The Innovative Agency

Today The Innovative Agency Podcast welcomes Patrick Taggart, Chief Creative Officer of SkyBlue Creative, for a candid conversation about the power and challenges of video in modern brand storytelling.  As agencies face questions about authenticity, AI, and the pressure to “go big” with video content, Patrick explores his approach to unscripted, conversational video that brings out the genuine stories behind brands.  He shares how agency leaders can confidently guide clients through the video creation process, avoid common pitfalls, and utilize video as a tool for both growth and connection. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your agency’s video content stand out without falling into the trap of over-scripting or over-thinking, this episode is a must-listen. What you will learn in this episode:  Why unscripted, conversational video outperforms overly polished content in building authentic brand connections How the increasing demand for video is changing client expectations and agency production roles Common fears clients have about being on camera and how agency leaders can help clients overcome them Strategies for identifying the best on-camera storytellers Best practices for successful agency-to-agency collaborations with video production partners Bio Pat Taggart is the Founder and Chief Creative at SkyBlue Creative. A documentary filmmaker, Pat takes a completely fresh approach to traditional, cringeworthy corporate videos that don’t feel authentic, and that helps his client create impactful content that moves the needle for organizations of all sizes and industries. In addition to being a video creator, Pat is a highly-rated speaker for organizations like YPO and EO, educating leaders on how they can use video to attract and engage employees and customers. That includes plenty of tips on how to create winning content in-house without the need for a pro like himself. Resources: Website: https://www.skybluecreative.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-taggart-1a25a595/

In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek sits down with serial entrepreneur Erik Olson, CEO of several thriving digital marketing agencies. Erik pulls back the curtain on his journey from running a single agency to building a powerful network under a holding company model. Erik shares the bold choices behind specialization versus diversification, and how each path impacts growth, scalability, and long-term sustainability for agencies. His entrepreneurial insights offer both a blueprint and a forecast for agency leaders eager to explore new frontiers. What you will learn in this episode:  The decision-making process behind choosing to niche and the fear of alienation Challenges and lessons learned from spinning off and growing multiple agencies The importance of maintaining a financial safety net when considering business expansions or changes Insights into the creation and successful operation of a holding company that includes multiple specialized agencies The balance between specializations and diversification in building a resilient marketing agency The role of intellectual capital in expanding agency capabilities The future of agencies in light of technological advancements like AI Bio Erik J. Olson is a seasoned entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of a growing portfolio of digital marketing agencies, including Array Digital, Rival Digital, and Crush Digital. While each agency specializes in helping specific industries such as law firms, HVAC contractors, and medical professionals, Erik’s vision extends far beyond day-to-day marketing. His ultimate goal is to build a $100M holding company by 2030. Resources: Website: https://linktr.ee/erik.j.olson LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamerikjolson/  LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-agency-mastermind/ X: x.com/iamerikjolson Million Dollar Journey: https://www.amazon.com/Million-Dollar-Journey-seven-figure-business/dp/B08X6DXB3M

On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek explores the game-changing impact of AI in marketing agencies with guest Mike Todasco—former VP of Innovation at PayPal and now a professor at San Diego State University.  This episode tackles the big questions: How can AI elevate agency-client relationships? Where do the biggest opportunities (and risks) lie?  Mike shares how to cut through the hype to uncover practical, real-world strategies agencies can use to stay ahead, adapt, and harness AI for greater innovation and profitability. What you will learn in this episode:  The difference between average and exceptional content in the age of AI Why prompt engineering is a game-changer for agencies Risks and rewards of adopting AI for content creation What clients are looking for in AI-savvy agencies Strategies for agencies to maintain their competitive edge by embracing innovation The untapped potential of AI for enhancing client relationships and agency profitability Bio Mike Todasco is a former Senior Director of Innovation at PayPal and a current Visiting Fellow at the James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence at SDSU. With over 100 patents to his name, Mike played a key role in fostering a culture of innovation across PayPal’s 20,000+ employees.  A recognized expert in AI and innovation, he explores how AI can enhance creativity and revolutionize business processes and personal tasks. Passionate about democratizing advanced technology, Mike advocates for enabling innovation without requiring deep technical expertise. He frequently shares his insights on AI’s impact on innovation, decision-making, and cognition through articles on Medium and LinkedIn. Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todasco/ Medium: https://medium.com/@todasco Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/ai-conversations-6996917847037755392/ SDSU: https://business.sdsu.edu/centers-institutes/ai

On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek explores the fascinating intersection of buyer psychology and AI-driven marketing with Rai Cornell, Founder of Cornell Content Marketing.  With a background in psychology, Rai brings a unique perspective on how human behavior shapes effective content strategies. She unpacks the role of human insight in modern marketing, revealing how agencies can seamlessly blend AI technology with traditional, human-led approaches to build trust, create deeper connections, and craft high-impact marketing funnels. What you will learn in this episode:  The critical role of human psychology in creating effective marketing strategies Strategies to blend AI tools with human insight for sustainable brand building How to focus on building long-term trust over short-term transactions Techniques for agencies to assist clients in prioritizing brand building alongside conversion tactics Understanding your ideal client for effective marketing strategies How to use AI thoughtfully as a brainstorming and research tool, not a standalone solution Bio Rai Cornell is the CEO and Strategic Marketing Consultant of Cornell Content Marketing, helping B2B businesses become thought leaders by creating long-term demand-generation strategies and eliminating costly and unnecessary short-term, manipulative tactics like ads. Rai's marketing approach is psychology-driven to ensure businesses attract pre-qualified, emotionally engaged buyers. Rai’s journey began when she shifted from a career in mental health to marketing, realizing that traditional marketing methods failed to create meaningful connections. Leveraging her experience as a freelance writer since 2007 and psychologist since 2012, Rai is revolutionizing the way marketers connect with ideal buyers in our digital-everything world. Resources: Website: https://www.cornellcontentmarketing.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raicornell/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cornellcontentmarketing/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cornellcontentmarketing/ Free SEO Guide: https://cornellcontentmarketing.kit.com/seo-checklist

In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Adam Nathan of Blaze AI joins Sharon Toerek  to discuss the integration of AI into agencies, exploring both the opportunities it presents and the fears it evokes.  Adam shares insights into how agencies can leverage AI to enhance their operations and outlines strategies for agency leaders to position themselves for future success. Discover how forward-thinking agencies are using AI to not only maintain but also enhance their value to clients. What you will learn in this episode:  How agencies can leverage AI tools like to increase productivity and revenue The balance between opportunity and risk in AI integration for agencies Strategies for agencies to maximize creativity and customization with AI technology How to transparently communicate your agency’s use of AI to clients Understanding the potential market shifts as AI becomes a standard in agency operations The long-term opportunities for agencies who embrace AI and adapt to technological advancements Bio After spending time at some of the most complex organizations and companies in the world (White House, Apple, Lyft) Adam Nathan realized he was spending more time coordinating work than actually doing it. Taking inspiration from how developers worked in Github and designers worked in Figma, he founded Almanac to build a tool to help teams collaborate in documents with structure and transparency.  In 2023, Adam launched his second product, Blaze, a marketing AI tool for teams of one to create better content in half the time. Resources: Website: https://www.blaze.ai/ Linkedin Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adampnathan/ Linkedin Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getblazeai/ X: https://x.com/adampnathan Startup Tycoon: https://startuptycoon.com/  

In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek sits down with Tom Conlon, Founder of North Street, a branding-focused agency based in New York. Tom made a bold strategic move, doubling down on a niche, and that led to the launch of his new venture, Circulent. He was able to harness his team’s existing skills to turn specific expertise into a standalone revenue stream. Tom provides insights on how  to innovate within your agency to create new revenue streams while maintaining the vitality of your core business. This conversation explores the power of niching down and transforming agency expertise into new opportunities. What you will learn in this episode:  The strategic power of doubling down on a niche in your agency and how it can transform your business trajectory. How agency owners can identify unique skill sets within their teams to create new revenue streams. How to balance and grow both a new startup initiative and an established agency without compromising either. Strategies for setting up symbiotic relationships with other agencies as a distribution channel for specialized services. Practical advice on developing a separate pricing and business model for a new offering while managing client expectations. Bio Tom Conlon is the Founder of North Street, an independent branding, strategy, and design agency. With over 20 years of experience in design, web programming, copywriting, operations, and people management, Tom has a diverse background that includes working as a web designer, developer, writer, and editor for top media outlets like Wired, Men’s Journal, AOL, and Popular Science.  He earned a degree in Communications with a minor in History from Fordham University and is an active member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization in New York City. Tom is passionate about helping organizations succeed during moments of evolutionary change and has a particular interest in entrepreneurship, branding, and the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Resources: Website: https://northstreetcreative.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-conlon/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-street/  

Sharon Toerek sits down with Brad Farris, Principal of Anchor Advisors, for a powerful conversation on The Innovative Agency Podcast. This episode tackles a critical yet often overlooked question: What is the real role of a CEO in an agency?  Brad breaks down the key responsibilities that separate working in the business from working on it—and why that distinction is vital for growth and innovation. Packed with practical strategies, this discussion is a must-listen for agency leaders ready to elevate their leadership and scale with intention. What you will learn in this episode:  How to strategically divide time between working on versus in your business. The critical role of the CEO in setting agency strategy, culture, and driving major deals. Techniques for effective resource allocation that align both CEO and owner goals. Distinguishing between the roles of CEO and owner for agency success. How to leverage team feedback and performance reviews to improve leadership. Strategies to combat common bottlenecks and foster middle management growth. The transformative impact of taking time off to enhance creative and strategic thinking. Bio Brad Farris is known for helping agency owners grow through the $1M—$2M barrier to become thriving $3M —$5M agencies. For over twenty years, Brad has worked alongside agency owners to help them sharpen their focus, raise their prices, and hire better people to scale their firms. In his work with hundreds of agency owners, he’s learned that success is driven less by what you do than who you decide to be, and the biggest hurdle to your agency’s growth is between your ears. Resources: Website: https://anchoradvisors.com/  LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfarris/  LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anchor-advisors-ltd./ Business Growth Phase Assessment: https://anchoradvisors.com/accelerate-your-business-growth/ Self-Leadership Assessment: https://anchoradvisors.com/self-leadership-assessment/  

Today on the Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek is joined by Hope Horner, Founder and CEO of Lemonlight. In a rapidly changing landscape where video content has become indispensable for brands, Hope shares her expertise on how marketing agencies can capitalize on this trend. This discussion delves into the democratization of video, identifying missed opportunities for brands, and the rise of user-generated content. Hope also provides insights into collaborating successfully with video production firms while navigating the complexities of the digital landscape. Listen in to discover strategies to ensure your agency and clients stay ahead in a video-driven world. What you will learn in this episode:  The evolution of video in marketing and its democratization for brands of all sizes. Where brands potentially miss opportunities in their video content and how agencies can guide them effectively. The debate between user-generated content versus professionally produced content and when to use each. How to maximize video content by creating numerous assets from a single shoot. The role of AI in lowering video production costs and what this means for agencies and their clients. Practical advice for agencies on forming successful strategic partnerships. Insights into the potential disruptions and evolutions in content creation and consumption. Bio Hope Horner is a distinguished entrepreneur, recognized as one of Inc.'s Top Female Founders in 2023 and 2024. She has earned acclaim in Inc.'s Top 25 Entrepreneurs to Watch, Entrepreneur's 11 Marketing Experts That Could Change Your Business, and Pepperdine’s 40 Under 40. Horner’s insights into startup dynamics and scalable business strategies have established her as a leading voice in the business community. Resources: Website: https://www.lemonlight.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hhorner/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lemonlight-media/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lemonlightmedia/ X: https://twitter.com/hopehorner  

Today on the Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek is joined by Leah Messina, Founder of Sinuate Media. Leah delves into the dynamic world of user-generated content, shedding light on its evolution from traditional influencer strategies to fostering authentic connections with consumers.  As agencies grapple with trust and authenticity challenges in today's digital marketplace, Leah provides actionable insights on how to harness the power of genuine consumer interaction and innovate agency practices.  Whether it's understanding the intricacies of community management or navigating the ever-shifting landscape of influencer credibility, Leah's expertise offers valuable direction for agency leaders looking to thrive in this evolving ecosystem. What you will learn in this episode:  The evolution of influencer marketing and its impact on trust in user-generated content. Strategies for encouraging authentic consumer-generated reviews and their legal implications. How to create immersive environments for video content creation that enhance brand experience. Tips for setting up effective and safe user communities while avoiding potential pitfalls. Navigating the ethical dilemmas of AI usage in consumer-generated content. Bio Leah Messina is a seasoned digital marketing leader and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience driving innovation and growth. As the Founder and CEO of Sinuate Media, she pioneered Organic Marketing™—a distinctive strategy that integrates digital and traditional approaches to deliver authentic brand engagement. Her expertise has empowered industry leaders such as GEICO, Black & Decker, and The History Channel, as well as emerging startups, to harness cutting-edge marketing technologies for strategic growth. Under Leah’s leadership, Sinuate Media has expanded its impact across healthcare, food & beverage, construction, and higher education, supporting clients with tailored, results-driven solutions. Resources: Website: https://sinuatemedia.com/  Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/sinuatemedia  LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sinuate-media/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/sinuatemedia Leah Messina: www.leahmessina.com

In this episode of The Innovative Agency, Sharon Toerek sits down with Tom Schwab, CEO and Founder of Interview Valet, to explore the dynamic world of podcasting as a tool for agency growth. They delve into the benefits and pitfalls of hosting your own podcast, and the powerful impact of being a guest on other shows through structured interview marketing. Tom shares insights on how to effectively use podcast guest appearances to reach the right audience and generate impactful results, while also highlighting how to leverage this content for maximum brand exposure and client acquisition. What you will learn in this episode:  The common mistakes agencies make when starting a podcast. How to determine if podcast guesting is the right strategy for your client. The three pivotal aspects in podcast interview marketing. Effective ways to repurpose content from podcast interviews to amplify reach. How podcasting can be a strategic tool in category design and SEO. Insights into how AI is integrated into podcast strategies. Bio Tom Schwab, Founder of Interview Valet, believes that meaningful conversations can transform your life and business. For over a decade, he has helped over 1500 clients, including Fortune 500 companies and top consultants, leverage podcast interviews to harness their unique strengths.  Tom emphasizes that we are “One Conversation Away” from success. His book, Podcast Guest Profits, is a must-read for those looking to use targeted interviews as a powerful, comfortable marketing tool. An engineer, Navy Veteran, and Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator, Tom brings a unique perspective to marketing, advocating for a clear, consistent approach that aligns with brand values. He shows that introverts can create profound connections through thoughtful conversations in comfortable environments, marking the end of pushy, loud marketing tactics. Resources: Website: https://interviewvalet.com/Innovative/  LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamtomschwab/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/interview-valet/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterviewValet Twitter: https://twitter.com/interviewvalet