The Innovative Agency

AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore. It’s reshaping how agencies build, deliver, and scale creative at lightning speed. But for every opportunity it unlocks, there are just as many questions: How do you keep your creative edge? What are the legal landmines? And how do you actually integrate AI in a way that drives results and protects your agency? On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Toerek sits down with Hikari Senju,  Omneky Founder and CEO. Omneky is at the forefront of AI-powered advertising and Hikari shares what it really looks like to adopt AI inside a creative business. This conversation covers how agencies can strike the right balance between human brilliance and machine efficiency, how to navigate intellectual property concerns, and how to build systems that amplify, not replace, your team’s best work. If you want to make AI a true asset in your agency, this episode is a must-listen. What you will learn in this episode:  How AI is being used to supercharge creative and production processes within agencies Common fears and misconceptions agency leaders have about AI adoption Strategies for navigating intellectual property and liability risks when working with generative AI Where the true power of AI lies, and where human ingenuity still makes all the difference What questions to ask and what red flags to look for when evaluating AI tools for your agency’s workflow How agencies can begin integrating AI today to gain a competitive edge, without compromising creative integrity Bio Hikari Senju is a computer science graduate from Harvard University with a passion for technology and design. He founded his first startup, QuickHelp, an on-demand tutoring app, which he later sold to Yup.com and became their Head of Growth. During his time at Yup.com, Senju observed inefficiencies in content spending and the potential of AI in advertising, which inspired him to establish Omneky in 2018. Senju’s background in computer science, entrepreneurship, and his experience with AI technologies led him to create Omneky, an AI platform that generates, analyzes, and optimizes personalized ad creatives at scale. Resources: Website: https://www.omneky.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hikari-senju-63780199/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/omneky/ X: https://x.com/hisenju

Today on The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek sits down with Bill Swanston, co-founder and President of Bosun, for a raw and revealing conversation about what it really takes to reinvent a legacy agency. Bill doesn’t just share the highlight reel. He takes us inside the emotional highs and lows of letting go of a longtime identity, including the one literally tied to the founders’ names.  From wrestling with fear and uncertainty to rallying his team around a bold new vision, Bill walks through the pivotal moments that turned a daunting rebrand into a launchpad for growth. You’ll hear how he navigated the practical landmines like renaming the agency, earning internal buy-in, and communicating the transformation to clients and the industry. Bill also shares the unexpected lessons that come from shedding old skin and stepping fully into the future. If your agency has ever felt stuck in its own story or you’ve wondered what it takes to truly reimagine your brand, this episode is your playbook packed with hard-won wisdom. What you will learn in this episode:  The internal catalysts for legacy agencies deciding to rebrand The unique challenges and opportunities of renaming an agency when the “client” is yourself How to balance founder legacy and agency evolution, while still respecting the past as you build for the future The steps to a successful internal roll-out, including building consensus, fostering team buy-in, and reinforcing agency culture What it means to communicate a rebrand to clients and prospects How a thoughtful rollout can lead to unexpected new business Lessons learned from navigating trademark and domain obstacles, and why every agency should do careful due diligence Bio Since 1991, Bill Swanston has been creating ad campaigns helping brands connect with people. His strategically-driven, clear-headed thinking has helped companies build relationships with customers by simply speaking their language. He co-founded the agency in 2000, co-authored A Guide to Surviving the Seismic Shift in Advertising and is an avid eater of foods. Bill’s creative credentials include work that has been recognized in almost every advertising award show including Cannes, One Show, Addy’s, Communication Arts, Hatch, Obies and Tellies. Resources: Website: https://bosuncrew.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-swanston-185a014/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bosun-crew/

Today on The Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Toerek is joined by President and Co-Founder of Uproar PR Mike Harris. Mike brings the kind of hard-earned wisdom you only get from selling an agency. Not once, but twice.  If you’ve ever wrestled with the idea of letting go of something you built from the ground up, this conversation is going to hit home. Mike takes us behind the scenes of the emotional rollercoaster and the operational grit required to transition out of agency ownership. He shares the real story behind why he and his co-founder wife made the leap toward strategic acquisition, the blind spots most agency leaders don’t see coming during M&A, and what it really takes to protect your team, your culture, and your momentum when disruption strikes. Mike’s journey offers a rare inside look at resilience, reinvention, and rethinking success. If you're starting to think about your agency’s next chapter, or want to be ready when that day comes, don’t miss this conversation. What you will learn in this episode:  The insider view of selling your agency twice, and what makes each experience emotionally and practically different The breaking point in agency growth and how to recognize when it’s time to consider a sale or merger Key financial metrics acquirers look for Why culture and honesty with your team matter most, especially during uncertain transitions How to prepare for due diligence even if a sale seems far away The impact of COVID-19 on agency value and morale Why the right buyers and support team can completely change your future Bio Mike Harris is President and Co-Founder of Uproar PR. Founded in 2011, Uproar PR is a consumer and technology public relations agency with offices in New York, San Francisco, Tel Aviv, Miami, and Orlando. Harris works directly with clients to devise creative, out-of-the-box public relations campaigns. He creates high-level strategy for clients including Planet Fitness, Rakuten, and Delsey Luggage Paris. Harris is in charge of the strategic direction of the agency. He focuses on helping clients tell their brand stories through an integrated PR campaign centered around the company goals. Harris and his team have regularly garnered coverage for clients on CNN, MSNBC, ABC Nightly News, The Today Show, and a product demonstration on the CBS Show CSI. Resources: Website: https://uproarpr.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-harris-a828931/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uproar-by-moburst/ Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Uproar-PR/189640744390783  

Today on The Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Toerek welcomes Louise Oliver, Founder and CEO of Peritus PR, for a story that doesn't get told nearly enough, but every agency owner needs to hear it. Louise discusses the bold and deeply personal decision to hit pause and step away entirely from the business she built.  Not just a vacation. A real, extended break. And what happened next? Transformation for her agency, for her team, and for her as a leader.  In an industry that rarely slows down, the idea of walking away even temporarily feels both daunting and impossible, but Louise reveals how it transformed her agency and her leadership. If you've ever asked yourself, "What would happen if I stepped away?"— this episode will give you the clarity, courage, and practical tools to start building an agency that doesn’t just survive without you, but actually grows too. What you will learn in this episode:  The mindset shift necessary for agency owners to confidently step away from their business, especially in turbulent times Practical frameworks and processes to ensure team accountability and smooth operation during an extended absence How to communicate your absence internally and externally to foster trust and buy-in from your team and clients The lifelong value of discomfort and vulnerability in preparing for succession and leadership transitions Regular, intentional time away should become a part of agency culture instead of just a rare event Why Louise’s time off revealed new strengths in her team and led to unexpected business growth opportunities Bio Louise Oliver is the CEO and Founder of Peritus PR, one of Alabama's most respected communications firms, known for its innovative approach to public relations and advocacy. Louise has led Peritus PR to become a trusted partner for clients when the stakes are high. Her leadership is driven by a vision to build a firm that transcends traditional agency norms and outlives its founders, fostering a work culture that values purpose over burnout. Louise's career journey is marked by several unique milestones, including lessons learned from running an Alabama-based company from Italy, culture-building in an industry notorious for burnout, and charting a new path as a young small-business owner dedicated to playing well in the sandbox. Her greatest passion is empowering her team to use their gifts to move the region forward. Outside of work, she is a proud mother of three under five—two boys and a baby girl—and is married to her husband, a former U.S. Air Force dentist who now runs an orthodontic practice in Mobile, Alabama. Resources: Website: www.perituspr.com LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisecrowoliver/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/perituspr/  X: https://x.com/PeritusPR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeritusPR  

Today on The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek is joined by Taylor Frame, Chief Revenue Officer at Best Practice Media. Taylor knows what it really takes to grow agency revenue in a market that’s full of hesitation and slow-moving buyers. With economic uncertainty and client priorities shifting by the week, Taylor shares a refreshingly honest take on the sales challenges agencies are up against, and how to turn data into your secret weapon. From shortening decision cycles to keeping projects alive when clients get skittish, Taylor delivers practical strategies to stay confident, stay nimble, and keep the revenue flowing. If you’re feeling pressure from stalled projects or nervous clients, this conversation will help you rethink your approach to business development and client relationships. What you will learn in this episode:  The real-world challenges agencies are facing in today’s volatile economy and why acknowledging reality is the first step in overcoming them How agency leaders can leverage the metrics clients care about most to build trust, confidence, and long-term partnerships Strategies for shortening new business cycles when clients are hesitating or stuck in “not yet” mode The critical importance of curiosity in the sales process, and the risks agencies run by skipping the fundamental step of actually listening Why defining “success” with your client up front is more necessary than ever How to position your agency as the calm, confident rock your clients need in uncertain times The evolving landscape for e-commerce brands Bio Taylor Frame is the co-owner and Chief Revenue Officer of Best Practice Media, a digital growth shop. With a passion for helping entrepreneurs hit their goals, Taylor has consulted and worked with over 400+ eCommerce companies ranging from start-ups to enterprise level accounts. Under his leadership, the agency has launched and scaled over 100 brands to consistent 6-figure months, finding creative solutions in the shifting eCommerce world. Resources: Website: https://bestpracticemedia.com/  LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-frame/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bestpracticemedia/

On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek is joined by Jennifer Kaplan, Founder of Evolve PR and Marketing, an industry veteran who’s had a front-row seat to the seismic shifts reshaping how we communicate. In a marketing landscape defined by constant change, Jennifer breaks down what’s actually working today in PR, from the rising influence of podcasts and creators to the high-stakes game of personal branding. She shares how agency leaders can evolve their approach, strike the right balance between traditional media and emerging channels, and safeguard their clients’ reputations in an always-on, hyper-connected world. If your agency is navigating the noise and trying to stay visible and credible, this conversation is packed with hard-earned insights and practical strategies you can put to work right now. What you will learn in this episode:  How the shift from traditional media to platforms like podcasts and influencers is changing agency communications strategy The challenges and opportunities of educating clients about new outreach channels beyond TV and print How agency leaders can balance personal branding against company branding for more authentic and effective PR What to consider when allocating limited resources between thought leadership for executives and general brand campaigns The risks in influencer partnerships and how to protect your client’s reputation in an age where every misstep is permanent Bio Jennifer Kaplan is the Founder and President of Evolve PR & Marketing, Arizona’s largest public relations firm. Since launching the agency in 2010, she has led Evolve’s growth from a small, client-focused team into a powerhouse of 25 full-time publicists serving more than 100 clients across local and national markets.  A proud Phoenix native and Arizona State University alumna, Jennifer’s deep Valley roots and relationship-driven approach have helped her build lasting partnerships and elevate brands across industries. Her leadership and impact have earned her numerous honors, including the Inaugural Hugh Downs School of Human Communication Alumni of the Year Award, Phoenix Business Journal’s “40 Under 40,” and AZ Business Magazine’s “Most Influential Women in Arizona Business.” Resources: Website: https://evolveprandmarketing.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kaplan-b331948/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evolveprandmarketing/  

This episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast welcomes Lori Highby, CEO and Founder of Keystone Click, for an honest and practical conversation about what it really looks like to run a digital agency in the age of AI.   Lori shares how her and her team are weaving AI into daily operations, not just the flashy stuff, but the messy, behind-the-scenes realities most agencies aren’t talking about. She tackles how AI is rewriting the customer journey, reshaping content strategy, and forcing agencies to rethink their competitive edge from the ground up.   If you’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed by the speed of change and wondering how your agency can lead instead of lag, this episode is for you. What you will learn in this episode:    How AI is changing the customer journey long before a client is ready to buy Why your agency’s approach to search may be due for a tune-up The critical differences between AI-assisted content creation and truly original thought leadership Ways to audit and optimize your agency’s presence in AI-powered search platforms Why deeply niching your agency could be the key to standing out in the AI-driven era The day-to-day workflow shifts agencies are experiencing as their teams experiment with AI to gain efficiency and add strategic value Practical strategies to keep your team and your clients learning, sharing, and leveling up amid nonstop technological change The risks of rushing into full-scale AI automation for client deliverables Safeguards every agency leader should consider Bio   A twenty-year veteran of marketing, branding and entrepreneurship—and Founder of the Milwaukee-based digital agency Keystone Click—Lori knows first-hand what it is like to be overwhelmed by options in the marketing world. As a young marketer, Lori found that when it came to digital marketing, she had to connect the dots herself, on the job. This learning journey gave her a lifelong passion for helping others sort through their own bewildering array of digital promotion options and find ones that work for them.  Learning by doing gave Lori a unique passion to share the learning process with others. Over the years, she solidified a unique approach to digital marketing that specializes in educating clients as partners in the process. Lori and her team also emphasize that the basics of marketing are far more important than fads. “I tell clients, don’t worry about all the new stuff popping up,” says Lori. “Stick to the core values, and we’ll be fine.” In 2008, she founded Keystone Click to deliver digital marketing based on this conviction. She has since grown an eclectic team of talent who can manage every aspect of a client’s online promotion.  Today, Lori balances her time between leading vision and sales for Keystone Click, and sharing her expertise in many marketing forums for curious, motivated professionals and entrepreneurs. Lori enjoys meeting her audience wherever they are at in their self- or business-promotional journeys. She teaches them how to connect their unique vision with the right tools, people and ideas to market it effectively online. Clients and event attendees alike prize her calm, no-nonsense approach, as well as the vast network of resources she can point them toward to accelerate their success.  Lori received her master’s degree in business administration from Cardinal Stritch University. She speaks and blogs on the topics of social media, e-commerce, digital marketing and entrepreneurship.  Resources:   Website: https://lorihighby.com/  LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorihighby/  LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keystone-click/

This episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast examines a challenge every agency leader has faced at one point or another: watching a promising new client relationship fall apart too soon. Today’s guest is Chip Griffin, Founder of the Small Agency Growth Alliance (SAGA), and he’s here to unpack how to set agency-client relationships up for success before the contract is even signed. Chip candidly discusses why client churn happens more often than it should, and why misaligned expectations are usually to blame. He brings sharp, practical advice on how to ask better questions, uncover what clients really want, and build relationships that avoid scope creep, protect your profit, and actually last. If you’re looking to turn more of your wins into long-term, high-value partnerships, don’t miss this conversation. What you will learn in this episode:  Why churn remains one of the greatest threats to agency profitability How to set client expectations before the contract is ever signed Why being genuinely curious can position your agency as a true expert instead of just a vendor The hidden risks of focusing on vanity metrics instead of KPIs that matter to your clients’ business goals How the “handoff” from agency owner to account manager can make or break early client rapport and trust The role of client responsibilities in successful outcomes, and why agencies need them spelled out in every scope of work The surprising upside of embracing project-based relationships over traditional retainers Bio Chip Griffin created SAGA to help agency owners build the businesses that they are happy to own. As someone who has owned an agency himself, he understands the challenges and opportunities his clients see every day. Resources: Website: https://www.smallagencygrowth.com LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipgriffin/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/small-agency-growth/ X: https://x.com/chipgriffin

This episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast welcomes Saul Marquez, Founder and CEO of Outcomes Rocket, an expert in digital marketing for the healthcare sector. Saul dives into the core challenges agencies face in proving the effectiveness of digital campaigns and building lasting client trust, especially when expectations and reality don’t always match up.  Saul breaks down the critical framework of assessing client digital maturity, dominating a niche, and establishing measurable KPIs. Listen in for actionable strategies on how to have tough client conversations and position your agency for resilience in an AI-driven future. What you will learn in this episode:  Why assessing a client’s digital marketing maturity is the first essential step before launching any campaign How to navigate tough conversations when client expectations don’t match their true marketing readiness Aligning on KPIs and timelines before tactics A proven, three-part framework for planning, optimizing, and measuring digital campaigns in the rapidly evolving landscape The real value of niching your agency’s services How emerging AI and agentic technologies are rewiring the future of agency operations and client expectations Why strong processes, documentation, and trust-building conversations are more critical than ever for agencies aiming to deliver results Bio Saul Marquez is a prominent figure in healthcare and marketing, serving as the Founder and CEO of Outcomes Rocket, a global marketing agency that helps healthcare organizations grow their impact and accelerate growth. With over twenty years of experience in sales and marketing within the healthcare sector, Saul's journey began in sales and leadership roles at major players like Stryker, NuVasive, and Medtronic. Recognizing significant gaps that companies were faced with in strategy, marketing, and commercialization during his career, Saul established Outcomes Rocket to address these challenges head-on. The agency focuses on helping healthcare brands and businesses scale and thrive in the digital age. Resources: Website: https://www.outcomesrocket.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saulmarquez1/  LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/outcomes-rocket X: https://x.com/OutcomesRocket

Today’s episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast is a must-listen if you’ve ever found yourself staring down an empty pipeline, wondering where your next opportunity will come from. Sharon Toerek is joined by Tom Martin, Founder and CEO of Converse Digital.  Tom doesn’t pull punches when it comes to one of the most critical and overlooked agency challenges: consistent business development in an unpredictable market. Tom discusses why “hope is not a strategy” and delivers practical, proven frameworks that help agencies build resilient pipelines.  From earning trust by teaching, to positioning your agency with purpose, to using scarcity as a strategic lever, this conversation is loaded with insights you can act on. If your agency’s growth feels reactive instead of intentional, this conversation is a masterclass in getting ahead, and staying ahead. What you will learn in this episode:  Why hope is not a strategy when for sustaining agency business development, and what to do instead How economic uncertainty is impacting marketing agencies’ pipelines, and how to respond proactively instead of reactively The importance of teaching instead of selling during the business development process to deepen client trust and credibility How to consistently remain top of mind with potential clients without feeling pushy or salesy What it really takes to build predictable growth Strategic approaches to harness agency specialization and showcase expertise Being intentional about client fit and practicing scarcity can actually improve your negotiating power and long-term agency health Bio Tom Martin is a no-nonsense, straight-talking business development expert with over 30 years of experience helping agencies turn conversations into customers. As the author of The Invisible Sale and Founder of Converse Digital, Tom has built a career on demystifying persuasion, showing agencies how to earn trust, capture attention, and drive action—without relying on outdated sales tactics. An internationally recognized keynote speaker, Tom blends marketing, psychology, and technology to teach agencies how to Painlessly Prospect for their next great client. Resources: Website: https://conversedigital.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommartinjr/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conversedigital/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConverseDigital X: https://x.com/tommartin Agency Business Development Solutions: https://conversedigital.com/agency-business-development-resources The Invisible Sale: https://conversedigital.com/product/the-invisible-sale