Build a Better Agency Podcast

Tom Fishburne, cartoonist and marketer behind Marketoonist, uses cartoons to spotlight agency culture and creativity. He talks about analog thinking rituals, why many briefs fail, the role of humor in communication, and balancing human insight with data and AI. Expect sharp takes on creative sameness, protecting thinking time, and finding fresh viewpoints.

Brett Farmiloe, founder and CEO of Featured.com and owner of HARO, shares his expertise from his agency days to discuss how AI is transforming the PR landscape. He dives into the balance between leveraging AI for efficiency and maintaining authentic journalist relationships. Brett highlights the importance of human oversight in AI-generated pitches and addresses varying journalist attitudes toward AI. He also offers insights on proactive PR strategies and how agencies can adapt to the evolving media environment while building trust and delivering value.

In this conversation with Sharon Toerek, an attorney specializing in agency legal issues, critical insights on agency M&A are unveiled. Sharon stresses the importance of legal readiness to avoid costly delays. She shares practical tips on managing client contracts and employee agreements to ensure agency valuations remain secure. The duo discusses protecting intellectual property and managing documentation effectively. Listeners gain actionable steps for establishing robust legal foundations, setting the stage for smooth transactions and sustainable agency practices.

As the new year begins, agency owners are urged to embrace five key resolutions for 2026. Prioritizing deep work time is essential to enhance focus, while dedicating hours for new business development is crucial. Monthly all-agency meetings with a structured agenda foster transparency and accountability. The rise of AI demands clear policies for effective implementation. Lastly, strengthening personal connections through regular one-on-ones can lead to improved team retention and morale.

In this engaging conversation, Greg Star, founder of Driven Branding and former CEO of Carvertise, shares his insights into maximizing LinkedIn for personal branding. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, revealing how his cancer journey helped him connect deeply with others. Greg discusses his AI-assisted ghostwriting tools designed to aid introverts in storytelling. He offers strategic advice on crafting impactful posts, maintaining consistency, and engaging meaningfully—all while steering clear of cringe-inducing oversharing. Get ready to take your LinkedIn presence to the next level!

In this engaging discussion, Tom Schwab, founder of Interview Valet and a podcast marketing guru, shares transformative insights on AI-powered lead generation. He reveals how tools like ChatGPT are reshaping audience discovery and improving lead quality. Discover strategies for optimizing content for AI, using SparkToro for audience insights, and cultivating storytelling techniques that resonate with both humans and bots. Tom emphasizes the importance of clarifying your target clients and preparing intentional topics to attract and retain high-quality leads.

Ulli Appelbaum, a brand strategist and author of "The Science of Brand Associations," shares insights from his extensive agency experience. He discusses the critical role of emotional resonance in brand memory and how consistent brand presence drives growth. Ulli explains the importance of data-driven branding, offering frameworks to select effective brand associations. He highlights the power of memorable characters and jingles over traditional logos and emphasizes the need for strategies that focus on emotional storytelling, even in B2B markets.

Amber De La Garza, a seasoned business coach and productivity expert, discusses how agency owners often unintentionally create chaos. She emphasizes the need for leaders to adopt self-leadership and model effective systems before expecting team compliance. Amber offers insightful strategies, like asking 'How am I responsible?' to identify root causes of dysfunction. The conversation also highlights the importance of empowering teams rather than solving every problem solo, and the necessity of carving out focused time for strategic planning.

Drew McLellan dives into the paradox of uncertainty in the agency world, revealing how it triggers fear yet offers opportunities for innovation. He shares a personal story of fear from his childhood to illustrate how we can reframe our mindset. Discover why embracing perpetual change is crucial for growth, and how community support can reduce anxiety and foster collaboration. With insights from neuroscience, he encourages agency leaders to adapt, learn, and thrive amid chaos—viewing uncertainty as a strategic advantage rather than a hurdle.

Nicole Mahoney, an agency owner and collaboration expert in the travel sector, shares her insights on harnessing strategic partnerships to drive agency growth. She discusses her innovative '3C framework,' emphasizing communication, common goals, and commitment as keys to successful collaborations. Nicole categorizes collaborators into promoters, doubters, and protectors, offering ways to navigate these relationships. Real-world examples highlight both successes and learning experiences, encouraging a mindset of coopetition to enhance agency capabilities.