[Top Agency Series] Navigating the Digital Agency Universe With Carl Smith of Bureau of Digital

Carl Smith is the Owner of Bureau of Digital, a community made up of a diverse mix of digital professionals. Carl spent about 15 years in advertising before launching his first digital agency, nGen Works. He ran nGen Works for 12 years, constantly experimenting with different models of management and team structure. 

Toward the end of the run, Carl attended his first Bureau of Digital event and loved the concept of building a community in the web industry. A few years later, he closed his agency and took over the Bureau of Digital in 2016. He now spends every day connecting with digital professionals to give them the support they need.

In this episode…

Navigating the complexities of the digital agency space can be daunting. How would connecting with like-minded professionals change that experience? Have you ever considered the impact of peer support in the entrepreneurship world?

Carl Smith, a leading voice in the digital industry, uncovers the power of community in the digital agency landscape. He shares his experiences with nGen Works, highlighting lessons from trying unconventional management models to engaging with the first-ever digital event — lessons that carved the path for the Bureau of Digital. He also addresses the intricacies of agency finances, from facing potential layoffs to making strategic hiring decisions. Carl’s approach emphasizes the value of transparency, company culture, and the realization that every agency head has unique challenges.

In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Carl Smith, Owner of the Bureau of Digital, about fostering a supportive environment for digital professionals. Carl talks about the Bureau of Digital and how it helps professionals in the digital landscape, how digital agencies can navigate layoffs and maintain culture, strategies for overcoming the fear of hiring in volatile markets, and the essentials of running the Bureau of Digital efficiently with a small team.