Build a Better Agency Podcast

In this insightful discussion, veteran leader Jim Fielding, who boasts an impressive 35+ year career at Disney and DreamWorks, shares his journey toward authentic leadership. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and self-awareness, particularly for those in marginalized communities. Jim also talks about strategies for effective communication and adaptability during turbulent times. The conversation highlights the critical role of diversity in team dynamics and the ongoing importance of feedback and accountability in fostering a positive workplace culture.

In this engaging discussion, leadership expert Suzanna de Baca, who transitioned from Wall Street to CEO roles and now teaches at Iowa State University, shares her insights on transformative leadership. She highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and strategic thinking in today’s fast-paced world. Suzanna distinguishes between management and true leadership, emphasizing the need for clear communication and vision to inspire teams. With practical advice, she encourages leaders to foster engagement through dialogue and adaptability, ensuring their organizations thrive.

Kevin Eikenberry, a leadership expert with over 30 years of experience, delves into the evolving nature of leadership in today's work environments. He highlights the necessity of flexibility and genuine connections, especially in remote settings post-COVID. The discussion emphasizes integrating mindset, skill set, and habits to bridge gaps in leadership development. Eikenberry shares actionable strategies for fostering authentic communication and continuous growth, proving that effective leadership can indeed be learned and refined.

In this engaging discussion, pricing consultant Casey Brown, a renowned expert in pricing strategy, shares her invaluable insights for agency owners. She tackles the common hurdles of setting and negotiating prices, offering strategies to maintain pricing integrity and confidently showcase value. Casey emphasizes the importance of emotional and tactical preparation in negotiations, urging listeners to embrace the power of 'no.' As agencies gear up for potential economic shifts in 2025, her advice on adaptive pricing strategies becomes even more critical.

Explore the transformative power of one-on-one meetings with insights on why they should be integral to leadership strategies. Discover a practical framework that empowers team members to lead discussions while addressing personal check-ins and growth goals. Learn how fostering these connections can enhance agency culture and drive employee engagement. This approach not only mitigates challenges but also promotes continuous learning, ensuring that everyone, from new hires to veterans, stays invested in success.

Join leadership and workplace culture expert Sarah Noll Wilson as she shares her insights on fostering genuine connection in agencies. With nearly 20 years of experience, Sarah discusses the evolution of workplace communication and the importance of psychological safety and trust. She highlights the challenges leaders face in managing talent and bridging the gender gap in leadership roles. Discover actionable strategies to create a culture of respect, inclusivity, and emotional maturity, ensuring your team feels valued and engaged in today's work environment.

In this conversation, stylist Morgan Wider, who boasts a decade of corporate retail experience, discusses how wardrobe choices profoundly impact professional branding. She emphasizes intentional dressing and shares practical tips for curating a wardrobe that reflects authenticity and executive presence. Morgan also delves into common wardrobe mistakes, the significance of color choices, and how well-fitting clothes can enhance confidence. Listeners will learn to express individuality while aligning their appearance with leadership expectations.

In this discussion, Tessa White, the Job Doctor with 25 years in HR, shares insights on modern employer-employee dynamics shaped by the pandemic. She highlights how generational differences affect workplace expectations and the importance of effective communication. Tessa also dives into strategies for fostering loyalty beyond benefits, emphasizing personalized job experiences and transparency in salary discussions. With her journey from HR to empowering individuals, she offers actionable advice for agency owners to enhance employee engagement and retention.

Shadley Grei, an agency book publishing expert at AMI, discusses the transformative power of writing and publishing for agency owners. He highlights how ghostwriters can help clarify and elevate ideas into compelling narratives. Shadley also delves into the evolution of hybrid publishing, emphasizing the control it offers authors. He provides insights on crafting unique book concepts, inviting listeners to differentiate their ideas in a crowded market. With upcoming collaborations on the horizon, he inspires agency owners to embrace authorship for thought leadership.

The discussion dives deep into the emotional toll COVID-19 has imposed on agency owners, highlighting the unnoticed grief that lingers. It emphasizes the need to acknowledge these feelings to pave the way for healing and renewal. The conversation encourages releasing old habits to embrace fresh opportunities in a changing landscape. Listeners are urged to reflect on their journey from 2020 to now, recognizing both the challenges and triumphs that have shaped their resilience and passion for innovation in business.