

Agency Forward
Chris DuBois
Agency Forward explores the future of agencies as tech and AI drive down the cost of tactical deliverables. Topics include building competent teams, developing strategic offers, systemizing your business, and more.
New episodes delivered every Tuesday.
New episodes delivered every Tuesday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 27, 2025 • 33min
058 Dave Scilabro: Niching In Your Service
In this engaging discussion, Dave Scilabro, founder of Harvest ROI, shares his expertise in transforming CRMs into revenue powerhouses. He delves into the pitfalls of bad data that lead to team disengagement and emphasizes the role of emotional intelligence in client adoption. Listeners gain insights into mastering lead management tailored to unique business processes, the importance of operational alignment, and adapting to ever-changing marketing tools. Scilabro also highlights the need for continuous learning and adaptability in the evolving landscape of agency management.

May 20, 2025 • 39min
057 Eli Rubel: Strategies for Building a Profitable Agency
Eli Rubel, founder of Profit Labs and two successful agencies, shares his expertise in turning revenue into real profit. He debunks the myth that revenue equates to success, emphasizing the importance of focusing on profitability instead. Eli introduces innovative lead generation strategies and discusses how to optimize team capacity for better efficiency. He also reveals the vital need for founders to align their calendars with strategic goals, all while managing their time between business and personal commitments.

May 13, 2025 • 35min
056 Juliana Marulanda: The Data Agencies Need
Hey everyone, today I’m joined by Juliana Marulanda.Juliana is the founder of ScaleTime and a sharp operator known for turning chaotic agencies into clean-running, profit-generating machines. She’s worked with over 1,500 digital agencies, helping them scale without burning out their teams—or themselves.I brought Juliana on because many agency problems aren’t marketing or sales issues—they’re operational ones in disguise. If your data’s messy, your onboarding sucks, or your project timelines keep slipping, you're leaving serious money on the table. She breaks down how to fix that.In this episode, we discuss:How your data is a process—and why “dirty data” breaks your decision-makingHow to figure out which numbers really matter at your stageThe “House of Management” model to align metrics across your teamand more…You can find Juliana on LinkedIn or at scaletime.co/scalemap to grab her free 360° operations heatmap for agencies. -----------No one was asking for another community. But I've made one anyway.So what's different?The Dynamic Agency Community is designed around access rather than content.Access to peers who've done it before.Access to experts who've designed solutions.Access to resources that have been battle-tested.And right now, the price for founding members is only $97/year.Join today so your agency has immediate access to everything you need to grow.You can join at DynamicAgency.Community. -----------Hiring in the agency world is rough. Most job posting sites get you lots of applicants, but with their “easy applying” options, most of those are unqualified. And worse, they don’t understand what it’s like working at an agency.This is why I created the Agency Job Hub. You can post your positions for free to find applicants looking specifically for agency work, and we already have a growing list of candidates who’ll be notified as soon as you post.You can list your open positions for free at AgencyJobHub.com.-----------Our friends at Parakeeto have a powerful resource that dives into everything you need to know about agency profitability.This is a must-have for agency owners and operators.Get the Agency Profit Toolkit for free now!-----------Subscribe to the Agency Forward blog on Substack.We have weekly blog content with practical advice to help you advance your agency. -----------Want to level up your agency? Get the Dynamic Offers Email Mini-CourseExplore the 5 of the most common challenges agencies face in today's market.We're talking about the challenges that lead to no prospects, no recurring revenue, and nothing for people to buy from you.It's worth reading just for the ideas alone.5 emails. 5 challenges. 5 strategies to fix them.Get it at DynamicAgencyCourse.com.-----------And if you're ready for 1-on-1 help to create some mind-blowing offers for your agency, visit DynamicAgencyOS.com to schedule a free consultation. Running an agency is tough, but you don't need to go it alone.

May 6, 2025 • 32min
055 Cam Martinez: The Operator Behind the Curtain
Hey everyone, today I’m joined by Cam Martinez.Cam is a high-level operator, strategist, and the embedded leader agencies and teams call when they’re ready to get serious about execution. He’s stepped into roles like COO, President, and Chief of Staff across industries—from SaaS to wellness to agencies—and he’s built a reputation for helping founders align strategy, systems, and scale without losing control.I brought Cam on because a lot of agency founders say they need "ops help"—but they don’t know what great actually looks like. Cam breaks down what separates true operators from task-takers, how to build trust quickly, and why clarity and autonomy matter more than micromanagement.In this episode, we discuss:What separates an operator from a task-takerWhy strategy isn’t just the visionary’s jobWhat to give an operator so they can move fastand more...You can connect with Cam on LinkedIn or follow him @KenshoCam on all platforms.-----------No one was asking for another community. But I've made one anyway.So what's different?The Dynamic Agency Community is designed around access rather than content.Access to peers who've done it before.Access to experts who've designed solutions.Access to resources that have been battle-tested.And right now, the price for founding members is only $97/year.Join today so your agency has immediate access to everything you need to grow.You can join at DynamicAgency.Community. -----------Hiring in the agency world is rough. Most job posting sites get you lots of applicants, but with their “easy applying” options, most of those are unqualified. And worse, they don’t understand what it’s like working at an agency.This is why I created the Agency Job Hub. You can post your positions for free to find applicants looking specifically for agency work, and we already have a growing list of candidates who’ll be notified as soon as you post.You can list your open positions for free at AgencyJobHub.com.-----------Our friends at Parakeeto have a powerful resource that dives into everything you need to know about agency profitability.This is a must-have for agency owners and operators.Get the Agency Profit Toolkit for free now!-----------Subscribe to the Agency Forward blog on Substack.We have weekly blog content with practical advice to help you advance your agency. -----------Want to level up your agency? Get the Dynamic Offers Email Mini-CourseExplore the 5 of the most common challenges agencies face in today's market.We're talking about the challenges that lead to no prospects, no recurring revenue, and nothing for people to buy from you.It's worth reading just for the ideas alone.5 emails. 5 challenges. 5 strategies to fix them.Get it at DynamicAgencyCourse.com.-----------And if you're ready for 1-on-1 help to create some mind-blowing offers for your agency, visit DynamicAgencyOS.com to schedule a free consultation. Running an agency is tough, but you don't need to go it alone.

Apr 29, 2025 • 46min
054 Sarah Still: Operations, Overwhelm, and Owning the Outcome
Hey everyone, today I’m joined by Sarah Still.Sarah is an agency systems strategist who helps women founders scale sustainably—without sacrificing what matters most. Her work lives at the intersection of operations and intention, helping agency leaders clear the mental clutter, reclaim their energy, and finally step into the visionary CEO role they’ve been dancing around.I brought Sarah on because she’s one of the few people I know who understands that operational misalignment doesn’t just drain your team—it drains you. Her approach brings clarity to both the business and the person running it.In this episode, we discuss:Why so many women founders hesitate at the edge of growthBuilding systems that support both the business and your lifeHow to align ambition, values, and team without losing controland more...You can connect with Sarah on LinkedIn or learn more about her work at VividImpactPartners.com.-----------No one was asking for another community. But I've made one anyway.So what's different?The Dynamic Agency Community is designed around access rather than content.Access to peers who've done it before.Access to experts who've designed solutions.Access to resources that have been battle-tested.And right now, the price for founding members is only $97/year.Join today so your agency has immediate access to everything you need to grow.You can join at DynamicAgency.Community. -----------Hiring in the agency world is rough. Most job posting sites get you lots of applicants, but with their “easy applying” options, most of those are unqualified. And worse, they don’t understand what it’s like working at an agency.This is why I created the Agency Job Hub. You can post your positions for free to find applicants looking specifically for agency work, and we already have a growing list of candidates who’ll be notified as soon as you post.You can list your open positions for free at AgencyJobHub.com.-----------Our friends at Parakeeto have a powerful resource that dives into everything you need to know about agency profitability.This is a must-have for agency owners and operators.Get the Agency Profit Toolkit for free now!-----------Subscribe to the Agency Forward blog on Substack.We have weekly blog content with practical advice to help you advance your agency. -----------Want to level up your agency? Get the Dynamic Offers Email Mini-CourseExplore the 5 of the most common challenges agencies face in today's market.We're talking about the challenges that lead to no prospects, no recurring revenue, and nothing for people to buy from you.It's worth reading just for the ideas alone.5 emails. 5 challenges. 5 strategies to fix them.Get it at DynamicAgencyCourse.com.-----------And if you're ready for 1-on-1 help to create some mind-blowing offers for your agency, visit DynamicAgencyOS.com to schedule a free consultation. Running an agency is tough, but you don't need to go it alone.

Apr 22, 2025 • 31min
053 David C. Baker: Positioning that Pays
Hey everyone, today I’m joined by David C. Baker.David is an agency advisor, author, and speaker who's consulted with over 1,000 firms and written some of the most respected books in the space—including The Business of Expertise and The Secret Tradecraft of Elite Advisors. If you're in the agency world and haven’t read his work, you’re probably still leaving money on the table.I brought David on because his thinking is razor-sharp—and refreshingly contrarian. He doesn’t just echo the same playbook. He helps entrepreneurial experts build businesses that are clear, focused, and differentiated in a world that loves to blur the lines.In this episode, we discuss:How to mathematically test if your positioning is too broad—or too niche to surviveThe surprising reason your local market might be holding you backThe ethical case for specialization (hint: it’s not just smart, it’s right)and more...You can learn more about David’s work at punctuation.com or on LinkedIn. -----------No one was asking for another community. But I've made one anyway.So what's different?The Dynamic Agency Community is designed around access rather than content.Access to peers who've done it before.Access to experts who've designed solutions.Access to resources that have been battle-tested.And right now, the price for founding members is only $97/year.Join today so your agency has immediate access to everything you need to grow.You can join at DynamicAgency.Community. -----------Hiring in the agency world is rough. Most job posting sites get you lots of applicants, but with their “easy applying” options, most of those are unqualified. And worse, they don’t understand what it’s like working at an agency.This is why I created the Agency Job Hub. You can post your positions for free to find applicants looking specifically for agency work, and we already have a growing list of candidates who’ll be notified as soon as you post.You can list your open positions for free at AgencyJobHub.com.-----------Our friends at Parakeeto have a powerful resource that dives into everything you need to know about agency profitability.This is a must-have for agency owners and operators.Get the Agency Profit Toolkit for free now!-----------Subscribe to the Agency Forward blog on Substack.We have weekly blog content with practical advice to help you advance your agency. -----------Want to level up your agency? Get the Dynamic Offers Email Mini-CourseExplore the 5 of the most common challenges agencies face in today's market.We're talking about the challenges that lead to no prospects, no recurring revenue, and nothing for people to buy from you.It's worth reading just for the ideas alone.5 emails. 5 challenges. 5 strategies to fix them.Get it at DynamicAgencyCourse.com.-----------And if you're ready for 1-on-1 help to create some mind-blowing offers for your agency, visit DynamicAgencyOS.com to schedule a free consultation. Running an agency is tough, but you don't need to go it alone.

15 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 50min
052 Miles Ukaoma: AI Strategies and Tips for Agencies
Hey everyone, today I’m joined by Miles Ukaoma.Among many things, Miles helps companies build better websites and leverage AI agents to streamline their operations.Miles brings a unique perspective at the intersection of marketing, web development, and AI — working directly with businesses to turn artificial intelligence from a buzzword into a competitive advantage.I wanted to get Miles on the show because (1) he’s a good friend, and this is my show, so I can do that, and (2) because agencies are hearing about AI everywhere, but most don’t know where to start.Miles breaks it down into practical steps. From how to think about AI in your business to the specific tools and use cases that actually move the needle.In this episode, we discuss:How agencies should really be thinking about AI right nowWhere AI delivers the fastest ROI for marketing teamsThe biggest AI opportunities for agencies over the next 12 months…and moreYou can learn more about Miles at https://milesukaoma.com or on LinkedIn.-----------No one was asking for another community. But I've made one anyway.So what's different?The Dynamic Agency Community is designed around access rather than content.Access to peers who've done it before.Access to experts who've designed solutions.Access to resources that have been battle-tested.And right now, the price for founding members is only $97/year.Join today so your agency has immediate access to everything you need to grow.You can join at DynamicAgency.Community. -----------Hiring in the agency world is rough. Most job posting sites get you lots of applicants, but with their “easy applying” options, most of those are unqualified. And worse, they don’t understand what it’s like working at an agency.This is why I created the Agency Job Hub. You can post your positions for free to find applicants looking specifically for agency work, and we already have a growing list of candidates who’ll be notified as soon as you post.You can list your open positions for free at AgencyJobHub.com.-----------Our friends at Parakeeto have a powerful resource that dives into everything you need to know about agency profitability.This is a must-have for agency owners and operators.Get the Agency Profit Toolkit for free now!-----------Subscribe to the Agency Forward blog on Substack.We have weekly blog content with practical advice to help you advance your agency. -----------Want to level up your agency? Get the Dynamic Offers Email Mini-CourseExplore the 5 of the most common challenges agencies face in today's market.We're talking about the challenges that lead to no prospects, no recurring revenue, and nothing for people to buy from you.It's worth reading just for the ideas alone.5 emails. 5 challenges. 5 strategies to fix them.Get it at DynamicAgencyCourse.com.-----------And if you're ready for 1-on-1 help to create some mind-blowing offers for your agency, visit DynamicAgencyOS.com to schedule a free consultation. Running an agency is tough, but you don't need to go it alone.

Apr 8, 2025 • 35min
051 Selim Maalouf: Before You Start an Agency, Listen to This
Hey everyone, today I’m joined by Selim Maalouf.Selim is a CRM strategist, marketer, and former agency co-founder who’s seen firsthand what not to do when launching an agency—and what to do differently next time. He’s got deep experience in both the marketing trenches and the systems side of agency life, and today he’s pulling back the curtain on lessons learned the hard way.I brought Selim on because most agencies start with good intentions and bad timing. He’s lived that story and shares an honest, tactical breakdown of what founders get wrong and how to avoid it.In this episode, we discuss:Why knowing how to do the work isn’t the same as knowing how to run a businessThe risk of skipping demand validation before launchLessons from co-founder misalignmentand more...You can learn more about Selim on LinkedIn.-----------No one was asking for another community. But I've made one anyway.So what's different?The Dynamic Agency Community is designed around access rather than content.Access to peers who've done it before.Access to experts who've designed solutions.Access to resources that have been battle-tested.And right now, the price for founding members is only $97/year.Join today so your agency has immediate access to everything you need to grow.You can join at DynamicAgency.Community. -----------Hiring in the agency world is rough. Most job posting sites get you lots of applicants, but with their “easy applying” options, most of those are unqualified. And worse, they don’t understand what it’s like working at an agency.This is why I created the Agency Job Hub. You can post your positions for free to find applicants looking specifically for agency work, and we already have a growing list of candidates who’ll be notified as soon as you post.You can list your open positions for free at AgencyJobHub.com.-----------Our friends at Parakeeto have a powerful resource that dives into everything you need to know about agency profitability.This is a must-have for agency owners and operators.Get the Agency Profit Toolkit for free now!-----------Subscribe to the Agency Forward blog on Substack.We have weekly blog content with practical advice to help you advance your agency. -----------Want to level up your agency? Get the Dynamic Offers Email Mini-CourseExplore the 5 of the most common challenges agencies face in today's market.We're talking about the challenges that lead to no prospects, no recurring revenue, and nothing for people to buy from you.It's worth reading just for the ideas alone.5 emails. 5 challenges. 5 strategies to fix them.Get it at DynamicAgencyCourse.com.-----------And if you're ready for 1-on-1 help to create some mind-blowing offers for your agency, visit DynamicAgencyOS.com to schedule a free consultation. Running an agency is tough, but you don't need to go it alone.

Apr 1, 2025 • 38min
050 Bobby Gillespie: Making Agencies More Strategic & Memorable
Hey everyone, today I'm joined by Bobby Gillespie.Bobby is a hands-on, no-BS brand strategy and marketing advisor.Bobby has spent years helping B2B brands clarify their messaging, strengthen their positioning, and create brands that actually stand out. With a background in agency leadership and brand strategy, he knows what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to differentiation in a crowded market.I wanted to bring Bobby on because agencies often struggle to clearly articulate their value and stand out from competitors. He’s seen it all when it comes to branding mistakes, and today, he’s breaking down what agencies should do instead.In this episode, we discuss:The biggest mistake B2B brands make when trying to stand outHow agencies can fix vague messaging and make people say, “Tell me more”How to shift from being seen as vendors to true strategic partners…and more.You can learn more about Bobby on LinkedIn.-----------No one was asking for another community. But I've made one anyway.So what's different?The Dynamic Agency Community is designed around access rather than content.Access to peers who've done it before.Access to experts who've designed solutions.Access to resources that have been battle-tested.And right now, the price for founding members is only $97/year.Join today so your agency has immediate access to everything you need to grow.You can join at DynamicAgency.Community. -----------Hiring in the agency world is rough. Most job posting sites get you lots of applicants, but with their “easy applying” options, most of those are unqualified. And worse, they don’t understand what it’s like working at an agency.This is why I created the Agency Job Hub. You can post your positions for free to find applicants looking specifically for agency work, and we already have a growing list of candidates who’ll be notified as soon as you post.You can list your open positions for free at AgencyJobHub.com.-----------Our friends at Parakeeto have a powerful resource that dives into everything you need to know about agency profitability.This is a must-have for agency owners and operators.Get the Agency Profit Toolkit for free now!-----------Subscribe to the Agency Forward blog on Substack.We have weekly blog content with practical advice to help you advance your agency. -----------Want to level up your agency? Get the Dynamic Offers Email Mini-CourseExplore the 5 of the most common challenges agencies face in today's market.We're talking about the challenges that lead to no prospects, no recurring revenue, and nothing for people to buy from you.It's worth reading just for the ideas alone.5 emails. 5 challenges. 5 strategies to fix them.Get it at DynamicAgencyCourse.com.-----------And if you're ready for 1-on-1 help to create some mind-blowing offers for your agency, visit DynamicAgencyOS.com to schedule a free consultation. Running an agency is tough, but you don't need to go it alone.

Mar 25, 2025 • 34min
049 Laura Humphreys: Scaling an Agency to $15M
Hey everyone, today I’m joined by Laura Humphreys.Laura is an agency growth expert and former owner of a $15M agency that she successfully sold to Ogilvy.Laura knows firsthand what it takes to scale an agency, from the early struggles to building a high-performing team and ultimately making a profitable exit. She now helps ambitious agency owners implement the same strategies that fueled her success.I wanted to bring Laura on because so many agency founders hit growth plateaus—whether at $1M, $3M, or beyond. She’s been through all of it and is here to share what actually works (and what doesn’t).In this episode, we discuss:The biggest myth about running a $15M agencyThe key leadership shifts agency owners need to scaleThe right time to start thinking about an exit strategyAnd more…You can learn more about Laura Humphreys at LinkedIn.-----------No one was asking for another community. But I've made one anyway.So what's different?The Dynamic Agency Community is designed around access rather than content.Access to peers who've done it before.Access to experts who've designed solutions.Access to resources that have been battle-tested.And right now, the price for founding members is only $97/year.Join today so your agency has immediate access to everything you need to grow.You can join at DynamicAgency.Community. -----------Hiring in the agency world is rough. Most job posting sites get you lots of applicants, but with their “easy applying” options, most of those are unqualified. And worse, they don’t understand what it’s like working at an agency.This is why I created the Agency Job Hub. You can post your positions for free to find applicants looking specifically for agency work, and we already have a growing list of candidates who’ll be notified as soon as you post.You can list your open positions for free at AgencyJobHub.com.-----------Our friends at Parakeeto have a powerful resource that dives into everything you need to know about agency profitability.This is a must-have for agency owners and operators.Get the Agency Profit Toolkit for free now!-----------Subscribe to the Agency Forward blog on Substack.We have weekly blog content with practical advice to help you advance your agency. -----------Want to level up your agency? Get the Dynamic Offers Email Mini-CourseExplore the 5 of the most common challenges agencies face in today's market.We're talking about the challenges that lead to no prospects, no recurring revenue, and nothing for people to buy from you.It's worth reading just for the ideas alone.5 emails. 5 challenges. 5 strategies to fix them.Get it at DynamicAgencyCourse.com.-----------And if you're ready for 1-on-1 help to create some mind-blowing offers for your agency, visit DynamicAgencyOS.com to schedule a free consultation. Running an agency is tough, but you don't need to go it alone.