Agency Bytes

Featuring: Kyra Cavanaugh, Free Yourself In Episode 101 of Agency Bytes, I sit down with Kyra Cavanaugh, a wellbeing consultant, meditation coach, and Qigong instructor, for a conversation that feels like a deep breath in the middle of a hectic workday. We explore what it really means to prioritize wellbeing—not just for ourselves but for our teams and the people we lead. Kyra shares practical, down-to-earth strategies for finding balance in a world that pushes us to hustle nonstop. We talk about how small, intentional moments of self-care can ripple into productivity, creativity, and stronger connections—both at work and in life. From recognizing when a teammate (or you) might need a breather, to breaking the cycle of “push through and crash later” culture, this episode is all about giving yourself permission to slow down in order to show up fully. If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, felt the pressure to always be “on,” or wondered how to create a healthier, more human-centered workplace, this conversation is for you. Take a pause and join us. Key Bytes • Wellbeing is essential for productivity and creativity. • Connection and mental health challenges have been prevalent for years. • Daily self-care practices can help mitigate stress. • Leaders must model wellbeing for their teams. • Emotional intelligence is crucial in leadership. • Establishing boundaries is key to healthy workplace relationships. • Investing in oneself is a necessary practice. • Simple check-ins can foster team connection. • Recognizing the impact of personal struggles is important. • Human connection should be prioritized in the workplace. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wellbeing in the Workplace 05:55 Shifting Mindsets: From Work-Life Balance to Daily Wellbeing 11:48 Practical Strategies for Self-Care and Team Support 17:50 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 23:50 Fostering Human Connection in the Workplace Kyra Cavanaugh is a well-being consultant, meditation and healing coach, and Qigong instructor. She's worked with hundreds of businesses and thousands of leaders to improve personal, team and organizational well-being. She's an author, podcaster, speaker, coach and serial entrepreneur based in Asheville, NC where she loves to hike and listen to local, live music. Contact Kyra on 15be.com, freeyourself.world, or on their YouTube channel.

Featuring: Debbie Millman In the 100th episode of Agency Bytes, I couldn’t think of a more fitting guest to mark this milestone than the legendary Debbie Millman. As a designer, writer, educator, and the pioneering host of Design Matters, Debbie has shaped the creative industry in ways that continue to inspire me and so many others. In this conversation, we dive into her remarkable journey—from leading Sterling Brands to an Omnicom acquisition, to her impact on branding and design education, and even the evolution of her own 20-year podcasting career. She shares invaluable insights on leadership, overcoming rejection, embracing an abundance mindset, and finding inspiration in unexpected places. Plus, we discuss her upcoming book Love Letter to a Garden and the deeply personal connection between creativity and growth. It’s an episode filled with wisdom, warmth, and a celebration of resilience in the creative industry. In this episode, we dig into: • Debbie’s leadership at Sterling Brands and the journey to an Omnicom acquisition • The evolution of Design Matters and what 20 years of podcasting has taught her • How an abundance vs. scarcity mindset changed her creative path • The impact of Milton Glaser’s mentorship and his powerful five-year vision exercise • Advocating for women in design and her role in Omnicom’s Omniwomen network • Dealing with rejection, imposter syndrome, and the realities of a creative career • Her new book Love Letter to a Garden and the inspiration behind it So, whether you’ve been here since episode one or you’re tuning in for the first time, thank you for being part of this journey with me. I sincerely hope you enjoy this special 100th episode of Agency Bytes with the one and only Debbie Millman! Key Bytes • Debbie became a shareholder at Sterling Brands in 1998. • Leadership requires balancing financial acumen with creative passion. • Debbie's management style was demanding yet fair. • The acquisition by Omnicom was a pivotal moment for Sterling Brands. • Debbie actively mentors and advocates for women in the industry. • Her podcast, Design Matters, has evolved significantly over 20 years. • Debbie's closing statement reflects her commitment to making a difference. • The podcast has maintained a loyal audience despite industry changes. • Debbie's early writing for Armin Vitt's blog sparked her design journey. • Milton Glaser's teachings on scarcity and abundance were transformative for Debbie. • Writing a five-year plan helped Debbie visualize her future. • Debbie emphasizes the importance of teaching and sharing knowledge. • Rejections are a common experience, and feelings are temporary. • Travel serves as a major source of inspiration for Debbie's work. • Debbie's upcoming book combines her love for gardening and visual storytelling. • Debbie encourages embracing both successes and failures in one's career. • Believing in oneself is crucial for achieving goals. Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Milestones: The 100th Episode 12:37 Navigating Challenges in a Changing Market 18:06 Empowering Women in Creative Industries 24:42 The Evolution of Design Conversations 33:35 Navigating Rejections and Setbacks 42:05 Upcoming Projects and Personal Growth Named “one of the most creative people in business” by Fast Company, “one of the most influential designers working today” by GDUSA, and a “Woman of Influence” by Success magazine, Debbie Millman is also an author, educator, designer, and podcast pioneer. Debbie is the host of the Webby and Signal award-winning podcast Design Matters, one of the first and longest-running podcasts in the world; Chair of the first-ever Masters in Branding Program at the School of Visual Arts, Co-owner and Editorial Director of PrintMag.com, and the author of seven books on design and branding. Debbie is the recipient of a Cooper Hewitt National Design Award and a Lifetime Achievement award from AIGA, the Professional Association for Design. She is currently a Harvard Business School Executive Fellow and was recently invited to the Design Advisory Board of Canva. Contact Debbie on their website or through the SVA Branding program.

Featuring: Kelly Campbell In episode 099 of Agency Bytes, I got to have our first-ever repeat guest: Kelly Campbell. Kelly is a trauma-informed leadership coach, author of Heal to Lead, and creator of The New TLC: Trauma, Leadership, and Consciousness on Substack. They aren’t just talking about leadership—they’re redefining what it means to be a leader in today’s world, starting from the inside out. This conversation goes deep. We’re talking about the unspoken struggles that agency owners face—the hidden emotional baggage, the past experiences that shape how we lead, and why doing the inner work isn’t just self-care, but a leadership imperative. Kelly shares how their own journey led to a radical shift in understanding leadership—not as a performance, but as an extension of our healing. We unpack why self-awareness is the foundation of trust, how compassion (not control) is the key to stronger teams, and why integrating past trauma is essential for leading with clarity and confidence. We also get into: • Why so many leaders struggle with reactivity, trust, and burnout—and how to break the cycle. • The real difference between empathy and compassion (and why one is more effective in leadership). • The danger of people-pleasing in leadership—when “being supportive” crosses into self-sacrifice. • How agency leaders can create cultures of psychological safety, especially in uncertain times. • Kelly’s bold decision to step away from LinkedIn for a year—and why they’re doubling down on deeper, more meaningful conversations on The New TLC. • The agency landscape in 2025—why some agencies are thriving while others are struggling, and what owners need to focus on to stay ahead. If you’ve ever felt like leadership was more exhausting than it should be—if you’ve questioned why certain situations trigger you, or if you want to create a more human, connected, and resilient agency culture—this episode will challenge you in all the right ways. Kelly’s insights are game-changing, their wisdom is undeniable, and this conversation is one you don’t want to miss. Key Bytes • Publishing a book is a unique and challenging journey. • The feedback from my book has led many to seek therapy. • Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and connection. • Creating supportive environments is crucial for employee well-being. • Compassionate leadership can reduce attrition and enhance collaboration. • Personal experiences shape our leadership styles and effectiveness. • Building community is essential for personal and professional growth. • Experimenting with social media can lead to clearer boundaries. • Daily practices can significantly impact overall well-being. • Self-awareness is key to effective leadership. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Healing Leadership 06:30 The Creative Process of Writing a Book 12:00 Personal Growth Through Vulnerability 19:22 Navigating Leadership and Emotional Intelligence 23:44 Creating Supportive Work Environments 29:11 The Future of Leadership in a Changing World 33:12 Building Community and Personal Practices 39:53 Experimenting with Social Media and Boundaries Kelly L. Campbell (they/them) is a Trauma-Informed Leadership Coach to emerging and established leaders who want to live, lead, and love with confidence and freedom. They are the author of HEAL TO LEAD: Revolutionizing Leadership through Trauma Healing. As a Sacred Trauma Healing practitioner, they work one-on-one with those who have experienced trauma in childhood or adulthood. Kelly has written for Entrepreneur, Fast Company and Forbes, and currently writes on Substack about “The New TLC: Trauma, Leadership, and Consciousness.” Their vision is for more than half of humanity to heal its childhood trauma so that we may reimagine and rebuild the world together. Contact Kelly on their website, LinkedIn, or Instagram, and be sure to subscribe to their Substack here.

In this engaging discussion, Paolo Vidali, CEO of Hidden Gears, shares his inspiring journey through entrepreneurship while facing personal adversity. He candidly talks about his wife's unexpected cancer diagnosis and the challenges it brought to his life and business. Paolo emphasizes the power of vulnerability, the importance of mental health, and how seeking support from others can help. He also reveals crucial leadership lessons learned during tough times, advocating for work-life balance and a refreshed outlook on success and health.

Featuring: Matthew Fox In episode 097 of Agency Bytes, I had the pleasure of speaking with Matthew Fox, a project leader, trainer, and operations consultant who specializes in conscious leadership and helping teams work better together. Matthew opened up about his personal journey with imposter syndrome and how it led him to dive deep into self-development. Over the years, he’s explored frameworks like The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership and the Drama Triangle, which have shaped how he approaches leadership and team dynamics. One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation? Project managers often spot cultural issues before leadership does. If your projects are struggling, it’s probably not just an execution problem—it’s a reflection of your agency’s culture. We also dove into the importance of self-care for agency owners—something too many of us neglect. Matthew shared how shifting from reactive, fear-based leadership to solution-focused, conscious leadership can improve team morale, retention, and overall agency success. Key Bytes • Conscious leadership is essential for agency success. • Self-discovery can lead to better team dynamics. • Project managers are key to understanding agency culture. • The drama triangle can hinder project success. • Cultural challenges often stem from leadership styles. • Self-care is crucial for effective leadership. • Time management can improve agency operations. • Creativity flourishes in a supportive environment. • An open mindset leads to better problem-solving. • Personal growth impacts professional relationships. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Conscious Leadership 01:25 The Journey of Self-Discovery 03:27 Integrating Conscious Leadership in Agencies 06:16 Understanding the Drama Triangle 10:12 Cultural Challenges in Agency Leadership 11:34 The Shift from Command and Control 16:56 The Role of Self-Care in Leadership 20:50 Time Management and Agency Culture 24:03 Creativity Under Pressure 26:33 The Importance of an Open Mindset 27:31 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections Matthew Fox is a project leader, trainer, and operations consultant with a strong background in public speaking and critique, skilled at delivering constructive feedback that inspires action and change. A true people person with the ability to gain consensus among multiple stakeholders to drive projects to completion and achieve company objectives. His professional background includes various positions in technology implementation, project management, facilitation, and end-user training. And has led and mentored cross-functional teams. Matthew loves to give back. He is actively involved in several volunteer organizations, including the Digital Project Manager and the Evolutionary Power Institute. Contact Matthew on LinkedIn.

Featuring: Jason Kramer, Cultivize In episode 096 of Agency Bytes, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jason Kramer, founder and CEO of Cultivize, about how to improve the sales process through better lead nurturing and CRM strategies. We covered topics like identifying and converting leads, picking the right CRM tools, and the mindset shifts that make CRM usage more effective. Jason shared some great insights on evaluating past marketing efforts, making sense of key metrics, and positioning agencies for success. He also introduced some exciting tools and resources from Cultivize, including a Google Sheets-based CRM system called Profit Path, which helps businesses track leads and marketing expenses more effectively. Key Bytes • Cultivize focuses on helping businesses identify, nurture, and convert leads. • Proper CRM implementation requires ongoing adjustments and strategy. • Many companies jump into technology without understanding their needs. • Evaluating past marketing efforts is crucial for future success. • Metrics should inform decisions, not just provide data. • Agencies often struggle with self-marketing due to proximity to their own business. • Positioning and niche marketing are essential for agency success. • New tools like Profit Path can simplify lead tracking and marketing costs. • Behavioral changes are necessary for effective CRM usage. • Asking for help can accelerate business growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cultivize and Sales Optimization 05:55 Choosing the Right CRM Tools 11:58 Evaluating Past Marketing Efforts 17:54 Marketing for Agencies: The Importance of Positioning 24:04 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts Jason Kramer is the founder and CEO of Cultivize, a consulting firm dedicated to improving lead nurturing and CRM implementation. With more than two decades of experience, Jason has collaborated with both global and local brands to help align marketing and sales efforts. His expertise lies in optimizing sales processes, evaluating underperforming marketing campaigns, and fostering better integration between marketing and sales teams. Contact Jason on his website and use code “Agency Bytes” to save $50 on Profit Path.

Featuring: Chip Griffin, SAGA In episode 095 of Agency Bytes, I’m joined by Chip Griffin, founder of the Small Agency Growth Alliance (SAGA). With over 30 years of experience as an agency owner and entrepreneur, Chip shares how small PR, marketing, and creative agency owners can build businesses they truly love. We dig into some of agency owners' pitfalls, including why chasing “copycat goals” and outdated benchmarks often leads to burnout, and why focusing on profit and personal satisfaction is key. Chip also breaks down his “floor-to-ceiling” pricing model, the importance of time tracking, and how finding focus (a.k.a. niching) can make your agency more efficient and profitable. Plus, we discuss how owners can step back from the grind and take control of their day-to-day. If you’re ready to rethink your approach to running your agency, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you grow sustainably and love what you do. Tune in now! Key Bytes • Commit to building a business you want to own. • Define personal goals to shape your agency. • Focus on profit, not just revenue or headcount. • Time tracking is essential for understanding costs. • Pricing should be based on project budgets and value. • Finding focus helps improve efficiency and results. • Agency owners often work too many hours on the wrong tasks. • Control your day to enhance satisfaction. • Selling an agency is often not a life-changing event. • Life is too short to be miserable in your work. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Agency Growth 06:36 The Importance of Time Tracking 12:51 Pricing Strategies for Agencies 19:23 Common Pain Points for Agency Owners 25:19 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts As the founder of the Small Agency Growth Alliance (SAGA), Chip Griffin helps small PR and marketing agency owners build businesses that they want to own. He works with them to grow profits, eliminate overwork, and improve their overall satisfaction. As an experienced entrepreneur and agency owner himself, Chip shares the wisdom of his successes and the lessons from his failures. He understands the challenges and opportunities that face agency owners because he sat in the same chair and faced similar decisions. Chip joined his first agency 30 years ago as a Junior Account Executive and has had an appreciation for the highs and lows these firms have experienced ever since. Contact Chip on his website or on LinkedIn.

Featuring: Chris DuBois, Dynamic Agency OS In episode 094 of Agency Bytes, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris Dubois, a seasoned marketing expert and non-founder CEO. Chris shares his fascinating journey from being an infantry officer to leading a successful agency that not only got recognized as an Inc 5000 honoree but also earned the prestigious Two Comma Club award. During our conversation, Chris dives deep into the Dynamic Agency OS, his framework for helping agencies achieve alignment and growth. Key areas of focus from the podcast include: • Transformational Leadership: How Chris advanced from head of operations to CEO and his insights on effective leadership. • Strategic Specialization: The importance of niching based on problem-solving and creating differentiated offers. • Team Optimization: Evaluating and leveraging team strengths to maintain high standards and improve agency culture. • Quarterly Planning: The benefits of conducting quarterly strategy sessions to stay aligned with client goals and maintain focus. • Practical Tools: Chris's take on invaluable tools like the AI-powered calendar tool, Motion, and its impact on productivity. Tune in to explore valuable strategies and actionable insights that can help marketing agency owners thrive and grow their businesses. Key Bytes • Chris DuBois transitioned from military service to agency leadership. • The Dynamic Agency OS framework focuses on operators, offers, and operations. • Agencies often struggle with client requests outside their expertise. • Leadership in agencies is about maintaining a strong culture and standard. • Hiring the right people is crucial for delivering quality work. • Understanding client needs requires digging deeper into their problems. • Quarterly strategies help keep clients focused and accountable. • Soft skills can be broken down into quantifiable hard skills for training. • Delegation is key for agency owners to focus on growth. • Networking with other experts can provide valuable insights and solutions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Agency Bites and Chris DuBois 06:32 The Dynamic Agency OS: A Framework for Success 12:51 Navigating Client Requests and Agency Expertise 23:39 Personal Insights and Recommendations from Chris DuBois Chris DuBois helps marketing agencies build a solid go-to-market foundation while avoiding common roadblocks by aligning business design with personal goals through the Dynamic Agency OS. A former head of operations and non-founder CEO at an agency, he is an INC 5000 honoree and 2 Comma Club awardee. Contact Chris on his website or on LinkedIn.

Featuring: Jonathan Stark, Ditcherville In Episode 093 of Agency Bytes, I sat down with Jonathan Stark — a former software developer turned pricing consultant — to dig into a topic that trips up so many agencies: hourly billing vs. value-based pricing. Jonathan shared how he made the shift from trading time for money to focusing on the value his work delivers. What started as a few talks with agencies grew into a full-blown movement — writing books, delivering content, and building a thriving community of creative professionals ditching the hourly model. We talked about why hourly billing holds agencies back, the importance of deeply understanding client needs, and how to craft pricing options that reflect the true value you provide. Jonathan’s insights on uncovering client motivations and taking a more strategic approach to pricing will help you build stronger client relationships and increase profitability. If you’re tired of being stuck in the “billable hour” mindset, this episode is packed with actionable advice you won’t want to miss. Key Bytes • Hourly billing limits income potential. • Understanding client outcomes is crucial for pricing. • Scope should be defined after understanding client needs. • Value-based pricing can lead to higher profits. • Creating multiple pricing options can attract clients. • Time tracking is unnecessary in a value-based model. • Client motivations should drive the sales conversation. • Different levels of engagement affect pricing strategies. • Value pricing enhances client relationships. • Being unique in your offering is essential for success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ditching Hourly Billing 06:01 Understanding Client Needs and Outcomes 11:45 Creating Pricing Options for Clients 17:47 Uncovering Client Motivations 23:54 The Home Run of Value Pricing Jonathan Stark is a former software developer who is on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. He is the author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts, the host of Ditching Hourly, and writes a daily newsletter on pricing for independent professionals. Connect with Jonathan and learn about ditching hourly on his website.

Featuring: Armin Vit, Brand New In Episode 092 of Agency Bytes, I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Armin Vit, co-founder of Under Consideration and editor of the wildly popular blog Brand New. As someone who’s followed Armin’s work for nearly two decades, this was a bucket-list conversation for me. We dove into the early days of design blogging and how Brand New evolved from a passion project into a thriving subscription-based business. Armin shared why he and his partner Bryony chose to lean into events and community-building over running a traditional design agency — and how that shift has shaped their success. We also got into some fun topics like logo trends, what makes a redesign impactful, and how design can spark conversation. But what really stood out were Armin’s insights for agency owners — from taking calculated risks to staying organized with something as simple (and powerful) as spreadsheets. If you’re an agency owner or a design enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this episode. Armin’s perspective on balancing creativity, business, and community is inspiring and packed with practical takeaways. Key Bytes • The transition to a subscription model was driven by the pandemic. • In-house design is gaining recognition and importance in the industry. • The Brand New blog has evolved in writing style and audience engagement. • Airbnb's logo change is a prime example of design conviction. • Design trends often emerge simultaneously across the industry. • Community engagement through events is a key passion for Armin. • Calculated risks are essential for agency growth and survival. • Spreadsheets help organize thoughts and data effectively. • The design industry is shifting towards valuing in-house talent. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Armin Vit and Under Consideration 08:10 Passion for Events and Community Engagement 15:01 The Brand New Blog and Its Evolution 20:59 Identifying Design Trends in Real Time 30:01 Valuable Business Advice for Agency Owners Born and raised in Mexico City, Armin Vit is a graphic designer and writer now living in Bloomington, IN. He is co-founder of UnderConsideration, a graphic design firm generating its own projects, initiatives, and content. He is the editor and primary writer of the popular blog Brand New. Along with his wife and business partner, Bryony Gomez-Palacio, he is the co-organizer and co-host of the Brand New Conference (established in 2010) as well as of First Round (established in 2018) and In-house In-focus In-person (launching in 2025). Cumulatively they have curated a selection of more than 450 individual speakers and hosted more than 12,000 attendees since 2010. Contact Armin on any of his Instagram accounts: Personal, Brand New, In-House In-Focus, Brand New Conference, or on the Under Consideration website.