice • The role boundaries and structure play in long-term creative freedom • Why defining success for yourself is the real creative advantage • How creatives can grow without burning out or losing their voice Chapters 00:00 Following a creative calling 06:40 Staying true to your craft over time 14:10 Defining success on your own terms 22:35 Boundaries, pricing, and protecting creative energy 31:20 Structure as a support, not a constraint 40:05 Evolving creatively without losing yourself 48:30 Advice for creatives building sustainable careers Jessica Hische is a lettering artist and New York Times Best-selling author based in Oakland, California. She specializes in typographical work for logos, film, books, and other commercial applications. Her clients include Wes Anderson, The United States Postal Service, Target, Hallmark, and Penguin Books and her work has been featured again and again in design and illustration annuals both in the US and internationally. She’s been named a Print Magazine New Visual Artist (20 under 30), one of Forbes 30 under 30 in Art and Design, an ADC Young Gun, a “Person to Watch” by GD USA, and an Adweek “Creative 100”. She's also the co-founder of Studioworks, invoicing software for creatives by creatives. Contact Jessica on their website, Threads, and Instagram, and learn about Studioworks here.

Featuring: Ali Mirza, Rose Garden Consulting In episode 144, I’m joined by Ali Mirza, a sales expert who’s personally closed over $450 million in revenue and advised hundreds of high-growth companies, including multiple Inc. 500 winners and successful exits. Ali and I dig into what’s really broken in agency sales today — from why “more leads” isn’t the answer, to how founders unintentionally sabotage deals, to the mindset shifts required to close larger, more confident engagements. This conversation is especially relevant for agency owners who are great at delivery but feel stuck, uncomfortable, or inconsistent when it comes to selling. We talk candidly about sales systems vs. sales personalities, the danger of winging it, and how agencies can move from reactive selling to intentional, scalable growth without becoming someone they’re not. Key Bytes • Why “just getting more leads” rarely fixes agency sales problems • The hidden mindset traps that keep agency owners underpricing • How confidence (not pressure) actually drives better close rates • The difference between selling expertise vs. selling outcomes • Why inconsistent sales processes hurt valuation and scalability Chapters 00:00 Why agency sales feels harder than it should 04:32 The biggest sales myths agency owners believe 09:15 Why confidence matters more than scripts 14:40 Selling outcomes vs. selling services 20:05 How founders accidentally sabotage deals 26:18 Pricing fear and the psychology behind it 32:10 Building a repeatable sales process 38:45 What great agency sales leadership really looks like 44:20 Final advice for agency owners who hate selling Ali Mirza is a sales expert who has personally closed over $450 million in sales with multiple Inc. 500 companies and high-growth startups. His work has been featured in Inc., Forbes, Huffington Post, Business Insider, and more. He has consulted for hundreds of companies, with 17 earning the Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Companies award and three successfully acquired. He is president of Atlanta-based consulting firm, Rose Garden. Connect with Ali on his personal website, his consulting website, or on his Instagram.

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY IGNITION. START YOUR FREE 14 DAY TRIAL ignitionapp.info/agencybytes-trial Use Code OUTSIGHT25 to save 50% off! Featuring: Sharon Toerek, Legal and Creative In episode 143, I dig into one of the most underestimated risks in agency ownership: the legal blind spots that quietly cost agencies millions over time. From contracts and scope creep to client disputes, IP ownership, and liability exposure, we unpack where agencies unknowingly put themselves at risk — and why most don’t realize it until it’s too late. This conversation is a must-listen for agency owners who want to protect what they’ve built, reduce unnecessary exposure, and stop treating legal as an afterthought instead of a growth safeguard. Key Bytes • Most agencies don’t realize their biggest legal risks until a problem hits • Poor contracts quietly drain profit long before lawsuits happen • Scope creep is as much a legal issue as it is a pricing issue • IP ownership mistakes can create long-term client and valuation problems • Proactive legal structure is a growth advantage, not a cost center Chapters 00:00 Why legal blind spots are so common in agencies 04:15 The contracts agencies rely on (and why they fall short) 10:20 Scope creep as a legal and financial issue 18:05 IP ownership mistakes that come back years later 26:40 Client disputes: where agencies expose themselves 34:10 Risk vs. fear: what actually matters legally 42:00 Simple fixes agency owners can make now 50:10 How legal hygiene protects valuation and exit 56:30 Final thoughts & wrap-up Sharon Toerek is Founder of Toerek Law (doing business in the agency world as Legal + Creative), where she focuses her national law practice on helping advertising, marketing, communications, and creative agencies protect their assets and turn their ideas into revenue. Sharon provides proactive, strategic counsel to communications, marketing, advertising, digital, and creative agencies on legal and business issues they face continually in their work, including: • agency-client relationships, including agency service contracts • agency-freelancer and agency strategic alliance relationship management • trademark and copyright protection, enforcement, and licensing • influencer marketing negotiations and content marketing legal compliance• advertising regulatory compliance • AI policy and risk management for agencies Sharon is an approved participant on the 4A's Legal Consultants Panel and a member of the 4A’s Expert Network. She has also served as President of the American Ad Federation (AAF) Cleveland and has been elected to AAF Cleveland’s Hall of Fame. In addition to her Firm’s work representing U.S. independent agencies, Sharon • Created the Legal + Creative Agency Protection System, a comprehensive legal education and legal toolkit for marketing, ad and creative services agencies • Created and hosted over 300 episodes of the agency-focused podcast The Innovative Agency, a podcast about innovation and trends in the marketing agency world • Presents sessions on agency-critical legal topics to independent agency networks, to private agency audiences, and at industry conferences, including INBOUND, Content Marketing World, MAICON, the Build a Better Agency Summit, Own It Summit, Mirren New York, and PRSA Counselors Academy. Contact Sharon on LinkedIn or on their website.

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY IGNITION. START YOUR FREE 14 DAY TRIAL ignitionapp.info/agencybytes-trial Use Code OUTSIGHT25 to save 50% off! Featuring: Amy Maxwell, Maxwell Design In episode 142, I sit down with Amy Maxwell, founder and creative director of Maxwell Design, to talk about the real tension small creative shops face: how do you grow without sacrificing the craft that made you successful in the first place? We dig into what it looks like to evolve from “hands-on designer” to “agency leader,” how to protect quality as you add capacity, and how to make smart choices about clients, process, and scope so growth doesn’t turn into chaos. If you want to scale with intention (and still love the work), this one’s for you. Key Bytes • Scaling doesn’t have to mean sacrificing creative quality • Your process is what protects the craft as you grow • “Better clients” often solves what “more clients” can’t • You can stay hands-on without being the bottleneck • The right constraints create consistency, not limitation • Hiring should reduce friction, not add management drag • Clear scope and boundaries prevent quiet burnout Chapters 00:00 Intro: scaling without losing the craft 02:10 Amy’s origin story and building Maxwell Design 06:20 The “stay small” choice and what it protects 11:05 When growth starts to strain quality (warning signs) 16:10 Processes that keep creative standards high 22:30 Team structure: support roles vs creative roles 28:40 Client fit, boundaries, and saying “no” earlier 34:15 Staying fulfilled while the business grows 40:20 Rapid-fire questions and wrap-up Amy—Creative Director + Founder of Maxwell Design—has spent the last two decades helping businesses look their best. She’s an award-winning designer with a knack for reading minds and creating delightful visual experiences. Her solution-focused approach makes her someone you’ll want in any room. And her small (but mighty) team comes with some major design chops. Contact Amy on LinkedIn or on their website.

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY IGNITION. START YOUR FREE 14 DAY TRIAL ignitionapp.info/agencybytes-trial Use Code OUTSIGHT25 to save 50% off! Featuring: Meredith Fennessy Witts + Melissa Lohrer, Agency Darlings In episode 141, I sit down with Melissa and Meredith, the hosts of the Agency Darlings podcast and longtime agency operators, to unpack why so many agency owners feel burned out, stuck, or disillusioned by the traditional agency growth advice that’s been circulating for decades. We talk candidly about the “bro playbook” — hustle culture, ego-driven leadership, top-down decision making, and growth at all costs — and why it often leads to unhealthy teams, poor margins, and miserable owners. Melissa and Meredith share what they’ve learned from years inside agencies about what actually drives sustainable growth: emotional intelligence, clear communication, strong operations, and leadership that prioritizes people alongside profit. This episode is a refreshing, grounded look at agency leadership through a more human lens — one that challenges outdated norms and offers agency owners permission to build businesses that align with who they actually are. Key Bytes • Why the traditional agency “bro playbook” is failing modern agencies • The hidden cost of hustle culture on owners and teams • How emotional intelligence impacts agency growth and retention • What healthier leadership looks like inside agencies • Redefining success beyond revenue and headcount Chapters 00:00 Why the traditional agency playbook feels broken 05:12 The origins of hustle culture in agencies 11:04 Masculine-driven leadership norms and their impact 17:32 Emotional intelligence as a growth lever 23:58 Building healthier agency cultures 30:41 Operator-led leadership vs. ego-led leadership 37:10 Sustainable growth without burnout 43:26 Redefining success as an agency owner 49:12 Advice for owners ready to do things differently Each with over 15 years of experience in the agency space and deep-rooted connections within the industry, Melissa and Meredith bring actionable insights, expert advice, and candid conversations that challenge the conventional, masculine-driven approaches to agency growth. Contact Meredith & Melissa: www.agencydarlings.com https://bit.ly/MWDarlings https://waverlyave.com https://instagram.com/waverlyave.co https://www.lecheile.co/contact https://www.instagram.com/lecheile.co/

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY IGNITION. START YOUR FREE 14 DAY TRIAL ignitionapp.info/agencybytes-trial Use Code OUTSIGHT25 to save 50% off! Featuring: Michael Janda, More Creative Academy In episode 140, I sit down with Michael Janda—agency founder, bestselling author, and one of the most respected voices helping creatives master the business side of creativity. Michael built and sold Riser, worked with giants like Disney and Google, and later led creative teams at Fox before dedicating his career to teaching creatives how to price, position, and run their businesses without burning out. We dig into the mental and operational “growing up” that every creative eventually faces: getting past portfolio thinking, charging confidently, understanding value, eliminating chaos, and building a more peaceful (and profitable) creative life. Michael’s straight-talk wisdom hits every agency owner exactly where they need it—no fluff, no ego, just clarity. Key Bytes • Why creatives struggle with pricing — and how to fix it • The mindset shift from freelancer to business owner • How Michael positioned his agency to win massive clients • The surprising relationship between process, profit, and peace • What creatives get wrong about value • Why “portfolio thinking” holds owners back • How to build a business that supports your life, not the other way around Chapters 00:01 Welcome + Michael’s background and agency journey 04:12 From creative chaos to building processes that scale 09:45 Why pricing is emotional—and how to make it objective 14:30 Portfolio vs. business owner mindset 19:58 Finding ideal clients and positioning that works 25:21 How Michael sold his agency and what he learned 31:44 The psychology of creative profitability 38:10 Achieving peace of mind as an owner 44:22 Michael’s advice for creatives who feel “stuck” Michael Janda is an award-winning creative director, agency founder, and bestselling author. He built the creative agency Riser with clients like Disney, Google, Warner Bros., and ABC, then sold the business after 13 successful years. Before that, he served as a creative director at Fox. Michael is the author of Burn Your Portfolio and The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing. Today, he shares practical, no-fluff strategies to help creative professionals master business, pricing, and growth. Connect with Michael through his Community, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Website, or explore his Courses.

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY IGNITION. START YOUR FREE 14 DAY TRIAL ignitionapp.info/agencybytes-trial Use Code OUTSIGHT25 to save 50% off! Featuring: Melanie Chandruang, We Consult In episode 139, I sit down with Melanie Chandruang, founder of WeConsult and a strategic operations partner for creative agencies. Melanie has spent the last seven years helping agencies tighten up their financials, streamline workflows, and build stronger leadership teams—while also navigating two maternity leaves, a cross-country move, and re-entering the industry in one of its toughest seasons. We dig into how she rebuilt WeConsult after stepping away to have kids, what’s changed in the agency landscape since 2023, and why she’s now staying higher-level as a fractional ops leader instead of getting buried in implementation. Melanie breaks down what healthy leadership actually looks like, why so many founders remain the bottleneck even after hiring “senior” people, and how clear ownership, scorecards, and trust change everything. We also get tactical: what she looks for first in the financials, the operational metrics that matter most, and why agencies without documented processes are struggling the most with AI adoption. We wrap by talking about leading through uncertainty, avoiding burnout, and the simple practice Melanie uses to remind herself of the value she’s creating—plus her very 90s go-to karaoke song. Key Bytes • Clean financials and clear reporting are the true foundation of scalable ops • Workflow ownership matters — if it’s nobody’s job, it’s nobody’s job • Founders stay bottlenecks when leadership has no autonomy or scorecards • Agencies with documented systems adopt AI faster (and with fewer messes) • Strong leadership = trust, clarity, and shared problem-solving • Self-care and boundaries are essential for sustainable agency ownership Chapters 00:01 Intro and how Melanie rebuilt WeConsult after kids and a cross-country move 02:48 Stepping away from client work, losing momentum, and clawing back into a changed industry 05:36 Why Melanie now stays high-level and pushes implementation to internal teams and automation 07:42 Founders as bottlenecks and what a truly strong leadership team looks like 11:15 Ego, scale, and the operational shifts required for owners to get out of the way 15:36 Where Melanie starts operationally: financials, workflows, and clear ownership 18:07 The agency financial metrics that actually matter (profitability, cash, utilization, and more) 22:03 Why documented systems are the key to successful AI adoption (and how messy it gets without them) 26:00 Leading through uncertainty, rebuilding a business, and protecting your own wellbeing 28:38 AI note-takers, imposter syndrome, and Melanie’s “value” practice 31:36 Melanie’s 90s karaoke pick and where to learn more about WeConsult Melanie Chandruang is the Founder of WeConsult and a Strategic Operations Partner for creative agencies. With over 15 years in the industry, she helps agency owners boost profits, streamline operations, and move big initiatives forward so they can focus on growth and what matters most. Connect with Melanie on their website.

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY IGNITION. START YOUR FREE 14 DAY TRIAL ignitionapp.info/agencybytes-trial Use Code OUTSIGHT25 to save 50% off! Featuring: Jordan Snider, Token Creative In episode 138, I sit down with Jordan Snider, co-founder and CTO of Token Creative Services, to break down the real impact of integrating Ignition App into their agency operations. Jordan shares how Token went from scattered proposals, manual invoices, and nearly $40k in aging AR to a streamlined, single-system workflow that clients actually appreciated. We dig into the operational before/after: centralized proposals and agreements, automated billing, faster close rates, clearer scope definition, easier upsells and renewals, and the elimination of unbilled “mystery hours.” Jordan also talks about forecasting clarity — and why dashboards that tie proposals, renewals, and revenue projections together are a game changer for decision-making. This episode is a grounded look at what happens when an agency stops tolerating a duct-taped sales and billing process and finally upgrades the operational spine of the business. Key Bytes • Token’s breaking point was nearly $40k in aging AR — a clear sign the proposal and billing process was broken. • Clients were confused by multiple proposal versions, scattered contracts, and manual payments; consolidating everything through Ignition simplified the entire client experience. • The biggest financial lift came from capturing previously unbilled variable hours and out-of-scope work. • Automated reminders and stored payment methods dramatically reduced AR and manual follow-up. • Forecasting became easier with visible open proposals, renewal pipelines, and year-over-year revenue projections. • Simplifying the tech stack cut both software cost and constant integration maintenance. • Ignition enabled Token to shift from hourly pricing to value-driven retainers because operations finally supported it. • Jordan’s advice: delaying this overhaul guarantees regret — proactively fixing it avoids the forced crisis moment. Chapters 00:00 Intro and why Token’s Ignition story matters 02:05 Token’s early days and “brute force” agency ops 03:10 The $40k AR wake-up call 05:10 What was broken in their proposal + onboarding workflow 06:55 Client reactions after switching to Ignition 07:50 Close rates, renewals, and handling scope creep 09:40 Capturing unbilled work and shrinking AR 11:55 Forecasting and metrics that changed decision-making 14:00 Simplifying the tech stack and ditching integrations 16:40 How clarity improved both scope and service delivery 23:40 Productizing services and shifting to retainers 25:05 Jordan’s advice for agencies resisting the overhaul 26:50 Rapid fire and wrap-up Jordan Snider is the Co-Founder and CTOof Token Creative Services, a full-service digital marketing and creative agency based in Kitchener-Waterloo. With a background in full-stack software engineering, Jordan bridges the gap between technical development and creative marketing. He has contributed personal reflections to platforms supporting victims of family violence, discussing the unique stressors faced by newcomers and the importance of community support systems. His work reflects a blend of technical precision and a commitment to social impact, aligning with Token Creative’s mission to support businesses making positive environmental or social changes. Connect with Jordan on their website, or learn more about Ignition here.

Featuring: Jennifer Spire, Preston Spire In episode 137, I sit down with Jennifer Spire, Partner and CEO of Preston Spire — a 75-year-old agency that’s somehow still pushing boundaries while many newer shops flame out. Jennifer shares how she modernized a legacy company without losing the cultural DNA that kept it alive for three-quarters of a century. We get into leadership transitions, building a values-driven agency, navigating generational shifts in talent, and how she’s shaping the next era of a Midwest powerhouse. Key Bytes • The hidden advantages legacy agencies have but often ignore • Why values act as a competitive moat — but only if they’re enforced • How Jennifer leads change without blowing up culture • The reality of modernizing 75-year-old processes • Where agencies underestimate the work of staying relevant Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:20 What it means to run a 75-year-old agency today 05:05 How Jennifer modernized Preston Spier without breaking it 09:40 The cultural DNA that actually drives retention 13:55 Why “values” only matter when leaders enforce them 17:48 Leadership evolution: from partner to CEO 21:30 What younger talent expects from an established shop 25:18 Staying relevant in a fast-changing industry 29:55 How Preston Spire balances legacy and innovation 33:42 Advice Jennifer wishes she had earlier 38:10 Closing thoughts Jennifer Spire is partner and CEO at Preston Spire, an Ad Age Best Place to Work and Midwest Small Agency of the Year. She is an accomplished agency leader with over 25 years of experience in both consumer and B2B marketing for just about every industry out there. At Preston Spire, Jennifer has played the leading role in reshaping the framework that defines the agency, focused on a strong vision, values and purpose. She has been a speaker at dozens of local and national conferences, has authored articles and thought pieces on various marketing subjects, and has been a board member of several nonprofit organizations. Jennifer was an east coast native before calling Minneapolis home. She was an NCGA gymnast and a gymnastics coach, who also had advertising in her blood, thanks to her grandfather being one of the founding fathers of Madison Avenue. Contact Jennifer on LinkedIn or the Preston Spire website.

Featuring: JP Holecka, Power Shifter Digital In episode 136, I sit down with JP Holecka, founder and CEO of Power Shifter Digital, a Vancouver-based agency leading the shift toward AI-driven digital products and content creation. With over 30 years of experience in design, film, and technology, JP has guided multiple teams through successful AI rollouts—transforming workflows, scaling creativity, and redefining how digital agencies deliver value. We talk about what it really takes to evolve your agency for the AI era, how to navigate the culture shift that comes with automation, and why embracing AI is less about replacing people and more about amplifying what they’re capable of. KEY BYTES • AI isn’t replacing creativity—it’s amplifying it • True transformation starts with changing workflows, not job titles • The most successful AI rollouts start with internal adoption before client delivery • Leadership has to model curiosity and experimentation • Agencies that treat AI as a tool, not a threat, are finding their competitive edge SHOW REFERENCES Access JP's AI Miro Board referenced in the episode here. PW: cleardigital CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 02:01 JP’s background and the evolution of Power Shifter 06:32 The first AI experiments that changed everything 10:45 Getting team buy-in and overcoming initial skepticism 14:58 Building processes around AI rather than forcing it in |20:10 Human creativity in the age of automation 25:36 How AI has changed client expectations 31:12 Leadership lessons from scaling an AI-driven agency 36:45 The next frontier of digital work 40:30 JP’s advice for agency founders starting their AI journey 43:00 Rapid Fire Questions JP Holecka is the founder and CEO of Power Shifter Digital, a Vancouver-based agency leading the shift toward AI-driven digital products and content creation. With over 30 years of experience in design, film, and technology, JP has guided multiple agencies through successful AI rollouts—transforming workflows, scaling creativity, and redefining how teams collaborate with generative tools. Contact JP on the PowerShifter website or on LinkedIn.

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY IGNITION. START YOUR FREE 14 DAY TRIAL ignitionapp.info/agencybytes-trial Use Code OUTSIGHT25 to save 50% off! Featuring: Drew McLellan, AMI In episode 135, I sit down with Drew McLellan, CEO of Agency Management Institute and host of the Build a Better Agency podcast. Drew’s been in the business for over 30 years and has coached thousands of agencies on how to grow profitably, attract better clients, and actually enjoy the perks of ownership. In this conversation, we unpack what the real job of an agency owner is — and how easy it is to get lost in the weeds doing everyone else’s. Drew shares how founders can move from day-to-day chaos to the higher-level work of vision, leadership, and building a pipeline that doesn’t depend on them. We also talk about the mental shift from “founder hustle” to “CEO clarity,” and what it really means to build an agency that serves your life, not the other way around. Key Bytes • The three things only the owner can and should do • Why your agency’s profit tells the truth about your leadership • Building a self-sustaining pipeline that runs without you • How to structure your week around the owner’s actual job • The difference between running an agency and owning a business • What makes an agency truly “sellable” • Common traps that keep founders stuck in the weeds • How to get your time back without losing control Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Drew’s background 04:12 The evolution from founder to true agency owner 09:45 What the “owner’s actual job” really is 14:58 Why agency profit is a mirror of leadership 20:17 Building systems and pipelines that aren’t you 26:04 The importance of clarity and delegation 31:42 Common mistakes that limit scalability 38:27 How to build an agency that can thrive without you 44:10 Preparing for eventual sale or succession 49:22 Drew’s advice for new and seasoned agency owners Drew McLellan has worked in advertising for 30+ years and started his own agency, McLellan Marketing Group, in 1995 after a five-year stint at Y&R and still actively runs the agency. He spends the lion’s share of his time running Agency Management Institute (AMI), which he also co-owns/runs with his wife Danyel. AMI serves thousands of small to mid-sized agencies (advertising, digital, marketing, media, and PR) every year, so they can increase their AGI, attract better clients and employees, mitigate the risks of being self-employed in such a volatile business, and best of all — let the agency owner actually enjoy the perks of agency ownership. AMI is the only agency network that is run by an active agency owner. It offers: Public workshops for agency owners, leaders and account service staff Owner peer networks (like a Vistage group or 4A’s forums) Private coaching/consulting for agency owners Annual primary research with CMOs and client decision makers about their work with agencies The highly praised podcast Build A Better Agency The only conference built for small to mid-sized agencies – the Build A Better Agency Summit Drew often appears in publications like Entrepreneur Magazine, New York Times, Washington Post, Forbes, AdAge, CNN, BusinessWeek, and many others. The Wall Street Journal calls him “one of 10 bloggers every entrepreneur should read.” He’s also written several books, the most recent being Sell with Authority (January 2020). The latest book has garnered rave reviews and has been the guidebook for agency growth and business development in today’s world. Drew also speaks at leading agency and marketing conferences like Inbound, Content Marketing World, and MAICON and is often cited in agency-centric content for his expertise in the industry. When he’s not hanging out with clients or agency owners and their staff, Drew spends time with his wife, their blended family, and following his beloved Dodgers. Learn more about Drew and AMI on their website.

Featuring: Jen Moss, JAR In episode 134, I sit down with Jen Moss, Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of JAR, where she helps brands and agencies craft podcasts that move people—not just metrics. Jen calls herself a podcasting doula, guiding clients through the messy middle of creative storytelling. In this conversation, we dive into how to create audio that actually connects, what makes a podcast worth listening to, and why “Job, Audience, Result” is the framework every agency should adopt before hitting record. Jen and I explore why most branded podcasts fizzle, how to define success beyond downloads, and the difference between authenticity and algorithm-chasing. If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast for your agency—or making your current one work harder—this episode’s for you. Key Bytes • The JAR method: Job, Audience, Result—a simple framework for podcast strategy. • Why authenticity and storytelling beat reach every time. • How agencies can use podcasts as pillar content that drives real relationships. • Common landmines when launching an agency podcast. • Why generosity and curiosity build audience trust. • The most meaningful metrics: engagement, consumption rate, and return listeners. • When to use internal vs. external hosts—and why it depends. • The role of creative courage in a crowded podcast space. • Why “connection” should always be your North Star. Chapters 00:00 Intro – Meet Jen Moss, podcasting doula and CCO of JAR 02:00 From theater to radio: Jen’s storytelling roots 06:00 The JAR framework explained: Job, Audience, Result 09:30 The real “why” behind launching a podcast 12:30 How agencies can use podcasts as strategic marketing tools 16:30 Internal vs. external hosts: what actually works 19:45 Common landmines and why most podcasts fizzle 22:00 Authenticity, generosity, and giving value away 24:30 Is podcasting too saturated? Finding signal in the noise 27:45 Connection over clicks—how to stand out 31:00 The metrics that matter: consumption, return, and reach trends 33:50 Rapid Fire with Jen Moss: storytelling, creative courage, and dream guests In her role as Chief Creative Officer of JAR, Co-Founder Jen Moss loves bringing stories to life. With her clients, Jen acts as a “podcasting Doula,” helping them harness their strengths in service of great storytelling. Deeply steeped in the creative process, Jen is unafraid of its ambiguities, and enjoys guiding others through its twists and turns. Drawing on her strong background in theatre, arts journalism, audio documentary, and new media storytelling, Jen helps clients tell the authentic stories that matter to them, and to their audience. She spent many years working as a producer and award-winning content creator for CBC Radio, and as an interactive story producer for The National Film Board of Canada’s Digital Studio, which taught her to think of stories as living things, full of potential for impact. It also taught her to take an “audience first” approach. Jen is never afraid of surfacing big ideas, but understands that sometimes, it’s the little things – the specific lens that “only you” can bring – that will gain the most traction with an audience. Jen loves to look for “fresh tracks” in the form of stories that haven’t been told before. She encourages her clients and her team at JAR to try out new ideas, learn from what the audience data reveals, and let that inform future creative strategy. Finally, Jen keeps her own professional learning curve alive as she lectures part-time at the University of British Columbia’s School of Creative Writing, interacting with the next generation of writers, podcasters, new media producers, and audiences. Contact Jen on their website or on LinkedIn. THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY IGNITION. START YOUR FREE 14 DAY TRIAL ignitionapp.info/agencybytes-trial Use Code OUTSIGHT25 to save 50% off!

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY IGNITION START YOUR FREE 14 DAY TRIAL ignitionapp.info/agencybytes-trial Use Code OUTSIGH25 to save 50% off! Featuring: Kirstin Russ, Practical Edge AI In episode 133, I dive into the real-world path of AI adoption for agencies with guest Kirstin Russ, founder of Principal Edge AI and Mountains to Sea Media. We unpack the four “zones” of adoption (from denial to productized services), why most AI projects fail without structure and change management, and how to turn internal automations into billable client solutions. We also hit on junior-talent pipelines in an AI world, the risk of “robot-trained-by-robots” content, pricing when you’re still learning, and the discovery discipline required to make automations actually stick. Key Bytes • The winning agencies move from “dabbling in automations” to selling AI-powered solutions that solve specific client problems. • 95% of AI projects fail because of missing structure, messy data, and zero change management — fix those first. • AI should elevate people to higher-value work; train juniors to work with AI, not to be replaced by it. • Don’t chase every shiny tool; build repeatable agent patterns and a stable stack you trust. • Discovery is everything: a “15-step” flow usually hides 30 more steps — price and scope accordingly. • Monetization starts with ops pain: map ugly manual workflows, then automate the “swivel-chair” steps. • Thought leadership beats generic AI copy: capture founder audio, codify brand voice + ICPs, then assist with AI. • Profit vs. quality is a real tension — set guardrails so efficiency never erodes outcomes. Chapters 00:00 Intro & Kirstin’s two businesses 00:57 Why an outsource-first agency model 03:07 Year of deep AI study and first tools “in the wild” 04:43 The four zones of agency AI adoption 06:14 From “getting ahead” to “survive”: disruption hits marketing 09:01 Why AI projects fail: structure, data, and change management 11:00 Practical internal automations (transcripts → CRM, follow-ups, etc.) 12:58 Junior talent in an AI era & the content quality dilemma 15:18 Building an AI content assist system (voice, ICP, research) 18:48 Tool sprawl vs. foundations; avoiding shiny-object traps 20:40 Can clients DIY? Positioning & selling AI services 21:08 Case studies: Square inventory workflow & quote tool 24:38 Pricing while you’re learning; managing expectations 27:18 Aha moments: you can’t do it all; systemize & delegate 29:14 Theme songs, imposter syndrome, and wrap up Kirstin Russ is a seasoned business strategist with 30 years of cross-industry experience who brings a unique dual approach to business growth. As the founder of Practical Edge AI, she helps businesses leverage artificial intelligence to automate growth, reduce manual workload, and improve profitability—often delivering measurable results within the first week. Simultaneously, as the driving force behind Mountains to Sea Media, a Western North Carolina-based digital marketing agency, Kirstin helps businesses amplify their online presence through strategic internet marketing, data analytics, and performance-focused web design. Kirstin's superpower lies in her holistic approach to business analysis, understanding how systems interconnect and where AI can enhance traditional & digital marketing strategies. By combining cutting-edge AI solutions with proven digital marketing expertise, she creates integrated growth pathways that optimize both operations and customer acquisition. With an approachable style and commitment to practical results, Kirstin transforms business challenges into opportunities. Her guiding question remains: "If you could wave a magic wand and change anything about your business, what would it be?" Contact Kirstin on the Practical Edge AI website or LinkedIn, Mountains to Sea Media website or LinkedIn. THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY IGNITION. START YOUR FREE 14 DAY TRIAL ignitionapp.info/agencybytes-trial Use Code OUTSIGHT25 to save 50% off!

Featuring: Leah Leaves, Alderaan Operations Solutions In episode 132, I talk with Leah Leaves, founder of Alderaan Operations Solutions, where she helps remote digital agencies grow without the grind. Known for her no-fluff, systems-first approach, Leah and her team embed expert operations managers directly into agencies to break bottlenecks, reduce burnout, and build businesses that can scale without the founder in every decision. We dig into what causes owners to become the bottleneck, the difference between goals, systems, and team accountability, and how every agency—no matter the size—can start building a foundation that prevents burnout and supports growth. Leah also shares how to identify when it’s time to bring in an operator, how to delegate effectively, and why even the best creative agencies need structure to thrive. We wrap by exploring how AI fits into internal operations and why every agency needs an AI Ops roadmap, even if it’s just six months ahead. Key Bytes • Burnout often begins with unclear goals and missing systems; clarity is the antidote. • Leah outlines four agency owner archetypes—the Trusting Optimist, Firefighting Founder, Reluctant Gatekeeper, and Visionary Leader—and how operators help each evolve. • Delegation isn’t dumping tasks; it’s empowering your team with context and ownership. • Documenting the “why” behind your systems drives consistency and accountability. • Operators create the scaffolding for scale—allowing founders to focus on vision, not firefighting. • Every agency, regardless of size, benefits from an AI Ops roadmap to guide internal efficiency. • Start with what you already have—processes, checklists, or recurring workflows—and build from there. • Systems don’t kill creativity; they protect it by removing chaos and decision fatigue. Chapters 00:00 Intro and welcome with guest Leah Leaves, founder of Alderaan Operations Solutions 02:00 The Star Wars origin of “Alderaan” and Leah’s path from journalism to operations 05:30 From creative to systems thinker: finding flow in operations 08:00 How unclear goals and missing systems cause bottlenecks 10:00 Guardrails vs. micromanagement: empowering the team without overengineering 13:00 The burnout cycle and why delegation is a creative act 15:00 The four types of agency owners and their operational challenges 20:00 Shifting from bottleneck to visionary: the operator’s role in scaling 23:30 Why every agency needs an AI ops roadmap 26:30 Putting “robots” in the org chart and making automation work 29:00 Low-hanging AI wins: onboarding, recruiting, and workflow automation 32:00 Rapid-fire Q&A: distilling systems, theme songs, and unexpected client wins 34:45 Closing thoughts and where to find Leah Leah Leaves is the Founder of Alderaan Operations Solutions, where she helps remote digital marketing agencies grow without the grind. Known for her no-fluff, systems-first approach, she and her team embed expert Operations Managers directly into agencies to break bottlenecks, reduce burnout, and build businesses that can scale without the founder in every decision. Contact Leah on LinkedIn, on the Alderaan website, or take their Agency Owner Quiz.

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY IGNITION START YOUR FREE 14 DAY TRIAL ignitionapp.info/agencybytes-trial Use Code OUTSIGHT25 to save 50% off! Featuring: Maiya Holliday, Mangrove In episode 131, I sit down with Maiya Holliday, founder and CEO of Mangrove Web Development, a Certified B Corp agency that’s been building websites for change-makers since 2009. Maiya shares her evolution from self-taught coder to agency leader, how she built Mangrove into a values-driven, fully remote team long before it was trendy, and why B Corp certification serves as an operating system rather than a marketing badge. We dive into the realities of serving nonprofits and purpose-led organizations, how to balance mission and margin, and how AI is reshaping collaboration between designers and developers. Maiya’s insights are both grounding and inspiring for anyone building a business around impact and intention. Key Bytes • B Corp certification can provide structure for how an agency operates—not just a label to display. • Nonprofit clients aren’t “low budget” if you help them tie digital to their mission, revenue, and reach. • AI is changing agency workflows fast, but curiosity, ethics, and experimentation keep it human. • Merging two purpose-driven teams isn’t about scale—it’s about shared values and vision. • Mangrove’s evolution shows that you can stay small, focused, and deeply impactful. Chapters 00:00 Intro: From coder to CEO 01:00 The origin story of Mangrove Web 03:30 Becoming a Certified B Corp 06:00 Lessons from the certification process 09:00 Staying accountable to B Corp principles 11:00 How competition has evolved in the B Corp space 14:30 Why Mangrove focuses on nonprofits & foundations 17:30 Pricing and positioning in the nonprofit world 20:00 The role of AI in Mangrove’s workflow 23:00 How design and dev are converging 27:30 Internal AI tooling vs. client-facing tools 30:00 Building trust as a strategic digital advisor 32:20 Rapid fire: remote work, creative parenting, and common myths 34:50 Closing thoughts Resources Mentioned https://www.ai4np.org/ Maiya Holliday, CEO and Founder of Mangrove Web Development, is a creative leader and collaborator who crafts digital solutions to augment the impact of changemakers. She is a self-taught coder with over a decade of hands-on experience. Maiya aligns folks toward actionable goals that help articulate and communicate their organization’s purpose and impact on the web, with people, planet, purpose, and equity at the core. She has led over 200 website projects for changemakers and purpose-driven organizations. Maiya led Mangrove to become a Certified B Corp in 2016 and has since championed the cause of socially and environmentally conscious businesses, deepening their impact. She values working alongside a diverse team of talented people who are passionate about what they do. A Bay Area native, Maiya now lives in the mountains of Truckee, CA, with her husband Shaun and little humans Terner and Miles. You might also find her in Oakland or Australia, where she tends to show up on a regular basis. Contact Maiya on LinkedIn, the company's LinkedIn page, or their website.

Featuring: Peter Lang, Digital Agency Business In episode 130, I sit down with Peter Lang—co-founder of Digital Agency Business and AVA, and longtime agency acquirer—to unpack how agency owners can use M&A as a growth superpower. Peter shares the seven-day deal that doubled his agency’s revenue, the due-diligence signals that actually matter (talent, client stickiness, and contracts), why most M&A fails on culture not math, and how AI is reshaping hiring and service models. We also get into founder identity after the sale, what “professional maturity” looks like, and why many owners are really capital allocators in the making. Key Bytes • M&A can compress years of organic growth into months—if you underwrite people, clients, and terms before the numbers. • Culture fit and integration planning beat fancy spreadsheets; most failed deals are value misalignment, not valuation. • AI is wiping out entry-level tasks first; the winners redeploy A-players and teach clients how to use AI, not hide from it. • Founder-led sales can’t be the only engine; build repeatable sales capacity that survives distractions. • You already “work for” whoever pays you—selling changes the customer, not your agency DNA. • Treat time like capital: budget it, forecast it, and review it like an effective executive. Chapters 00:00 Cold open, quick re-intro 01:08 The seven-day deal that doubled revenue 03:32 Doing three deals in 90 days during COVID 06:36 Common seller misconceptions and Peter’s deal lens 09:19 Endurance mindset, calendars, and operating like an athlete 13:46 What buyers actually look for beyond the numbers 17:43 AI’s impact on talent, delivery, and survival to 2027 22:10 Life after the sale and “professional maturity” 24:51 Rapid fire: celebrating wins, the race that changed him, dream acquisition 27:45 Where to learn more (digitalagencybusiness.com) Resources Mentioned • Effective Executive by Peter Drucker (time tracking and retrospective) • GrowthHackers community (context on Peter’s portfolio) • digitalagencybusiness.com (Peter’s M&A training and upcoming book) Peter Lang is an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with over 15 years of experience building, buying, and selling companies across online publishing, media, advertising, e-commerce, and consulting. He’s the co-founder and Chief M&A Officer at AVA, a fast-growing digital agency holding company acquiring businesses in the $1–10 million range. Peter also runs Digital Agency Business (DAB), an e-learning company that trains entrepreneurs to launch and scale their own agencies. A former CEO of Uhuru Network and advisor to multiple companies, Peter’s passion lies in using mergers and acquisitions to accelerate growth. An endurance athlete and family man, he lives by the belief that anything is achievable with hard work. Contact Peter on LinkedIn or his website.

Featuring: Natasha Golinsky, On Purpose Projects In episode 129, I talk with Natasha Golinski, founder of On Purpose Projects, a custom web and e-commerce dev agency. Natasha is a three-time Canada Women of Influence nominee, a mom of three, and a breast cancer survivor—and she’s built her business around the belief that mindset is everything. We dig into how she went from “accidental agency owner” to leading a zero-meeting, all-contractor team for over a decade, and why journaling, EFT (tapping), and surrounding yourself with the right people are critical to surviving the entrepreneurial rollercoaster. Natasha also shares how a cancer diagnosis forced her to hire ops support—and ultimately led to one of her agency’s biggest months ever. This episode is a masterclass in grit, leadership, and the mental game of entrepreneurship. Key Bytes • Mindset is the job. Natasha starts most days with journaling and EFT to reset anxiety and focus. • Zero meetings, high loyalty. A culture of respect, gratitude, and no drama keeps her contractor team thriving. • Protect your people. Leadership means absorbing the stress and passing the praise. • Say no early. Guardrails in discovery protect the team from toxic clients. • Crisis as catalyst. Cancer forced Natasha to let go of ops—and it unlocked growth. • Community matters. No one is self-made—surround yourself with peers who lift you up. • Focus sharpens delivery. On Purpose Projects does dev only—like a food truck that just serves crepes. Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Natasha’s background 02:12 Accidental agency beginnings 04:45 Mindset, marketing, and money: her founder lane 07:30 Morning pages & EFT as daily reset tools 11:05 Cancer diagnosis, hiring ops, and a breakthrough month 15:20 Building loyalty in a zero-meeting contractor culture 20:22 Client red flags & protecting your team 23:50 Why no one is self-made: the role of community 26:30 Rapid-fire fun: karaoke, first impressions, food truck metaphor 28:55 Closing thoughts Natasha Golinsky is the founder of an award-winning web development and ecommerce agency, a three-time nominee for the Canada Women of Influence® Award, and a tireless champion of female agency owners. Natasha’s also a mom of three and a breast cancer survivor who brings grit, heart, and a deep sense of purpose to everything she does. I’m thrilled to dig into her journey, her mission, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Natasha, welcome to the show. Award-winning web development & ecommerce agency founder | Champion & connector of female agency owners | 3x nominee Canada Women of Influence® Award | Breast Cancer Butt-Kicker | Mom x 3 Contact Natasha on their website or on LinkedIn.

Featuring: Logan Lyles, DemandShift In episode 128, I sit down with Logan Lyles, founder of DemandShift and longtime B2B sales and marketing pro. Logan’s career has spanned brand side, agency side, and now his own consultancy—giving him a unique perspective on what it really takes to grow pipeline. We unpack his journey from scaling Sweet Fish Media to Inc. 5000 status, building the Agency Life series at Teamwork, and leading growth at Business Builders. Most importantly, Logan shares how he turned disappointing webinar results into a repeatable framework that consistently converts registrations into booked sales calls. If you’ve ever run a webinar that felt like a win… until the dreaded “conversion cliff,” this episode gives you the practical, step-by-step fixes to turn those views into revenue. Key Bytes • Logan explains how most agencies fall into the “conversion cliff” trap—lots of registrants, little pipeline—and the two-part fix that changed everything. • He shares the importance of packaging your expertise into a clear framework that creates a natural next step. • We break down his two-step registration process that boosted webinar conversions by 5–10x. • We compare free vs. paid events, what impacts show-up rates, and which strategy works best for agencies.| • We talk about how webinars double as content engines for thought leadership and trust building. • Logan shares why solopreneurs and 20-person agencies alike can adapt this strategy with the right tech stack. • He opens up about lessons learned in sales—why not every “yes” is worth chasing. Chapters 00:02 Intro to Logan Lyles and Demand Shift 01:14 Logan’s meandering career path from journalism to sales to agency life 03:09 Lessons from scaling Sweet Fish Media and leading growth at Business Builders 06:44 Why referrals aren’t enough for agencies anymore 07:28 The “conversion cliff” of webinars and how Logan fixed it 09:48 The two-step registration process that boosted conversions 5–10x 12:59 Free vs. paid webinars: show rates, signups, and strategy 15:57 Webinars as thought-leadership engines and content machines 19:11 Blending demand gen with brand building for faster sales cycles 23:02 Rethinking webinars: live podcasts, polls, and engagement tactics 27:08 Sales lessons: why not every yes is worth chasing 27:50 Wrap-up and where to find Logan (demandshift.co) Logan Lyles has spent 17 years in B2B sales & marketing, drawing on his journalism background & working both agency- and brand-side in various roles. He has helped multiple agencies scale, including helping lead Sweet Fish Media onto the Inc 5,000 List 2 years in a row & increasing Business Builders monthly email list growth by 580% in 2024. Logan is the founder of DemandShift, a webinar-as-a-service agency, the co-host of the weekly podcast: The Marketing Max Show & a LinkedIn Top Voice. Contact Logan on his website or on LinkedIn.

Featuring: Kelly Schuknecht, Two Mile High Marketing In episode 127, I talk with Kelly Schuknecht, founder of Two Mile High Marketing and host of the Beyond the Best Seller podcast. Kelly shares her journey from being laid off to launching her agency, how she quickly built a team, and why she’s focused on helping agency owners and CEOs grow through thought leadership platforms. We dig into what I call The Agency Owner’s Visibility Plan—a repeatable system of podcasts, stages, and LinkedIn that helps agencies build authority, stay top-of-mind, and consistently attract clients. Key Bytes • The Agency Owner’s Visibility Plan comes down to visibility, credibility, and consistency. • Trusting yourself to leap without a safety net accelerates growth. • Niching disqualifies the wrong buyers while pulling in the right ones. • Visibility means showing up where your audience already is. • Credibility is built in a snap judgment—package your proof. • Consistency matters more than volume—set a realistic cadence. • Every podcast interview can fuel a month’s worth of content. • Delegating early unlocks owner time for actual growth work. • In-person events still beat virtual for relationship building. Chapters 00:00 Introducing Kelly and the story behind “Two Mile High” 03:30 From acquisition layoff to launching an agency 06:45 Why she pivoted away from “fractional CMO” 09:55 The challenge and power of niching down 13:50 Hiring early and delegating with trust 16:20 The Visibility–Credibility–Consistency framework 19:55 A realistic cadence for LinkedIn, podcasts, and speaking 24:10 In-person vs. virtual events and AI’s limitations 26:45 Rapid Fire: superpowers, lessons learned, and marketing myths Kelly Schuknecht is the founder of Two Mile High Marketing, where she partners with agency owners and business leaders to build powerful thought leadership platforms. With over 15 years of marketing experience and a track record of elevating brands from behind the scenes, Kelly now helps experts step into the spotlight through strategic content, visibility tactics, and authentic personal branding. She’s the host of Beyond the Bestseller, a podcast featuring women who use their stories to lead. Connect with Kelly on their company website, personal website, or on LinkedIn.

Featuring: Meeky Hwang, Ndevr In episode 126, I sit down with Meeky Hwang, CEO and partner at Endeavor, a WordPress development agency powering digital platforms for major media and enterprise brands like Bloomberg, Forbes, and Sony. With over two decades of experience in development and DevOps, Meeky has built Endeavor into a trusted name in the WordPress ecosystem while also paving the way as a female leader in tech. We talk about her accidental journey into agency ownership, what it’s like leading in an industry where women are still underrepresented, and how Endeavor built its three-pillar framework for resilient platforms. Meeky shares candid insights on navigating partnerships, the challenges of “over-engineering” with headless CMS, and the importance of masterminds and community for entrepreneurs. Key Bytes • Meeky shares how an “accidental” freelance project led to a decade-long partnership and agency. • She discusses the importance of having clear role delineation with her co-founder to avoid missteps. • Endeavor’s three-pillar framework (audience experience, editorial experience, developer experience) keeps their platforms resilient. • She explains why many publishers are moving away from over-engineered headless CMS solutions back to WordPress. • As a female leader in tech, she reflects on mentorship, representation, and inspiring others by simply “being the first.” • She stresses the value of mastermind groups for growth and support, something she wishes she’d pursued earlier. • Endeavor is exploring AI to streamline workflows and even testing new content tools for clients. • Her advice for organizations: implement proper version control and CI/CD to avoid preventable tech mistakes. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and introduction to Meeky Hwang 03:00 Becoming an “accidental” agency founder 07:00 Women in tech and leadership representation 11:00 Why Endeavor niched into WordPress and media 12:30 The three-pillar framework for resilient platforms 15:00 Headless CMS pitfalls and returning to WordPress 18:00 Navigating co-founder roles and partnerships 23:00 AI, internal tools, and what’s next for Endeavor 25:00 The power of masterminds for entrepreneurs 27:00 Rapid fire: karaoke, hobbies, and tech stack fixes Meeky Hwang is the CEO & Partner at Ndevr, a WordPress development agency trusted by leading digital media and enterprise companies. With 20+ years of experience in web development, open-source technology, and DevOps, she specializes in optimizing complex digital ecosystems, streamlining editorial workflows, and aligning technology with business goals. Meeky has helped major brands like PMC, Hearst, Bloomberg, Forbes, and Sony build scalable, high-performing digital platforms. A champion for women in tech, she is passionate about fostering opportunities for the next generation of leaders. Contact Meeky on their website.

Featuring: Dolores G Hirschmann, Masters in Clarity In episode 125, I sit down with Dolores Hirschmann, investor, strategist, and founder of Masters in Clarity. Dolores has built, scaled, and sold businesses—including one to Pete Vargas and Grant Cardone after growing it to eight figures. A former TEDx organizer, she now helps service professionals and thought leaders clarify their message, craft high-converting signature talks, and get booked on stages that drive real business results. We explore her journey from early internet marketing in Argentina to launching an outbound speaker agency, and she shares her framework for creating talks that convert, practical tips for pitching event organizers, and why thought leadership is still one of the most powerful growth levers for agencies. Key Bytes • Thought leadership isn’t about celebrity—it’s about clarity and consistency • A great talk is less about what you say and more about what your audience walks away with • Don’t pitch event organizers with long bios—open the door with a simple yes/no question • The best call-to-action from stage isn’t a free consultation, it’s a free resource tied to your talk • A signature talk framework can be applied to any presentation—keynote, workshop, or boardroom update • Speaking is one of the most scalable ways to build trust, demonstrate expertise, and generate new business Chapters 00:00 Welcome and introduction to Dolores Hirschmann 01:18 Early internet marketing and human-to-human relationships 04:58 Moving to the U.S. and pioneering online learning platforms 06:26 From serial entrepreneur to coach and strategist 08:19 Organizing TEDx and developing the signature talk framework 11:26 Building and scaling a speaker agency to $20M+ 14:29 Why agencies need to lean into speaking and thought leadership 15:44 Practical steps to land more speaking opportunities 20:07 The seven steps of a high-converting talk 23:24 How to craft calls-to-action that drive leads from stage 25:23 Using QR codes and free resources to capture audience interest 26:25 Masters in Clarity workshops and software for speakers 27:02 Rapid fire: tap dancing, gut instincts, and buying businesses Dolores Hirschmann is an investor, strategist, speaker, and founder of Masters in Clarity, a strategy and business coaching firm. She helps service professionals grow their businesses and establish thought leadership. A former TEDx organizer, she specializes in positioning experts, authors, consultants, and coaches for success. Dolores recently sold a company to Pete Vargas and Grant Cardone, supporting its growth to multiple 8 figures in four years. She built a software platform to help speakers get placed on stages and advises businesses on preparing for profitable exits. Masters in Clarity provides fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) services to help companies design and execute marketing initiatives and set up automated marketing systems. As an investor, Dolores acquires and scales small businesses, ensuring their legacy and long-term success. Connect with Dolores on their website.

Featuring: Joe Rojas, Start Grow Manage In episode 124, I sit down with Joe Rojas, founder of Start Grow Manage and author of How Entrepreneurs Thrive. Joe has built and sold multiple MSPs, each time leveraging the power of deep niching to accelerate growth. We talk about the pivotal inflection points in a business’s lifecycle, why niching works across any industry, and how systems and values create businesses that can run—and grow—without the owner. Joe shares his framework for moving from “job” to “business,” the core values that drive his work, and how agencies can increase profitability by solving real business problems for clients. We also discuss the parallels between MSPs and agencies when it comes to client retention, lifetime value, and building a life you actually want to live. Key Bytes • Niching accelerates growth because it clarifies your offer and your audience • The difference between a lifestyle job and a lifestyle business is scale and delegation • Core values must be discovered, not invented—and hiring should be based on them • Profitability can start with your existing clients, not just new ones • Long-term success comes from solving clients’ business problems, not just delivering services Chapters 00:00 Welcome and guest intro 01:06 Joe’s journey from the Army to building and selling MSPs 03:18 Understanding the “Start, Grow, Manage” stages 05:03 Why Joe wrote How Entrepreneurs Thrive 06:33 The $1M inflection point and profitability mindset 08:16 Helping clients reclaim their time and freedom 12:20 Building core values that drive the business 16:46 Hiring for abundance mindset and cultural fit 21:07 How Joe’s book applies to agencies today 24:07 Why technology changes but strategy doesn’t 26:08 Expanding accounts by solving deeper problems 28:37 Mapping the client journey for better results 30:21 Rapid fire questions and closing thoughts Joe is the Founder at Start Grow Manage, based in New York, and author of How Entrepreneurs Thrive. He empowers Managed Service Providers and entrepreneurs to overcome the challenges of business formation to create profitable, growing businesses. As a serial entrepreneur himself, he has faced the challenge of making new and growing businesses work. His career started in the military, where he became an expert in information technology, eventually forming his own managed services company. Through that experience, he discovered the formula for businesses and learned that entrepreneurs are good at what they do but struggle to build a business. Connect with Joe on their website.

Featuring: Jenny Plant, Account Management Skills In episode 123, I sit down with Jenny Plant, founder of Account Management Skills, to talk about why strong account management is the secret weapon for agency growth. Drawing on over 25 years of experience on both the agency and client side, Jenny shares how she helps account managers develop the skills, confidence, and mindset to grow accounts without feeling “salesy.” We discuss the challenges of hybrid AM/PM roles, how to spot rising account management stars, and why curiosity and relationship skills often outweigh industry knowledge. Jenny also dives into her “Four P’s” of AI for account managers—Productivity, Personalization, Prescribe, and Predict—showing how technology can boost proactivity and client value. We wrap with insights on setting growth targets, charging for account management, and building a culture that celebrates account wins as much as new business. Key Bytes • Account growth starts with training AMs to be proactive, not just reactive service providers • Hybrid AM/PM roles often fail to drive growth because delivery takes priority over development • Curiosity and relationship skills can be more valuable than industry expertise • AI can help AMs be more productive, personalize interactions, prescribe solutions, and predict client needs • Co-creating growth targets with AMs boosts buy-in and accuracy • Celebrating account growth fosters a culture where client retention and expansion matter as much as net new business Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jenny Plant & Account Management Skills 02:20 Why sales training is vital for account managers 04:16 The challenge of hybrid AM/PM roles in driving growth 08:58 Traits of successful account managers 11:32 Hiring AMs from outside the agency world 13:14 Jenny’s Four P’s of AI for account managers 18:19 Proactivity and presenting ideas to clients 20:38 Co-creating account growth targets 22:55 Charging for account management services 24:36 How many accounts can one AM manage effectively? 28:15 Creating a culture that celebrates account growth Jenny Plant is the founder of Account Management Skills a training company helping agency account managers retain client relationships and grow accounts. Jenny has over 25 years in agency account management and has also worked client-side in marketing for an international airline and pharmaceutical company. Her account management training programmes blend proven client growth methodologies with the integration of AI tools, helping agencies stay relevant, efficient, and proactive. She also hosts the Creative Agency Account Manager Podcast, where she shares insights and interviews to elevate the agency-client relationship management standards across the industry. Connect with Jenny on their website.

Featuring: Arielle Cohen, Business 411 In episode 122, I sit down with Ariel Cohn, founder of Marketing 411 and CMO of Business 401, to talk about how she scaled a multi–seven figure agency by going all-in on the roofing niche. Ariel shares why niching transformed their operations, how they built scalable systems and sister companies to serve the industry, and why embracing AI and virtual teams has been key to their growth. We also dive into the mindset shifts required to build an agency that supports your lifestyle — instead of running you into the ground. Key Bytes • Niching down creates clarity, repeatable systems, and faster scaling opportunities • A sister company approach can build trust and open new revenue streams • Retainer-based models help stabilize cash flow and increase profitability • Virtual teams and offshore talent can boost efficiency without sacrificing quality • Embracing AI is no longer optional — it’s essential for agency survival and growth Chapters 00:01 Intro and Ariel’s background in roofing marketing 01:12 From generalist to roofing specialist: why niching was key 04:44 Myths about niching and lessons from going all-in 07:32 Defining the ideal client profile and setting minimums 09:00 Early challenges and focusing on revenue first 12:34 Building two complementary companies for growth 16:22 Leveraging virtual teams, overseas talent, and AI for scale 19:07 Retainer models vs. one-off projects for stable growth 20:29 Staying hungry and setting bigger goals 23:18 Embracing AI and adapting to industry change 25:10 Rapid fire: worst advice, daily habits, and explaining her job to a 5-year-old Arielle Cohen is the Co-Founder of Marketing 411 and CMO of Business 411. With over a decade of experience in marketing, she has mastered the art of growing a Multi 7 Figure Agency through building a scalable and efficient operation. As the company grows, her focus has shifted to optimizing her time and building a dream company that supports her vision and lifestyle—without letting the business take over. Connect with Arielle at marketing411.com, business411.com, or @arielleCEO on social.

Featuring: Shawn Johnston, Forge and Smith In episode 121, I sit down with Shawn Johnston, founder of Forge and Smith and creator of Refoundry—a low-code WordPress platform that’s transforming how agencies build and deliver websites. We talk about how Shawn cut delivery time by 70%, turned profit margins around using the Profit First method, and transitioned his agency toward a scalable, productized model. He shares insights on navigating developer pushback, balancing client empowerment with agency control, and preparing for evolving tech shifts like AI in web development. Whether you’re struggling with project bottlenecks, shrinking budgets, or scaling challenges, Shawn’s story offers a clear path forward for building smarter, more profitable systems. Key Bytes • Refoundry cut Forge and Smith’s development time by 70%, transforming profitability. • Adopting Profit First changed their approach to pricing and overhead limits. • Client empowerment through low-code builds loyalty and drives referrals. • Transitioning leadership allowed Shawn’s team to grow into bigger roles. • Technological shifts (like Webflow and AI) demand constant agency adaptation. • Productizing an internal tool opened new revenue streams beyond services. • Balancing developer pride with client needs is critical for successful adoption. • Early lessons in print taught Shawn to anticipate and embrace industry change. Chapters 00:01 Introduction to Shawn Johnston and Forge and Smith 02:11 Moving from freelance to full agency and early challenges 04:39 Implementing Profit First and shifting to scalable systems 06:38 Why Refoundry: Bringing low-code to WordPress 08:22 Cutting development time and improving project profitability 11:23 Developer pushback and prioritizing client empowerment 14:44 Evolving Refoundry into a product for other agencies 17:03 Transitioning leadership and building team collaboration 24:17 Preparing for tech shifts like AI and staying nimble in delivery 28:30 Rapid fire questions and final reflections Shawn Johnston is the founder of Forge and Smith, a digital agency that’s launched over 500 websites in the past 13 years. After hitting the usual delivery bottlenecks and burnout cycles, he built Refoundry—a low-code platform for WordPress that helped his team cut build times by 70% and scale without sacrificing quality. Now he’s on a mission to help other agencies streamline delivery, boost margins, and build systems that actually work. Contact Shawn on Forge and Smith or Refoundry.

Featuring: Greg Bellinger, White Rabbit In episode 120, I sit down with Greg Bellinger, co-founder and CEO of White Rabbit, a web and mobile development agency with nearly 100 in-house employees spread across Colombia, India, and the U.S. Greg shares his journey from frontend developer to visionary CEO and breaks down how White Rabbit scaled by staying focused on one niche—supporting other agencies. We explore why White Rabbit only hires full-time employees, how niching into agency delivery gave them a competitive edge, and the strategic thinking behind launching their own internal project financial software. Greg also talks about his passion for creation, not just in code but in culture, leadership, and future products. This one’s full of takeaways for agency owners looking to scale with purpose. Key Bytes • Greg shares why they only hire full-time employees and the cultural benefits that come with it • He explains how niching into working with agencies helped them scale more efficiently • Greg reflects on stepping away from product management and letting his leadership team shine • He talks about the challenges of managing across three countries and how they keep their culture unified • Greg reveals details about their custom-built project management and financial tool • He offers insight into people management, tough conversations, and protecting your energy • He shares his personal philosophy of “create,” from coding to building culture • Greg discusses what entrepreneurship means to him and how it’s been part of his DNA from the start Chapters 00:00 Welcome and guest intro 01:00 The origin of White Rabbit and its full-time hiring philosophy 02:30 Transitioning out of coding and project management 06:00 Working exclusively with agencies vs. going direct 07:15 Niching and its impact on growth and clarity 10:00 Scaling globally: why Colombia, India, and the U.S. 12:00 Uniting culture across three countries 14:00 Vision for the future: stepping back, launching products 16:30 Building internal software for project and financial management 19:00 Lessons in people management and entrepreneurship 25:00 Rapid fire: guilty pleasures, two-word advice, and dream hire Greg Bellinger is the Co-Founder and CEO of White Rabbit Group, a web and mobile development agency with a fully in-house team of nearly 100 employees across three countries. His passion for technology began in childhood, leading him to hand-code his first websites in 2008. In 2016, he co-founded White Rabbit Group, building it into a trusted development partner for world-class agencies and creatives. Under his leadership, the company has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality digital solutions while fostering a close culture of technical experts. Contact Greg on the White Rabbit website or on LinkedIn.

Featuring: Jessica Malnik In episode 119, I sit down with Jessica Malnik, a B2B messaging strategist who’s helped over 75 founders and lean marketing teams craft content that actually gets read—and drives results. We talk about the risks of over-commoditized content in the age of AI and why a flood of “cheap” output isn’t a strategy. Jessica walks me through her signature framework, the Marketing MOAT, which focuses on Messaging, Distribution, and Content Efficiency. She also shares practical, low-lift ways agencies can build content machines, maximize existing assets, and stay consistent without burning out. We even talk about content imposter syndrome, the curse of knowledge, and why you don’t have to be totally unique—you just need to show up as yourself. If you’ve ever struggled with creating content that converts (and keeps converting), this episode is packed with clarity, systems, and smart takes that’ll help you raise your signal-to-noise ratio. Key Bytes • Messaging without a unique perspective leads to content that gets ignored • AI-only content creation can dilute your brand and commoditize your services • Her “Marketing MOAT” framework focuses on messaging, distribution, and content efficiency • Distribution must be built into strategy from the beginning, not as an afterthought • Agencies should reuse and repurpose evergreen content instead of always creating new • Consistency (3x/week on LinkedIn) matters more than frequency spikes • Authenticity in content doesn’t mean oversharing—it means resonance • Set goals based on team size, budget, and business stage, then reverse engineer your strategy Chapters 00:01 Welcome and intro to Jessica Malnik 01:46 Common agency messaging mistakes 03:26 Why AI-only content is risky for agencies 05:14 Jessica’s Marketing MOAT framework explained 07:21 How to develop “spiky” messaging and content positioning 10:34 Distribution strategy: where your audience actually is 14:04 Own your content—don’t rely only on social algorithms 15:09 Content efficiency and repurposing systems 19:00 Best practices for publishing frequency 21:16 Balancing personal and professional content 22:28 Reverse engineering content strategy based on goals 23:41 Rapid Fire Q&A with Jessica Jessica Malnik has helped over 75 B2B founders and lean marketing teams fix their positioning and craft messaging people actually read and respond to. She’s spoken at half a dozen in-person conferences in the U.S., Australia, and Thailand, as well as dozens of virtual webinars, workshops, and podcast guest appearances. She’s also been featured in WSJ, The Next Web, MicroConf, Wynter, SXSW, and MSN UK, among many others. Contact Jessica on their website or join their newsletter.

Featuring: Jamie Brindle In episode 118, I’m joined by Jamie Brindle—a freelancer, strategist, and creator who’s built a half-million-strong audience around helping creative solopreneurs build sustainable, scalable freelance businesses. In this conversation, Jamie breaks down what it means to be an “Entrelancer”—a hybrid of entrepreneur and freelancer—and why the traditional view of freelancing is overdue for a reboot. We talk about why having an audience builds instant trust, how freelancers can evolve into business owners without employees, and the myths around websites and portfolios that keep too many creatives stuck in planning mode instead of taking action. Jamie also shares a powerful framework for moving strangers into long-term client relationships—and why every freelancer should be thinking like a strategist, not just a task-taker. Whether you’re freelancing, running an agency, or somewhere in between, this one’s packed with fresh thinking. Key Bytes • Jamie shares the origin of the term “Entrelancer”—and how it reflects a more modern, business-minded freelancer. • He explains how their TikTok content (originally not for clients) unexpectedly opened doors to Fortune 100 opportunities. • We dig into the importance of digital products, productized services, and building systems to support time freedom. • Jamie outlines the four stages of the customer journey: Stranger → Lead → Client → Client for Life. • He gives a masterclass in how to manufacture delight, over-deliver, and secure repeat work. • We challenge the sacred cows of freelancer websites and portfolios—and why Jamie believes they’re massive time-wasters. • Sales anxiety? Jamie offers a grounded, simple mindset shift that removes pressure and focuses on being helpful. • He explains how positioning yourself as a solution—not a task-taker—is the unlock to charging more and building authority. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Intro to Jamie Brindle 01:00 The accidental power of TikTok and building trust 04:30 Redefining success as a freelancer 07:00 “Entrelancer” vs. freelancer: What’s the difference? 11:40 Scaling without employees: Productized and digital offers 13:00 Pivoting from video work to social media consulting 15:25 Lessons from shifting services and getting back in the field 19:30 Jamie’s four stages of the customer journey 24:00 Reframing sales: It’s just solving a problem 28:00 Positioning yourself as a strategic partner 34:00 Why portfolios and websites are the biggest time wasters 37:00 Final thoughts and closing Jamie Brindle is a freelancer who gives advice to over half a million other creatives on social media about building a scalable and sustainable freelance business. Contact Jamie on their website or @thejamiebrindle on all socials.

Featuring: Wanda Allen, Follow Up Sales In episode 117, I sit down with Wanda Allen, international speaker, coach, and author of Follow Up Sales Strategies. With 25 years in the corporate world and a background in business banking, Wanda developed a systemized approach to sales follow-up that now helps business owners and sales professionals increase their close rates. We dive into the psychology behind why so many people avoid follow-up, the fears that hold them back (hint: it’s not really about time), and how a simple shift in mindset and process can transform your sales pipeline. Wanda shares data-backed insights, actionable tips for improving follow-up cadence, and even debunks myths about being “pushy.” Whether you’re in active outreach or avoiding the phone like the plague, this episode will motivate you to reframe your follow-up game—and pick up the phone with purpose. We also talk about her book-writing journey, the importance of believing in the value you bring, and a bucket-list dream that has her heading south of the border. Key Bytes • 98% of sales don’t happen on the first contact—follow-up is essential. • Fear of being “pushy” and fear of rejection are the top two mindset blocks around follow-up. • 80% of sales happen between the 5th and 12th contact—most people quit after 2. • Follow-up is a form of service, not pressure—it shows interest and professionalism. • The phone is the most efficient tool in sales, yet it’s the most underused. • You can’t build trust without consistent, committed follow-up. • Stop assuming silence means disinterest—prospects are often just busy. • Confidence in your pricing comes from believing in your value. Chapters 00:01 – Introducing Wanda Allen and the importance of follow-up 01:04 – From corporate banking to follow-up systems expert 03:35 – Writing two books and why her first was retired 06:07 – The real reason people don’t follow up: mindset and fear 07:59 – How to prioritize follow-up and overcome procrastination 11:00 – Why consistent follow-up beats your competition 14:12 – Action over anxiety: staying out of your head during follow-up 16:18 – The forgotten power of the phone in today’s sales world Wanda Allen is an international speaker, coach, and corporate trainer. She's also the author of Follow Up Savvy and Follow Up Sales Strategies. Wanda had a 25 year corporate career where she held the position of Senior Vice President for 15 years. She has a strong skill set for developing systems and applied this skill to the follow up process. She's an expert in helping entrepreneurs, business owners, and sales professionals increase pipelines, improve sales performance, and strengthen relationships by developing strong follow up skills. Contact Wanda on their website, LinkedIn, or Facebook.

Featuring: Clara Stedman and Ben Engvall, Palmer Advisors In episode 116, I sit down with Clara Stedman and Ben Engvall, founding partners of Palmer Advisors, a boutique M&A firm focused on marketing, media, and tech agencies in the lower to middle market. Clara and Ben break down what agency owners need to understand about selling their business, navigating deal structures, and preparing for acquisition—even if an exit isn’t on the immediate horizon. We talk about why Palmer was founded, the major shifts in deal terms over the last few years, and why so many agency founders are choosing to stay on post-acquisition. They also share candid insights into common red flags that signal an agency isn’t ready to sell—and what to do about it. We dive into how niching (especially by industry) impacts valuation, what kinds of agencies are in high demand, and how AI and proprietary tools may influence future multiples. Whether you’re dreaming of an exit, fielding buyer interest, or just want to understand how your agency is valued, this episode pulls back the curtain on the M&A process and what today’s buyers really want. Key Bytes • Palmer Advisors focuses on M&A for service-based businesses. • The agency market is evolving with new deal structures. • Cultural fit is crucial in agency acquisitions. • Founders should not exit at their peak performance. • Timing is key when going to market for an exit. • Having a strong leadership team is essential for agency sales. • Niche agencies are more attractive to buyers. • Understanding EBITDA is vital for agency owners. • Deal structures can be creative and flexible. • The future of M&A looks promising with technology advancements. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites 01:47 The Formation of Palmer Advisors 03:35 Reflections on the First Year 05:32 Understanding Agency M&A Dynamics 09:23 Identifying Readiness for Exit 13:28 The Importance of Owner Involvement 16:02 The Value of Niching in M&A 19:09 Demystifying M&A Terminology 23:19 Future Trends in M&A 25:11 The Role of IP and Technology in Valuation 28:34 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts Clara Stedman and Ben Engvall are the founding partners of Palmer Advisors, a boutique M&A advisory firm built specifically for founders of service-based businesses. With a focus on marketing, media, and tech agencies in the lower to middle market (typically $1–10M in EBITDA), Clara and Ben bring a modern, founder-first approach to buying, selling, and valuing businesses. They’ve quickly built a reputation for their strategic deal-making, brutally honest readiness assessments, and commitment to crafting win-win outcomes that align both financial and cultural goals. Clara leads as CEO, bringing a background in corporate retail and fitness, while Ben heads up M&A with a traditional finance foundation. Together, they’re reshaping what agency exits can—and should—look like. Contact Ben and Clara on LinkedIn or on the Palmer Advisors website.

Featuring: Courtney Jason Hennessey, Hennessey Digital In episode 115, I sit down with Jason Hennessey, internationally recognized SEO expert and CEO of Hennessey Digital. Jason shares the story of how a single talk at a legal mastermind sparked his first agency, and how he’s since scaled a powerhouse SEO firm serving top-tier law firms. We talk about niching down, the power of building a personal brand, and why delegation was key to scaling without burning out. Jason opens up about leadership, team culture, and how stepping back actually helped his agency grow faster. Plus, we dive into strategies like direct mail, personal outreach, and even outsourcing genius to level up results. Key Bytes • Jason Hennessy has been in SEO since 2001 and started his first agency in 2008. • He transitioned from his first agency to Hennessy Digital in 2015, focusing on law firms. • Innovative marketing strategies, like sending personalized books, helped him secure clients. • Hennessy Digital primarily serves personal injury lawyers but sees potential in other legal niches. • Building a personal brand has significantly increased response rates to his outreach. • Delegation and outsourcing are key to scaling an agency effectively. • Jason emphasizes the importance of investing in leadership and team development. • He still engages with SEO on a personal level, leveraging external expertise. • Agency culture is a priority, fostering support and recognition among team members. • Asking for help and seeking coaching is crucial for agency owners. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Guest Background 01:04 Jason Hennessy's Journey in SEO and Agency Growth 03:55 Transitioning from First Agency to Hennessy Digital 07:00 Innovative Marketing Strategies for Law Firms 10:06 Market Potential and Niche Focus in Legal SEO 11:58 Building a Personal Brand and Leadership Structure 16:01 Scaling the Agency and Delegating Responsibilities 20:03 Passion for SEO and Outsourcing Expertise 23:05 Expanding Services Beyond SEO 24:54 Agency Culture and Team Dynamics 27:04 Personal Insights and Advice for Agency Owners Jason Hennessey is an entrepreneur, internationally recognized SEO expert, author, speaker, podcast host, and business coach. Since 2001, Jason has been reverse-engineering the Google algorithm as a self-taught student and practitioner of SEO and search marketing. Jason's expertise has fueled the growth and successful sale of multiple businesses, starting with a pioneering dot-com venture in the wedding industry. Serving as the CEO of Hennessey Digital since 2015, Jason's leadership has transformed a modest consultancy into a thriving eight-figure agency, earning a place on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list for five consecutive years. He is also the author of two Amazon bestsellers, titled Law Firm SEO and Honest SEO. As a sought-after keynote speaker and a frequent guest on podcasts and webinars, Jason shares his wealth of knowledge. He contributes as a columnist to respected publications such as the Washington Post and is a regular contributor to Entrepreneur, Forbes, Inc., Newsweek, and Rolling Stone Magazine. Jason's accomplishments extend to being honored with the Gold TITAN Business Award in the Entrepreneurship, Branding, Advertising, & Marketing category, as well as being recognized as a National Law Review Go-To Thought Leader. Jason's journey has been enriched by his experience as a United States Air Force veteran and his attainment of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Commencing his SEO career in Las Vegas and later establishing a strong presence in the legal industry in Atlanta, Jason now resides in the Los Angeles area with his wife, Bridget, and their three children. Contact Jason on his personal website, his agency website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, IMDB, or Muckrack.

Featuring: Courtney De Ronde, Forge Financial In episode 114, I sit down with Courtney De Ronde, CEO of Forge Financial and Management Consulting, to talk about the powerful intersection of financial visibility and leadership growth. Courtney shares her journey from CPA to strategic business advisor, and we dig into her Simple Scale Up System—a framework designed to help agency leaders evolve from scrappy doers to scalable CEOs. We explore the importance of accurate revenue recognition, the dangers of relying too heavily on gut instincts, and the mindset shifts needed to lead at the next level. Courtney also gets candid about AI’s impact on the accounting industry and why embracing technology is a must—not a maybe. We wrap things up with some rapid-fire questions that reveal the human side of this numbers expert. Key Bytes • Courtney De Ronde has over 20 years of experience as a CPA. • Understanding financial visibility is crucial for business growth. • AI presents both challenges and opportunities in the CPA industry. • The Simple Scale Up System focuses on scaling leaders and organizations. • Leaders must shift from relying on instincts to leveraging insights. • Cash flow issues often indicate deeper business problems. • Delegation and trust are essential for scaling a business. • Learning from others' failures can accelerate growth. • Financial reporting should match revenue with related expenses. • Things don't have to be perfect to be effective. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Guest Background 01:04 Courtney's Evolution from CPA to Business Leader 03:19 Understanding Financial Visibility and Coaching Services 04:12 Common Financial Red Flags in Service-Based Businesses 08:06 The Impact of AI on the CPA Industry 12:25 The Simple Scale Up System Framework 15:46 Shifting Mindsets: From Instincts to Insights 22:53 Challenges in Scaling Dependent Businesses 25:13 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts Courtney De Ronde is the CEO of Forge Financial & Management Consulting and the creator of the Simple ScaleUp System™. With over 20 years as a CPA and 15 years in business leadership, Courtney specializes in guiding small businesses from startup to scaleup. She’s an expert in business intelligence, leadership, and corporate finance. We’re thrilled to have her share her insights on how you can achieve your most ambitious goals. Take our free Business Intelligence Grader to gain visibility within your business.

Featuring: Dr. Jeremy Weisz, Rise25 In episode 113, I sit down with Dr. Jeremy Weisz, co-founder of Rise 25 and host of the Inspired Insider podcast. Jeremy and I talk about how podcasting—when used the right way—can become one of the most effective tools for building real relationships, not just content. He breaks down the Dream 200 strategy for identifying ideal clients, why giving value always beats chasing sales, and how his agency uses both podcasting and strategic gifting to keep top-of-mind with partners and clients. We also dive into how he accidentally became an agency owner, the underrated power of thoughtful gifts, and his take on creating a high-impact referral ecosystem. And yes, we end with some rapid-fire questions—including the surprising mascot he’d pick for his agency. Key Bytes • Podcasting is a powerful tool for networking and professional development. • Building relationships through podcasting can lead to business opportunities. • The Dream 200 strategy helps identify and target ideal clients. • Giving away valuable information attracts the right clients. • Gifting strategies can enhance client engagement and retention. • Podcasting can serve multiple purposes: authority building, SEO, and content creation. • Networking through podcasts can create referral partnerships. • Understanding your niche is crucial for effective marketing. • Regular touchpoints with clients through gifts can strengthen relationships. • Consider the source of business advice before acting on it. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Podcasting and Rise 25 02:52 The Evolution of Podcasting and Its Benefits 05:47 Building Relationships Through Podcasting 09:10 The Dream 200 Strategy for Targeting Clients 11:53 Gifting Strategies for Client Engagement 14:54 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts Dr. Jeremy Weisz has been featuring top entrepreneurs with video interviews since 2008 that include founders/CEOs of Pixar, P90X, Atari, Einstein Bagels, Mattel, Kettle Chips, RX Bars, Big League Chew, the Orlando Magic, and many more on www.InspiredInsider.com He runs Rise25, which helps B2B businesses connect to their ‘Dream 200’ clients and referral partners and get ROI, using a podcast. They eliminate 99% of the work and make sure you get ROI. Rise25 is an easy button for you to launch and run your podcast. Podcasting has been one of the best things I've done both personally and professionally. It's been an amazing tool for connecting with referral partners, strategic partners, clients, and more. Podcasting is like a "Swiss Army knife" because it is business development, referral marketing, strategic partnerships, lead generation, SEO, content creation, and personal and professional development, all in one. Contact Dr. Weisz on their website, listen to Inspired Insider, or connect on LinkedIn.

Featuring: Jay Owen, Business Builders In episode 112 of Agency Bytes, I sit down with Jay Owen, founder of the multimillion-dollar agency Business Builders and the community Agency Builders. Jay started his web design business at just 17 and has spent the last 26 years growing it—intentionally and steadily—into a values-driven company focused on people over ego and sustainable growth over fast wins. We dive into the long game of agency leadership, building a business that can thrive without you, and the fulfillment that comes from creating jobs that others love. Jay shares how his faith and values guide the way he leads, the role community has played in his journey, and why slow growth might just be the secret weapon nobody talks about. Whether you’re scaling your team, wrestling with niching, or thinking about legacy, this episode is full of wisdom for the road ahead. Key Bytes • Jay Owen started his entrepreneurial journey at a young age. • Slow growth can lead to more sustainable success. • Creating job opportunities for others is a key motivation. • Community is essential for agency leaders. • Collaboration over competition fosters growth. • Integrating personal values into business is important. • Niche down or maintain variety based on personal preference. • Productization can enhance agency efficiency and profitability. • Having a support system prevents burnout. • Building a strong team is crucial for agency longevity. Chapters 00:00 The Entrepreneurial Spirit Begins 02:37 Navigating the Hills and Valleys of Business 05:35 Building a Team and Creating Opportunities 08:54 The Importance of Community Over Competition 12:50 Creating a Supportive Environment 16:56 Integrating Personal Values into Business 20:56 Niche vs. Variety in Agency Growth 23:32 Productization and Agency Wisdom Jay Owen started a web design company at 17 years old that has grown to a multi-million dollar agency and still growing 26 years later. He’s the author of Building a Business that Lasts and Host of a Podcast by the same name. Jay founded Agency Builders, a community to help agency leaders grow and scale in a healthy way. Contact Jay at the Agency Builders Retreat or his AI with Jay website.

Featuring: Corey Quinn In episode 111 of Agency Bytes, I sit down with Corey Quinn—agency growth expert, author of Anyone, Not Everyone, and the guy who helped scale Scorpion from $20M to $150M. We unpack what it really means to specialize as an agency and why empathy might just be your most overlooked growth lever. Corey shares how moving from generalist to deep specialization can unlock operational efficiency, stronger positioning, and a hell of a lot more revenue. We also dig into outbound sales strategies (including the power of gifting!), how to expand into multiple verticals without becoming a generalist again, and what the future of agency specialization looks like in an AI-driven world. If you’ve ever worried about niching down “too far,” this conversation will flip that fear on its head. Key Bytes • Corey Quinn emphasizes the importance of deep specialization for agency growth. • Empathy is crucial for understanding clients' specific problems. • Transitioning from inbound to outbound sales requires a strategic approach. • The generalist trap can lead to operational inefficiencies and client loss. • Building trust through industry engagement is key to agency success. • Agencies should consider adjacent verticals for expansion. • Creative teams may need variety to stay engaged in specialized markets. • The tools used in marketing may change, but the outcomes remain constant. • Agencies should focus on solving real-world business problems for clients. • Founders can explore new verticals once they achieve a certain market share. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Agency Growth and Specialization 01:11 Corey's Journey in the Agency World 03:02 Scaling Scorpion: From 20M to 150M 07:15 The Shift to Outbound Sales Strategies 11:44 Deep Specialization: Breaking the Generalist Trap 12:10 Empathy in Agency Specialization 19:10 Building Trust Through Industry Engagement 21:10 Expanding into New Verticals 25:17 Addressing Fears of Niching Down 27:42 Future Trends in Agency Specialization Corey Quinn has over 18 years in the agency space, including as Scorpion's CMO, where he helped grow revenue from $20M to $150M in 6 years. His bestselling book: "Anyone, Not Everyone: a Proven System for Agencies to Escape Founder-Led Sales" has been endorsed by Aaron Ross, John Ruhlin, Dr. Benjamin Hardy, Marcel Petitpas, and many others. Today, his company helps digital agencies become the go-to choice within a vertical market with his Deep Specialization Methodology. Contact Corey on his website or LinkedIn.

Featuring: James Barnard, Barnard Co In episode 110 of Agency Bites, I sit down with the incredibly talented James Barnard, a logo designer and design educator based in Australia. We dive deep into his fascinating journey from the publishing world in the UK to building a thriving freelance design business powered by social media — especially TikTok! James shares how he crafted his pricing strategies, attracts qualified leads, and balances freelance life with family life. We also get into his design process, the value of design education today, and how he's expanded his income streams through courses and brand partnerships. Plus, we wrap things up with a few rapid-fire questions that give a glimpse into James's personal side. You won't want to miss this one! Key Bytes • James transitioned to graphic design at 25 after a career in publishing. • Social media, especially TikTok, played a crucial role in his business growth. • Viral content can significantly increase client leads and visibility. • Pricing strategies are essential for attracting qualified leads. • Balancing freelance work with personal life is a priority for James. • A structured design process leads to higher quality work and client satisfaction. • Diversifying income streams can alleviate pressure from client work. • Education in design is evolving with social media as a learning tool. • James emphasizes the importance of being hands-on in his work. • Pitching for work is often a waste of time in the design industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to James Barnard 02:28 James's Journey into Graphic Design 05:30 The Impact of Social Media on Business 09:52 Going Viral: The TikTok Breakthrough 12:27 Pricing Strategies and Qualified Leads 14:49 Balancing Freelance Work and Personal Life 18:57 Design Process and Client Interaction 25:58 Diversifying Income Streams 30:11 The Value of Design Education 31:37 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts James Barnard is a logo designer and design educator specializing in creating logos and visual identities with meaning. With over 15 years of experience in the graphic design industry, he began his career in the UK’s publishing sector before transitioning into branding and education. Passionate about sharing his expertise, James is dedicated to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of designers through his social platforms, where he provides valuable insights, tutorials, and industry knowledge. Contact James on his website, on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

Featuring: Tony Wilson, Accquip In episode 109 of Agency Bytes, I sit down with Tony Wilson, founder of Accquip and a financial powerhouse for agencies who want to stop flying blind. Tony shares his story of stepping out of corporate during the Great Resignation and stepping into his passion—helping agency owners build profitable businesses they actually love running. We break down Days Till Zero, a simple but powerful metric Tony developed to help agency owners understand exactly how long their cash will last—and how to make smarter, proactive decisions before things get tight. Tony also dives into gross margin benchmarks, how overlooked they are, and why net profit alone doesn’t tell the full story. Plus, we talk through: • Red light, yellow light, and green light cash benchmarks every owner should know • Project-level gross margin mistakes (and how to fix them) • Why time tracking is about clarity, not micromanagement • Smart investments vs. sitting on cash If you’re ready to stop reacting and start running your agency with financial confidence, this one’s for you. Key Bytes • Tony Wilson's journey reflects the empowerment of agency owners. • Accquip focuses on educating entrepreneurs about accounting. • Understanding financial metrics leads to better decision-making. • Days till zero is a crucial metric for agency health. • Proactive financial management can prevent crises. • Cash reserves should be monitored regularly. • Gross margins are vital for assessing agency profitability. • Identifying project profitability helps in resource allocation. • Time tracking provides valuable operational insights. • Agencies should prioritize selling over playing business. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Tony Wilson's Journey 01:37 The Concept of Equip and Its Mission 03:46 Understanding Days Till Zero: A Key Metric for Agencies 08:54 Proactive Financial Management for Agencies 11:34 Cash Reserves: Understanding Red, Yellow, and Green Light Zones 14:39 The Importance of Gross Margins in Agency Profitability 18:21 Identifying and Addressing Overhead and Project Profitability 21:02 Tools and Systems for Effective Time Tracking and Financial Management 24:11 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts Tony Wilson’s entrepreneurial journey was shaped by three pivotal moments: launching a business with his brother in 2010, witnessing his roommate’s life-changing pivot from carpenter to software developer, and becoming a father—which ignited his drive to lead by example. In 2021, Tony joined “The Great Resignation” to help digital agency owners grow thriving, profitable businesses without sacrificing their well-being. Through Accquip, he is on a mission to empower agency owners to build the businesses they love without going bankrupt in the process. Contact Tony on his website or LinkedIn.

Featuring: Yael Morris, Decode Insights In episode 108 of Agency Bytes, I sit down with Yael Morris from Decode Insights to dive deep into the psychology behind why customers really buy — and why they don’t. Yael shares her fascinating journey from selling granola bars to becoming a go-to expert for decoding customer motivations through intimate, one-on-one conversations. We explore why traditional focus groups often miss the mark, how true empathy fuels marketing success, and why no AI tool can replace the magic of a real human conversation. If you’ve ever relied on gut feelings to shape your messaging, this one’s a must-listen. Plus, stick around for some rapid-fire questions where Yael shares personal insights, favorite tools, and advice she’d give her younger self. Key Bytes • Understanding buyer psychology is crucial for effective marketing. • Customer insights can drive product development and marketing strategies. • Empathy in marketing leads to better customer connections. • Human conversations yield deeper insights than surveys or forms. • AI cannot replace the emotional context of human interactions. • One-on-one interviews provide richer data than focus groups. • Customer-driven messaging is essential for successful marketing. • Patience is key when introducing unconventional ideas. • Building rapport in interviews encourages openness from customers. • Insights from customer conversations can significantly impact business growth. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Buyer Psychology 02:52 The Journey to Customer Insights 05:59 The Importance of Human Conversations 09:10 The Role of Empathy in Marketing 11:47 Universal Application of Customer Insights 15:05 The Impact of AI on Customer Understanding 18:03 The Value of One-on-One Interviews 21:02 Leveraging Insights for Business Growth 24:05 Focus Groups vs. One-on-One Interviews 26:52 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts Yael Morris from Decode Insights goes deep into buyer psychology to decode the real reasons behind why your customers buy, or don't buy from you. Through 1:1 customer interviews, she uncovers her clients’ customers' real-lived moments of struggle and desired outcomes that led them to purchase, giving a new human-level understanding of exactly what really matters to customers. Contact Yael on LinkedIn.

Featuring: Blair Enns, Win Without Pitching In episode 107 of Agency Bytes, I sit down with Blair Enns, founder of Win Without Pitching and author of The Win Without Pitching Manifesto and The Four Conversations. If you’ve heard Blair on other shows—or are one of the many who’ve followed his work for years—you might think you’ve heard it all. Not this time. In this conversation, we go beyond the usual talking points and uncover insights he’s never shared before. Blair opens up about the real mindset shifts creative professionals need to make if they want to stop selling like vendors and start showing up as experts. We break down the Four Conversations model, what most agency owners still get wrong about pricing, and how to rewrite the dynamics of the sales process to work in your favor. We also explore why repetition beats inspiration, how to protect your power in client engagements, and what Blair believes is the single biggest opportunity for agencies right now—even in a time of AI disruption and economic uncertainty. If you want to charge more, pitch less, and finally own your value—this episode brings the fire. Key Bytes • Blair Enns emphasizes the importance of lifestyle choices in career decisions. • The Win Without Pitching Manifesto serves as a foundational text for creative professionals. • Sales should be viewed as a series of conversations rather than a pitch. • Pricing is a critical area for agencies to improve profitability. • Repetition in learning is essential for mastery of sales techniques. • Creative professionals often struggle with the mindset of being a salesperson. • The Four Conversations provides a framework for navigating sales effectively. • Surviving economic uncertainty is crucial for agency success. • Agencies should focus on their unique expertise to stand out in the market. • Building strong client relationships is key to successful sales. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Blair Enns and His Journey 02:59 The Catalyst for Change: Lifestyle Choices 06:00 The Birth of Win Without Pitching 09:06 Understanding the Win Without Pitching Manifesto 12:12 The Four Conversations: A New Model for Selling Expertise 17:54 Lessons Learned from Coaching Agencies 20:50 The Importance of Repetition in Learning 25:56 Navigating Sales Conversations Effectively 31:59 Mindset Shifts for Creative Professionals 35:05 Opportunities and Challenges Ahead for Agencies Blair Enns is the founder of Win Without Pitching and the author of three books on selling and pricing for expert advisors and practitioners, including the brand new The Four Conversations: A New Model for Selling Expertise. A former advertising professional and consultant, Blair launched Win Without Pitching in 2002 to help creative professionals learn to win more business at higher prices without giving their services away for free in a pitch. His selling philosophy and pricing strategies resonated beyond the advertising and design professions to the point where today Win Without Pitching serves expert advisors and practitioners around the world in over a dozen professions, including finance, marketing, consulting, engineering and healthcare. Blair also co-hosts, along with David C. Baker, the popular podcast 2Bobs: Conversations on the Art of Creative Entrepreneurship. Contact Blair on winwithoutpitching.com.

Featuring: Lisa Colantuono, AAR Partners In episode 106 of Agency Bytes, I chat with Lisa Colantuono, president of AAR Partners and a 25-year veteran in agency-client matchmaking (though she hates that word!). If you’re tired of wasting time on endless pitch decks, spec work, and one-sided RFPs, this episode is a must-listen. Lisa shares what really matters to brands during the agency search process—and how agencies can proactively position themselves to win more work without chasing every lead. We dive into how to build trust that leads to long-term relationships, how to get your agency noticed through smart PR, and why your creative work still needs to deliver real impact. Lisa also drops actionable advice on reputation-building, client retention, and what it really takes to stand out in a crowded agency landscape. Whether you’re running a small shop or a growing firm, Lisa’s insights are full of practical steps to help you stay relevant, get on the right shortlists, and keep your agency’s name in the room—even when you’re not. Key Bytes • Streamlining the agency review process is essential—both for marketers and agencies trying to avoid wasted time and energy. • Marketer-led reviews now make up 85% of the search landscape—agencies need to understand how to stand out in this evolving dynamic. • Trust and relationships are everything. People buy from people they trust, and lasting partnerships are built on emotional connection. • Agencies must treat themselves like their number one client. Prioritize your own marketing, just like you would for your best-paying account. • Referrals, recognition, and press coverage are key to visibility—smart PR can put your agency on a brand’s radar before the pitch even starts. • Great creative still wins. No amount of charm or strategy can replace standout work that delivers results. • Proactivity beats complacency. The biggest reason agencies lose clients? They stop showing up with ideas. • Personalized outreach beats “spray and pray.” Insightful, relevant communication gets attention—generic blasts get ignored. • Your network defines your success. The company you keep, the connections you nurture—they’re all part of the relationship-driven business we’re in. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Lisa Colantuono 01:44 Reinventing the Agency Search Process 04:21 Streamlining the Review Process 08:11 Trends in the Marketing Industry 12:26 Building Trust and Relationships in Agencies 18:10 The Importance of Reputation and Press Coverage 23:28 The Power of Recognition in Agency Work 25:06 The Importance of Account Management 26:39 Complacency: The Silent Account Killer 28:07 Proactivity in Client Relationships 29:33 Building Trust Through Networking 30:56 Emotional Connections with Brands 32:55 The Value of Insightful Communication 35:05 Understanding Client Pain Points 39:19 The Comprehensive Marketing Approach 40:09 Personal Insights and Life Lessons Lisa Colantuono is the President of AAR Partner. With nearly 25 years of experience, Lisa has helped marketers like Ancestry, Subaru, and Panera Bread connect with the right agencies to drive meaningful results. She’s a pioneer in modernizing the agency search process, the author of @AARLisa: New Biz in 140 Characters (or Less), and the host of the On Purpose podcast. Lisa is passionate about building impactful partnerships and shaping the future of the marketing industry. Contact Lisa on their website or on LinkedIn.

Featuring: Ryan Rhoten, The Distilled Brand In episode 105 of Agency Bytes, I’m joined by Ryan Rhoten, founder of The Distilled Brand, who helps entrepreneurs and agency owners develop crystal-clear messaging that actually connects. Ryan shares the structured process he’s refined to help business leaders articulate their value—not with jargon or vague promises, but with messaging that speaks to real human emotion and need. We dig into his “four O’s” framework, why niching is essential (even if you resist it), and how standardizing your offers can streamline operations, boost profitability, and make your marketing 10x easier. If you’ve ever felt like your agency’s message isn’t landing or you’re reinventing the pitch every time you meet someone new, this episode is for you. Key Bytes • Ryan helps entrepreneurs align their internal expertise with external perceptions. • Messaging should address both objectives and the emotional obstacles clients face. • The Four O's: Objectives, Obstacles, Objections, and Outcomes are crucial for effective messaging. • A messaging playbook provides a structured approach to communication across all platforms. • Niching down helps entrepreneurs become known for their expertise. • Standardizing offers can lead to increased efficiency and profitability. • Clear messaging is essential for team alignment and customer understanding. • Customers are primarily concerned with their own needs, not your company's history. • Effective messaging should focus on benefits rather than features. • Incremental improvement is key to long-term success in business. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Guest Ryan Roten 02:26 Understanding Brand Messaging and Positioning 05:44 The Emotional Side of Messaging 09:16 The Four O's of Messaging 12:40 Creating a Messaging Playbook 15:01 The Importance of Niching Down 18:42 Standardizing Offers for Efficiency 20:22 Crafting a Clear Elevator Pitch 22:04 Identifying Red Flags in Messaging 25:05 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts Have you ever struggled to communicate your expertise in a way that truly resonates? Ryan Rhoten, owner of The Distilled Brand, understands the challenge and has developed the Brand Messaging System to help. As an expert in brand positioning and messaging, Ryan guides his clients through a proven process to distill complex ideas into clear, compelling messages to communicate your brilliance and connect with your audience. Contact Ryan on his website or on LinkedIn.

Featuring: Adam Nathan, Blaze.ai In episode 104, I sit down with Adam Nathan, the CEO and co-founder of Blaze.ai, the AI-powered marketing tool that’s making big waves—especially for small teams. Adam and I get into his wild journey of scaling Blaze to over $10 million in revenue in just 15 months with a lean team of 25. We talk about how AI is no longer just for the big guys—it’s helping small businesses, solopreneurs, and yes, even agencies, punch way above their weight. We also explore some of the trickier topics like AI’s ethical impact, the looming question of government oversight, and even the ecological footprint of AI technology. Adam shares some powerful stories from real users—including how one guy was finally able to take a vacation after 13 years because Blaze gave him time back. Whether you’re excited or anxious about AI, this conversation is packed with useful insights—and a refreshing take on where the future of marketing might be heading. Key Bytes • Adam Nathan's entrepreneurial background influenced the creation of Blaze. • Blaze serves as a virtual marketer for small businesses. • AI helps small businesses produce high-quality content efficiently. • Many small businesses were previously doing little to no marketing. • AI allows small businesses to compete with larger companies. • The impact of AI on marketing is largely positive for small businesses. • Agencies can scale their client base using AI tools like Blaze. • Ethical considerations around AI usage are important for agencies. • Government oversight should focus on outputs rather than inputs. • The ecological impact of AI may decrease as technology advances. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Blaze and Adam Nathan's Journey 03:00 The Need for AI in Marketing 06:02 Blaze's Rapid Growth and Team Structure 08:54 AI's Impact on Small Businesses vs. Large Corporations 11:54 The Role of AI in Marketing and Content Creation 14:48 Ethics and Disclosure in AI Usage 17:57 The Future of Work and AI's Role 20:59 Government Oversight and Ecological Impact of AI 24:05 Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions Adam Nathan is the CEO and co-founder of Blaze, the #1 marketing AI tool for teams of one. Get Blaze CEO Adam Nathan's cheat codes to building and growing a $150M company in your inbox every week with Startup Tycoon. Powered by Adam's experience shipping product to millions, raising $46M, and hyperscaling to $7M+ in revenue in 15 months with only 25 people. Learn about Blaze.ai or subscribe to Startup Tycoon.

Featuring: Greg Hickman, AltAgency In episode 103 of Agency Bytes, I sit down with Greg Hickman, founder of Alt Agency and an expert at helping agency owners break free from the time-for-money grind. Greg shares his fascinating journey from the world of big agencies to building his own seven-figure business—while working just 25 hours a week! We dive deep into the pitfalls of the traditional agency model and explore how the Alt Agency approach helps owners productize their services, streamline operations, and reclaim their time. Greg and I also unpack the difference between productizing and commoditizing agency work (hint: you don’t have to sacrifice creativity for efficiency!). We talk about scaling smart, building systems that don’t drain your soul, and why redefining wealth goes beyond the numbers in your bank account. Plus, Greg shares some personal stories and life lessons about being present for the moments that really matter, in business and at home. If you’re looking to run a more sustainable and rewarding agency, this is one you won’t want to miss. Key Bytes • Greg Hickman transitioned from traditional agency roles to founding AllAgency. • The Alt Agency model focuses on monetizing expertise rather than just labor. • Productization of services can lead to greater scalability and efficiency. • Wealth is defined not just by money, but by time and health. • Agencies can benefit from creating multiple service tiers to cater to different client needs. • The lines between agencies, SaaS, and coaching are increasingly blurred. • Building a scalable business requires a shift in mindset and operations. • Automation and systems are key to reducing workload and increasing profits. • Greg's journey highlights the importance of adapting to market needs. • The impact of helping 800 agencies showcases the ripple effect of effective coaching. • Productized services focus on specific outcomes. • Systematization helps agencies improve efficiency and profitability. • Lead generation is crucial for agency success. • Productization simplifies marketing and client management. • Agencies often lose money due to inefficient pricing models. • Creativity can thrive within a productized framework. • Differentiation is key to avoiding commoditization. • Personal growth involves learning from past experiences. • Being present in personal life enhances overall happiness. • Enjoying the journey is as important as the destination. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Guest Background 01:30 Greg's Journey in the Agency World 04:21 Transitioning to the Alt Agency Model 07:37 The Evolution of Services and Client Focus 10:40 Impact and Scale of the Alt Agency Model 12:59 Defining Wealth Beyond Money 13:31 Understanding the Alt Agency Model 19:54 Building a Scalable Offer Suite 21:31 Transforming Agency Services into Productized Offerings 24:33 The Importance of Systematization in Agencies 27:52 Lead Generation and Client Retention Challenges 30:19 Differentiating Productization from Commoditization 33:21 Personal Insights and Life Lessons Greg Hickman helps agency owners and consultants escape the trap of trading time for money. After nearly two decades working with brands like Pepsi, AT&T, and the NY Jets, Greg built his own marketing automation agency and built funnels and systems for entrepreneurs like Dan Martell, Chris Ducker, John Lee Dumas, Jasmin Star, Nerd Fitness, and more. Now through AltAgency, he's helped over 800+ service providers build profitable, sustainable businesses by productizing their services and monetizing their expertise. Greg runs his 7-figure business working 3-4 days per week (most weeks), taking Fridays off for mountain biking, and wants to help others learn how to do the same. His unique approach helps owners ‘scale’ profits without scaling the complexity or sacrificing their lives. Contact Greg on his website or his YouTube channel.

Featuring: Rena DeLevie In episode 102 of Agency Bites, I’m joined by Rena DeLevie—a leader and teacher who gets real about what it actually takes to show up fully and compassionately in today’s world. Yes, she’s got the corporate leadership chops and has been on a mission to end fear-based management, but what resonated most with me in this conversation was how personal and human her journey is. Rena shares how, as someone with deep empathy and anxiety in her DNA, she learned to soothe her nervous system so she could show up with clarity and compassion—not just at work, but everywhere. We talk about the practices she leans on every day—meditation, breathwork, walking in the woods, connecting with nature, and even humor—as ways to ground herself and navigate stress, overwhelm, and tough decisions. She’s lived through corporate toxicity, hard layoffs, and the pressure to “toughen up” as a leader. But instead of staying stuck in survival mode, she learned how to reconnect with herself, how to be present, and how to lead with kindness without losing her edge. This isn’t just a conversation about business—it’s about how we take care of ourselves so we can take care of others. It’s about slowing down enough to be intentional in how we speak, lead, and live. It’s about taking care of ourselves all ways, always. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, reactive, or stuck in fight-or-flight mode, this episode will give you some simple but powerful ways to reset and recenter. Let’s get into it. Key Bytes • Compassion can radically transform agency culture and leadership. • Fear-based management often leads to anxiety and burnout. • Authenticity in leadership energizes both the leader and the team. • Compassion and accountability must coexist in effective leadership. • Daily meditation can help manage anxiety and foster self-awareness. • Choosing yourself means prioritizing self-compassion and understanding. • Humor can shift the energy of a toxic work environment. • Compassionate leadership requires setting boundaries and not being a doormat. • Navigating toxic environments often requires personal resilience and strategy. • Modeling compassionate behavior can influence workplace culture positively. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Compassionate Leadership 01:15 The Shift from Fear-Based to Compassionate Leadership 04:06 The Energizing Power of Authenticity 10:00 Navigating Toxic Work Environments 12:56 Compassion and Accountability in Leadership 19:46 Daily Practices for Compassionate Living 25:52 Choosing Yourself: The Path to Self-Compassion 31:50 The Importance of Humor and Perspective in Leadership Rena combines over 25 years with Fortune 500 companies and 20 years as a practitioner of mindfulness/meditation to show us the path to eliminating the fear-based culture so prevalent in corporate America. Her book, Compassionate Management, How Ambitious Creatives Become Kick-Ass Leaders, and her TEDxTalk, Compassionate Management -- using compassion as a business tool has been used in businesses around the globe as a model to radically change leadership culture and how we treat one another. Rena has given a TEDx Talk, presented at over 30 conferences, led over 60 workshops, and been on dozens of podcasts. Rena is a high-energy presenter and interactively engages audience members to show compassionate leadership in action. This experiential approach empowers attendees to redefine their own leadership style and evolve their expectations of leadership culture. Contact Rena on their website.

Featuring: Kyra Cavanaugh, Free Yourself In Episode 101 of Agency Bytes, I sit down with Kyra Cavanaugh, a wellbeing consultant, meditation coach, and Qigong instructor, for a conversation that feels like a deep breath in the middle of a hectic workday. We explore what it really means to prioritize wellbeing—not just for ourselves but for our teams and the people we lead. Kyra shares practical, down-to-earth strategies for finding balance in a world that pushes us to hustle nonstop. We talk about how small, intentional moments of self-care can ripple into productivity, creativity, and stronger connections—both at work and in life. From recognizing when a teammate (or you) might need a breather, to breaking the cycle of “push through and crash later” culture, this episode is all about giving yourself permission to slow down in order to show up fully. If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, felt the pressure to always be “on,” or wondered how to create a healthier, more human-centered workplace, this conversation is for you. Take a pause and join us. Key Bytes • Wellbeing is essential for productivity and creativity. • Connection and mental health challenges have been prevalent for years. • Daily self-care practices can help mitigate stress. • Leaders must model wellbeing for their teams. • Emotional intelligence is crucial in leadership. • Establishing boundaries is key to healthy workplace relationships. • Investing in oneself is a necessary practice. • Simple check-ins can foster team connection. • Recognizing the impact of personal struggles is important. • Human connection should be prioritized in the workplace. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wellbeing in the Workplace 05:55 Shifting Mindsets: From Work-Life Balance to Daily Wellbeing 11:48 Practical Strategies for Self-Care and Team Support 17:50 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 23:50 Fostering Human Connection in the Workplace Kyra Cavanaugh is a well-being consultant, meditation and healing coach, and Qigong instructor. She's worked with hundreds of businesses and thousands of leaders to improve personal, team and organizational well-being. She's an author, podcaster, speaker, coach and serial entrepreneur based in Asheville, NC where she loves to hike and listen to local, live music. Contact Kyra on 15be.com, freeyourself.world, or on their YouTube channel.