Welcome to Agency Business.
This week, Olivia and Brian talk with Steve and Robin Boehler of Mercer Island Group as the industry absorbs one of the most disruptive weeks in recent holding company history. The Bowlers break down Omnicom’s restructuring, including the abrupt shuttering of several legacy creative agencies, and explain why decades of diluted positioning left many large networks vulnerable. They also outline why consolidation is sharpening client anxiety, how brand clarity deteriorated across holding companies, and what marketers really look for when evaluating agency partners in periods of instability.
Steve and Robin discuss expected downstream effects for talent, pricing and media consolidation, the likelihood of further restructuring inside Omnicom, and why middle management may face the harshest employment cycle. They close by previewing their new book, a field guide designed to help agencies sharpen positioning, pitch more effectively and win more business.
The episode also features a brief mention of Olivia's new subscription PR model offering agencies a weekly hour of senior strategic thinking. For details, email olivia@fusionfrontmedia.com.
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Reach Out
Agency Business features agency CEOs and financial decision-makers alongside third party experts including agency pitch consultants. We are always accepting pitches, and are particularly interested in hearing from women and leaders of color.
📬 Pitch a guest or inquire about sponsorships:
📩 Brian at brian@madisonandwall.com
📩 Olivia at olivia@fusionfrontmedia.com
Follow Madison and Wall and FusionFront Media on LinkedIn for updates.
Explore Our Other Podcasts:
📊 The Madison and Wall Podcast – Brian opens up about his latest work — plus crucial economic, financial, and industry trends.
🎬 Screen & Sponsor – Olivia & VaynerMedia's Jessie Holder explore how brands are shaping Hollywood.
