Agency

Chad Cohen, Founder of Fortem Media and Unofficial Run Club, is a storyteller and marathon runner who shares insights on authentic branding. He emphasizes the importance of genuine storytelling in building community and engagement. The discussion covers the fear of failure, the need for vulnerability, and turning insights into action. Chad also explores how to differentiate in a noisy market and the evolving dynamics of connection across generations, highlighting the transformative power of authenticity in forging deeper relationships.

Gus Balbontin is an international keynote speaker, former Executive Director of Lonely Planet, and an insightful advisor to high-growth startups, joins us to share his extensive experience in guiding organizations through periods of significant change and fostering innovation.This episode explores critical strategies for navigating evolving market landscapes, embracing discomfort, the importance of adopting new technologies, and the leadership principles essential for cultivating an adaptable and forward-thinking business culture.Book Rivyl in for a free 30-minute call, here: http://l.rivyl.com/JUPbkj Level up your agency with Wix Studio today: https://www.wix.com/studio(00:00) Introduction Gus Balbontin on Change and Innovation(07:07) Innovation as Problem Solving(14:14) Listening First Testing Fast(21:21) The Value of Time and Curiosity(28:28) Judgment Creativity and Risk(35:35) Why Leaders Resist Change(42:42) The Power of Novelty in Business(49:49) Escaping Business as Usual(56:56) Innovation vs ROI(01:04:03) Balancing Structure and Creativity(01:11:10) Learning From Failure Fast(01:18:17) Lonely Planet Faces Irrelevance and Legacy Momentum

Richmond Dinh, the creator of the 'Tiny Challenges' method and founder of a multi-seven-figure coaching business, shares insights from helping over 1200 coaches build high-performing ventures. Richmond shares the landscape of sales, the enduring value of human connection and experience in an increasingly automated world. Expect to learn the crucial role of storytelling in communication and influence, the importance of niche down, and the psychological impact of various personal pitfalls on entrepreneurial success.

Marty Hungerford, Chief Innovation Officer and founding partner at BRX, discusses the impact of AI on creativity and the agency model. He emphasizes the importance of taste and human instinct alongside technological tools in creative processes. The conversation dives into how AI is reshaping industries like advertising and filmmaking, enhancing storytelling while raising ethical concerns. Hungerford also highlights the inevitability of AI for creatives and the potential for new job creation, pushing for adaptation and innovation in an evolving landscape.

David Parsons is an award-winning expert in customer loyalty and the CEO of Ellipsis, a consultancy helping global brands like Audi, eBay, Visa, and Australia’s major banks drive growth through customer science. In this episode of The Agency Podcast, David breaks down the difference between emotional and behavioural loyalty, reveals why most brands misread what their customers really want, and shares how loyalty programs are evolving into powerful front-line brand strategies. A must-listen for anyone building customer relationships that last.Book Rivyl in for a free 30-minute call, here: http://l.rivyl.com/JUPbkj Level up your agency with Wix Studio today: https://www.wix.com/studio(00:00) Introduction(08:23) Engaging Creatively with Influencers(13:05) The Importance of Authenticity in Content(24:29) The Evolution of Influencer Trends(31:04) Addressing Challenges(39:00) Building Influencer Networks(44:19) The Transition to Product-Based Ventures(50:41) Effective Branding(53:26) Honesty and Transparency(01:01:37) Navigating AI's Role(01:08:06) The Emerging Role of Creativity(01:12:43) Future Trends in Influencer Marketing

Bonnie Gillies is a seasoned beauty professional with over two decades of experience spanning fashion, film, and digital media. As the founder of the award-winning brand Basic By B, she’s built a loyal following by bridging the gap between expert knowledge and accessible beauty. In this episode, Bonnie reflects on the evolution of the industry, the rise of conscious consumerism, and the nuanced balance between education and influence. A thoughtful conversation on brand building, authenticity, and what it means to lead with substance in a saturated space.Book Rivyl in for a free 30-minute call, here: http://l.rivyl.com/JUPbkj Level up your agency with Wix Studio today: https://www.wix.com/studio(00:00) Introduction(08:14) Engaging Creatively with Influencers(13:51) The Importance of Authenticity in Content(24:06) The Evolution of Influencer Trends(30:15) Addressing Challenges(36:32) Building Influencer Networks(43:20) The Transition to Product-Based Ventures(48:14) Effective Branding(53:45) Honesty and Transparency(01:01:01) Navigating AI's Role(01:08:11) The Emerging Role of Creativity(01:12:49) Future Trends in Influencer Marketing

Jaryd Terkelsen is the co-founder of Beforeyouspeak Coffee, one of Australia’s fastest-growing performance coffee brands. What started as a simple idea to enhance daily performance has evolved into a global movement, stocked in over 3,000 stores and backed by elite influencers, Formula 1, and rising motorsport talent Jack Doohan. In this episode of The Agency Podcast, Jaryd shares the real story behind building a functional coffee brand from scratch, the bold partnerships that shaped its growth, and the mindset required to scale in a billion-dollar industry.

Sophia Athas, founder and creative director of Hatrik House, is renowned for her impactful branding work with major names like Sephora and Microsoft. In this conversation, she discusses the art of distinctive branding, emphasizing authenticity and emotional intelligence. Sophia also tackles the evolving landscape of influencer marketing, the role of AI in creativity, and the importance of tailored strategies that resonate with audiences. Her insights highlight the necessity of staying uncomfortable to innovate and create meaningful connections in the branding world.

Steve Chapman, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of beverage brands Shine and Hyro, shares his fascinating journey from being sued by Facebook to building successful products. He emphasizes the vital role of mindset in bouncing back from failure and the need for authenticity in branding. Through captivating anecdotes, he discusses creating community through hydration, effective marketing strategies in a competitive industry, and the importance of genuine business relationships. Chapman's insights into resilience and personal growth make this conversation truly inspiring.

Matt Jensen is the founder and CEO of M.J. Bale, one of Australia’s most successful menswear brands, with over 80 stores and $100 million in annual revenue. In this episode, Matt reveals how he built a legacy brand rooted in integrity, sustainability, and product obsession. He shares lessons on entrepreneurship, the harsh realities of scaling, and why putting Australian wool and craftsmanship on the global stage remains his mission.Book Rivyl in for a free 30-minute call, here: http://l.rivyl.com/JUPbkj Level up your agency with Wix Studio today: https://www.wix.com/studio(00:00) Introduction(07:38) The Foundations of Brand Building(14:53) Navigating Business in Challenging Economies(21:52) Hitting the Brick Wall(29:06) Rebuilding Smarter After Failure(36:12) Sustainability and the Cost of Doing Good(43:13) Purpose, Legacy, and Local Supply Chains(50:16) Creative Energy and Staying Resilient(57:20) Expanding Internationally With Purpose(01:04:25) Product Obsession and Family Business Values(01:11:47) Competing Through Craft and Integrity(01:19:10) The Future of Australian Fashion