The Digital Agency Growth Podcast Carl Smith on the Future of Agencies
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Oct 22, 2025 Carl Smith, a community builder and 'philosophical futurist,' leads The Bureau, fostering connections among agency leaders. In a gripping discussion, he explores the evolution of agency models into hyper-specialized micro-teams, emphasizing accountability over traditional retainers. Smith tackles the apathy epidemic plaguing leaders and suggests rethinking business development strategies to focus on empathy. He also predicts a bright future for AI integration within agencies, urging professionals to embrace change rather than resist it.
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Philosophical Futurism As A Mindset
- A philosophical futurist neither fears nor ignores upcoming change and looks for good in disruption.
- Carl Smith says you should place bets on possible futures and shape how to behave when they arrive.
From 24 Owners To A 1,400-Member Community
- The Bureau began in 2012 as a 24-owner retreat to solve merger and operational questions among web shops.
- That first oath-based meeting grew into a 1,400-member community with daily Slack activity and recurring events.
Community Is Rings, Tokens, And Reciprocity
- True communities have concentric participation: watchers, participants, leaders, and organizers.
- Small tokens and opportunities to give as well as receive sustain member engagement, per Carl Smith.
