In this episode, Dan Englander welcomeed Carl Smith, community builder and leader of The Bureau, for a wide-ranging, no-BS conversation on where the agency world is headed.
đ§ What Youâll Learn
- The âPhilosophical Futuristâ Mindset
How to face rapid changeâespecially around AIâwithout fear or cynicism. - Inside The Bureau
The story behind one of the most influential agency communities and how it evolved from a 24-person retreat to a 1,400-member ecosystem. - The New Agency Model: Guilds & Partnerships
Why the future favors hyper-specialized micro-teams that plug into clients like âturbo packs,â collaborating through shared KPIs and accountabilityânot time and materials. - The Apathy Epidemic
Why so many leaders feel burned out, how âeasy modeâ ended, and how to reignite autonomy, mastery, and purpose. - Rethinking Retainers & Biz Dev
Why traditional retainers may be giving way to âprogress-basedâ models and how the best BD teams are closing deals through transparency, empathy, and calm persistence.
đ Quotes
âWe didnât know it then, but the early 2000s were easy mode. There was so much money and mystery around what we did. Now we have to be business peopleâand thatâs okay.â â Carl Smith
âSome are way ahead with AI, some are stuck in the messy middle, and some still have their heads in the sand.â â Carl Smith
âIf you wait for things to get back to normal, youâll miss what is normal.â
â Carl Smith
đ Resources & Links