Shows
The Immortal Life of AgenciesCode and Theory's CCO: Raising the bar for customer experience – Craig ElimeliahToday's guest is Craig Elimeliah, Chief Creative Officer at Code and Theory, sharing his passion for why technology and creativity must go hand in hand.In his view, clients have been carrying the burden of fragmentation for far too long. That’s why his role blends engineering, strategy and craft to help clients navigate modern complexity.The discussion also explores Stagwell’s orchestration platform, The Machine, and how it’s reshaping integration across the marketing lifecycle. And perhaps most provocatively, Craig challenges our industry’s obsession with scale. If bigger isn’t always better, then agility an...
2026-02-2446 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesRethink’s Global Chief Strategy Officer: Showing up with a point of view – Sean McDonaldToday’s episode features Sean McDonald, Global CSO and Partner at Rethink, exploring the power of belief.Sean’s built a reputation for candour, competitive ambition and an unwavering belief in setting the standard. But he hasn’t always led that way. He reflects on how letting go of the need to ‘win’ every meeting transformed his leadership and why discovering the answer matters more than having it.Following his journey from politics and public affairs into advertising, Sean unpacks the myth of the ‘all-knowing’ strategist, explains why strong opinions must be loosely held and shares how env...
2026-02-1740 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesToptal’s Practice Director, Advertising & Brand Marketing: Redefining on-demand talent – Christine OlivasToday’s guest is Christine Olivas – Practice Director, Advertising & Brand Marketing at Toptal, the world's largest, fully remote workforce.Christine describes how on-demand talent has evolved from a stop-gap to a strategic growth lever for modern agencies, enabling them to build flexible teams that respond faster, protect margins and deliver stronger work.Drawing on her experience scaling on-demand teams globally, she unpacks how moving beyond rigid resourcing helps agencies handle new-business surges, access specialist expertise and reduce pressure on core teams.With an optimistic view of the future, Christine reflects on evolving workforce valu...
2026-02-1041 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesAcadia's CEO & Co-Founder: How principles are good for business – Jared BelskyToday’s guest is Jared Belsky, Co-Founder and CEO of Acadia – the hugely successful digital marketing and analytics agency. This is a masterclass in optimism, principled leadership and long-term thinking.Jared shares why bravery and belief sit at the heart of great leadership, from taking outspoken ethical stances, to building an agency designed to nurture future CEOs.We explore how Acadia has deliberately moved away from the boom-and-bust model that afflicts so many agencies, instead embracing more sustainable economics and intelligent specialization that doesn’t rely on a single vertical sector.Jared also offers...
2026-02-0338 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesDentsu North America’s CEO: Why Dentsu believes in agency brands – Beth Ann KaminkowBeth Ann Kaminkow is CEO of Dentsu North America. She brings a rare candour about why so many agency groups struggle to articulate their strengths, and why Dentsu is choosing to double down on strong, clearly positioned brands rather than chasing endless consolidation.She shares her perspective on where independents are winning, why speed and specialisation matter more than ever, and how global networks leverage their scale advantage.Thoughtful, optimistic and grounded in real leadership experience, Beth Ann also cuts through the hype on AI, from its impact on creativity and craft, to increasing appetite...
2026-01-2739 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesBodacious' Founder: A life more curious – Zoe ScamanToday’s guest is Zoe Scaman, founder of Bodacious – and one of our industry's most original and outspoken thinkers. She’s built her career by following her curiosity, from her early days at Naked Communications to optimising her own business around freedom and variety.Zoe shares her take on why the traditional agency model has reached breaking point, how creativity is being squeezed by efficiency, and what a new era of talent could look like. She also speaks about building her personal brand, using writing as a thinking tool, and the importance of openness, vulnerability and speaking out.
2026-01-2043 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesSILVERSIDE AI's Co-Founders: Inside Coke’s AI-powered Christmas campaign – PJ Pereira and Andrew O'DellToday’s guests are PJ Pereira and Andrew O’Dell, co-founders of renowned creative agency Pereira O’Dell as well as their AI venture SILVERSIDE– fresh from delivering Coca-Cola’s fully AI-generated 2026 Holidays Are Coming campaign.Alongside the controversy and lessons learned, PJ and Andrew explain why SILVERSIDE was spun-out as a separate business, how speed and experimentation are reshaping creative processes, and why culture is everything when navigating change.They also explore how AI is accelerating pressure on traditional agency business models – from production workflows to how value is priced and rewarded. This is an honest, o...
2026-01-1338 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesAgency Business' Co-Hosts: Going deep on decision-making – Olivia Morley & Brian WieserToday’s guests are Brian Wieser and Olivia Morley – not only the co-hosts of the fantastic ‘Agency Business’ podcast, but Brian is also a seasoned analyst across advertising, tech and finance, and Olivia is an editorial and communications specialist, formerly of Adweek and Forrester. Together, they bring an unusually rigorous focus to the choices agency leaders make. We explore why the sector is not, despite the prevailing narrative, in crisis – and why metrics such as capital efficiency and long-term value creation are often overlooked. Olivia offers a critical perspective on organisational structure, culture, and operational reality, w...
2025-12-2341 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesMIRIMAR's CEO: Making it ‘worth it’ – Luke McKelveyToday’s guest is Luke McKelvey, Co-Founder and CEO of MIRIMAR – the creative company helping brands achieve cultural significance in a world where traditional advertising isn’t enough. And as of last week, ADWEEK’s newly minted small agency of the year for 2025.Luke reflects on MIRIMAR’s early challenges, from launching ‘too soon’ in 2019 to navigating the pandemic. He also shares how conviction, focus, and a clear filtering system helped them find their footing with the right clients.The conversation breaks down MIRIMAR’s ‘foundation and fame’ model – aligning brand and business, with smart talent partnerships th...
2025-12-1645 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesSaatchi & Saatchi’s former Chief Strategy Officer: A rallying cry for brilliance – Richard HuntingtonToday’s guest is Richard Huntington – former Chief Strategy Officer and Chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi. He brings a rare blend of honesty, affection and sharp-edged provocation to this conversation about the agency business. Richard describes an industry that’s been commodified – caused by the “creative” agency label that stripped out the commerciality, as well as a pitching culture that trains agencies to give away their most valuable thinking for free.But far from being downbeat, this is a rallying cry for the brilliance inside agencies, and a clear-eyed look at why talent deserves to be paid fairly f...
2025-12-0939 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesCornett's CEO: Why female ownership matters – Christy HilerToday’s guest is Christy Hiler, owner of Cornett – the Lexington-based creative agency – and one of our industry’s leading voices for women-owned agencies. A huge advocate of empowering talent, Christy candidly shares her own unusual journey from being Cornett’s president to its owner, including the convictions that guided her forward – and the doubts that held her back. She talks about the importance of the ‘beautiful but deadly’ venus flytrap in describing what makes Cornett different, as well as her commitment to constant evolution. Christy also describes how the striking stat that only 1% of US agenc...
2025-12-0240 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesFCB's Global CEO: Excellence as usual – Tyler TurnbullToday’s guest is Tyler Turnbull, Global CEO of Interpublic’s FCB – remarkably, the winner of Cannes Lions’ North American Network of the Year for seven years running. Tyler shares the mindset that’s driven this sustained creative and commercial performance. He unpacks where resilience comes from, and how curiosity, experimentation and a willingness to challenge legacy thinking underpins FCB’s momentum. Tyler also offers a refreshingly honest view of client relationships – including the crucial roles of empathy and deep commercial impact. Regardless of whether you’re running a small team or a global network, thi...
2025-11-2552 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesYes&'s CEO: What’s in a name? – Zihla SalinasToday’s guest is Zihla Salinas, CEO of a 40-year-old indie that rebranded as ‘Yes&’. She shares the story behind the name, including how the improv-inspired mindset of ‘accept and build’ has become a blueprint for the business. This philosophy shapes everything from their M&A strategy and client partnerships, to leadership development and creative delivery. You’ll hear why figure-it-out-ability, curiosity and positivity are Yes&’s measurable values, not just words on a wall.Zihla also unpacks how Yes& cracked the code for working with complex clients, and how great account service – not just great ideas – is...
2025-11-1843 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesUEG's Global CEO: Culture, entertainment and commerce – Jarrod MosesToday’s guest is Jarrod Moses, Founder and Global CEO of United Entertainment Group (UEG) – part of Edelman.Jarrod unpacks how brands, creators, sports stars and celebrities meet in the fast-evolving world of culture and entertainment marketing. He reveals how UEG structures partnerships that go beyond timesheets and deliverables to also reward performance and behaviours. Jarrod also discusses the shifting power balance between creators, agencies and clients, the pitfalls of inauthentic partnerships, and the discipline it takes to stay entrepreneurial while leading a global agency network.From UEG’s early work with Rihanna to long...
2025-11-0449 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesPublicis Groupe's Global CSO: Unpacking the ‘Power of One’ – Loren GrossmanToday’s guest is Loren Grossman, Global Chief Strategy Officer of the ‘Solutions Group’ within Publicis Groupe – so he’s right at the centre of how the agency world is evolving.Loren describes a ‘golden age’ of impact, explaining how Publicis has built a future-facing model that goes far beyond marketing communications. From bold acquisitions like Epsilon and Sapient, to their ‘Power of One’ approach that brings every capability together, he shares how the group has worked hard to make integration really work – and how that’s fuelled their relentless new-business success with the likes of Coke and Mars. Packe...
2025-10-2840 min
Up Next with Gabriella MirabelliUN 385 - Robin Bonn. Market of One. Is the agency world oversupplied—or just under differentiated? In this episode, Gabriella Mirabelli speaks with Robin Bonn, CEO of Co:definery and author of Market of One, about why most agencies struggle to stand out—and how they can fix it. They discuss the myths of procurement power, why "our people" isn't a strategy, and how smart specialization can transform your business. Whether you're leading an agency, consulting firm, or any service-based business, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on pricing, positioning, and building a truly unique market presence.
2025-10-2329 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesParty Land's Co-Founder: Comedy’s greatest ad agency – Haley HunterToday’s guest – for our 50th episode! – is Haley Hunter, Co-Founder of Party Land – proudly known as comedy’s greatest ad agency. In this lively conversation, Haley unpacks how humour has become a strategic superpower, not just a punchline.She shares how Party Land went from convincing clients that comedy belonged in advertising to being the go-to agency for those wanting to master it – not least Liquid Death. Haley also dives into the neuroscience behind laughter, explaining how it primes audiences for connection and recall.Beyond the creative side, she reveals how empathy, autonomy and trust fuel P...
2025-10-2142 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesJOAN's co-founders: Building modern legends – Jaime Robinson & Lisa ClunieIn a first for the show, today we have not one but two guests – Jaime Robinson and Lisa Clunie, co-founders of the creative agency JOAN, born in NYC and now smashing it in London and Berlin too. Jaime and Lisa reveal how they’re blending the rigour of classic brand building with the pace and energy of modern culture. They share why they believe now is a golden age of creativity, how disruption is reshaping the talent model and what it means to modernise brands.You’ll hear their take on what makes a great client–...
2025-10-1437 min
Agency Business#42: Building a differentiated agency — with Robin Bonn of Co:defineryWelcome to Agency Business. This week, Olivia and Brian interview Robin Bonn, founder of Co:definery and host of The Immortal Life of Agencies. Robin advises agency leaders on positioning, growth strategy, and differentiation to help them define what makes their business truly distinct in a changing market.Robin explains why so many agencies confuse positioning with packaging, how differentiation goes deeper than branding, and what it really means to specialize in today’s post-capability world. Robin discusses why “being different” can’t just be a tagline, how independents can leverage scale through precision, and why cult...
2025-10-1337 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesITG’s CEO: The AI-enabled creative renaissance – Andrew SwinandToday’s guest is Andrew Swinand, CEO of Inspired Thinking Group, a PE-backed and AI-enabled content business that is scaling faster than most in our industry. With two decades at Publicis, including running Leo Burnett and leading creative in the US, Andrew brings a rare dual perspective on both the creative and operational sides of the business.He shares why the HoldCo.s are trapped in the classic Innovator’s Dilemma and how AI is reshaping the economics of content production. But far from AI replacing creativity, Andrew explains why operational AI is actually paving the way for...
2025-10-0736 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesWorldwide Partners' President & CEO: A balanced take on indies vs HoldCo.s – John HarrisToday’s guest is John Harris, President & CEO of Worldwide Partners Inc. With nearly a decade leading the world’s most collaborative network of independent agencies – and a prior career inside holding companies – he brings a rare balance to one of the industry’s most polarised debates.John explains indies’ undoubted ‘moment’, but also recognises the unique strengths of the holding company model. From global media buying muscle to the power of local market fluency, John unpacks where each approach adds value to clients.Along the way, he shares how CMOs are regaining influence in the boardroom, w...
2025-09-3038 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesBBH’s CEO: Bringing contagious positivity - Karen MartinToday’s guest is the incomparable Karen Martin, CEO of BBH London and Dublin, and President of the IPA. Known for her infectious optimism, Karen brings a fresh perspective to how agencies can thrive in uncertain times.For her, positivity is more than just a nice-to-have – it’s a business imperative that lifts entire industries. Karen also argues that the sector is in better shape than many fear, and urges agency leaders to celebrate each other’s success more often.Karen also dives into the importance of attracting diverse new talent, why AI should be embraced...
2025-09-2342 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesAnalogFolk Group's Global CEO: Evolving the business of creativity – Guy WieynkToday’s guest is Guy Wieynk, Global CEO of AnalogFolk Group. This conversation is a masterclass in the business of creativity. With 17 years at AKQA, followed by a European CEO at Publicis, Guy knows how to blend scale with agility.He unpacks the shift from big ideas to ‘open ideas’, and why connecting brands to culture isn’t optional but essential. From productising services to evolving pricing models, Guy shows how agencies can deliver speed and value at scale – without sacrificing creativity.He also shares how he balances his role as Group CEO with the vision of...
2025-09-1639 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesDept's CEO: Scaling culture at pace – Dimi AlbersToday’s guest is Dimi Albers, CEO of Dept – one of the new breed of fast-growth PE-backed agency groups. And if you think rapid scaling comes at the cost of culture, this conversation will prove you wrong.Dimi shares how Dept has grown from 120 people in the Netherlands to more than 4,000 across 20+ countries – all while maintaining a unique ownership model with nearly 200 equity partners. He explains why having skin in the game creates deeper client relationships and a stronger sense of entrepreneurship across the business.We explore the realities of working with private equity, from ideal...
2025-09-0945 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesFIG’s Founder: Retaining the soul of creativity – Mark FigliuloToday’s guest is Mark Figliulo, Founder and Creative Chairman at FIG – and if you’re worried about AI’s impact on creativity, then you’ll enjoy his proactive optimism.From working with legends like Lee Clow to launching one of New York’s most respected indies, Mark’s on a mission to keep creativity relevant – not least by cutting through our industry's obsession with this brand versus performance. He explains how his team built StoryData – an AI-powered tool that measures and maps the emotional and visual DNA of campaigns. It proves their work is distinctive, emotio...
2025-09-0238 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesQuiet Storm's CEO: The power of ownership – Rania RobinsonToday's guest is an atypical champion of agency independence – Rania Robinson, CEO of Quiet Storm.Rania takes us behind the scenes of Quiet Storm’s 30-year journey – from selling to a larger group, buying the agency back through a Management Buyout, and then transitioning to an Employee Owned Trust.She shares what those decisions meant for their culture, clients and commercial performance, and why intentional ownership has been their secret to staying resilient.Rania also unpacks the common traps that can derail agencies – from complacency when things are going well, to losing control of your...
2025-08-1933 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesCroud's CEO: Pioneering a new agency model – Luke SmithToday's guest is Luke Smith, the founder and global CEO of Croud – the digital media agency with a pioneering crowdsourcing model. Luke shares how he left Google in 2011 with the intention of just undercutting the market. But now Croud operates in 120 markets, with 600 people and nearly 3,000 freelance ‘Croudies’, having scaled with private equity investment. He unpacks why investing in technology early on has been critical, why they chose to acquire Born Social to expand their capabilities, and whether the house-of-brands vs branded house model is right for them. Luke also describes how Croud has kept...
2025-08-1229 min
Ditching HourlyRobin Bonn - Market of OneAuthor Robin Bonn joined me on Ditching Hourly to discuss the importance of differentiation as described in his book Market of One. About RobinRobin Bonn is the CEO of Co:definery, one of the world's leading consultancies specialising in agency positioning. From renowned global networks to the world's top independents, he’s repositioned close to 150 agencies and coached dozens of senior leaders. He’s the author of Market of One, the host of The Immortal Life of Agencies podcast, and a columnist for Marketing Week.
----Do you have ques...
2025-08-0556 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesIPG Mediabrands' CEO, UK and EMEA: The alchemy of modern media agencies – Richard MorrisToday’s guest is Richard Morris, CEO for UK & EMEA at IPG Mediabrands. He’s seen the industry evolve from the high-reach, low-cost media buys of the 90s to today’s data-led, tech-powered landscape. But as he explains, the real competitive advantage for your agency isn’t just about speed or efficiency – it’s about blending technology with the human creativity that clients can’t get anywhere else.Richard shares why liberating creativity across every part of your business – from data and strategy, to operations and talent – is critical if you want to deliver unique value. You’ll also...
2025-08-0538 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesAKQA's CEO, The Americas: Standing up for the next generation – Tesa AragonesToday’s guest is Tesa Aragones, AKQA’s CEO for the Americas – one of few agency CEOs who have also succeeded at the highest level on the client-side. With her background at Nike and Volkswagen, Tesa brings a uniquely empathetic view on what it takes to build stronger, more human relationships between agencies and clients – especially in today’s fast-moving, tech-fuelled landscape.She shares why the best partnerships aren’t driven by selling or posturing, but by purposeful communication, curiosity, and the courage to say ‘I don’t know’. From using AI to solve real business problems...
2025-07-2932 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesLinkedIn’s VP Global Head of Agency Development and Marketer Education: The hidden goldmine of B2B – Valerie BeauchampToday’s guest is Valerie Beauchamp, VP Global Head of Agency Development and Marketer Education at LinkedIn. And if you’ve ever written off B2B as a less exciting part of the industry, then this episode will change your mind.Valerie spent two decades agency-side before heading to Amazon and now LinkedIn – so she knows the landscape better than most. She shares why B2B is full of creative, strategic and commercial gold – and why you don’t need to be a specialist agency to unlock it.She breaks down the legacy myths that have held...
2025-07-2239 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesMojo Supermarket’s President: Reinventing your passion – Armando TurcoToday’s guest is Mojo Supermarket’s President, Armando Turco – talking about reinventing his passion for agency life. After a standout career at BBH, a transformative spell at Vox Media, and a client-side role in the disruptive world of Oatly, Armando swore he’d never go back to agency life. But as you’ll hear, never say ‘never’. He shares how working client-side changed his entire perspective on what agencies get wrong – and what they can get right. From embracing experimentation to staying close to the work, he explains why you don’t have to trade creativity for...
2025-07-1542 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesCo:definery’s CEO: Building a Market of One – Robin BonnTo celebrate the launch of Robin’s book, Market of One, this special episode features a Freaky Friday-style role reversal, with IPA Director of Effectiveness Laurence Green in the interviewer’s chair and Robin answering the questions. Unpacking the exhausting ‘Big Grind’ that many leaders feel, Robin unpacks how agencies can break out of so-called ‘oversupply’ and build a more profitable and fulfilling model. He and Laurence also explore how AI is dramatically accelerating the need for agencies to raise the bar on what ‘differentiation’ means. There’s also time for Robin to provide real-time feedback on Laurence...
2025-07-0753 min
TRENDSETTERSUndifferentiated and Under Pressure: Robin Bonn on Redefining Agency AdvantageAccording to Robin Bonn, CEO & Founder of Co:definery, the ad agency market is not oversupplied but rather under-differentiated. In an industry where agencies often work harder while margins decrease and talent experiences burnout, he presents a thought-provoking analysis in his new book entitled Market of One: How Your Agency Can Rewrite the Rules and Create a Lasting Competitive Advantage. Today, we examine how agencies can set themselves apart from one another instead of appearing virtually indistinguishable and question the common belief that agency commoditization is unavoidable.
2025-07-0643 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesStrong Training & Coaching's Lead Coach & Trainer: Coaching for commercial growth – Maureen FalveyToday’s guest is Maureen Falvey. Formerly a senior exec at Grey, Saatchis and McGarryBowen, she’s now a professional coach and trainer. Maureen explores how a coaching mindset isn’t just a personal development tool – it’s a cultural and commercial unlock for modern agencies.She dives into why coaching is all about asking, not telling, and how that shift helps agency leaders unlearn old habits, show up with greater confidence and create healthier relationships – with both teams and clients.Maureen also shares practical advice for agency leaders struggling with client boundaries, pitching pres...
2025-07-0135 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesMetaforce's Co-Founder: Differentiating your client experience - Allen AdamsonToday's guest is the renowned author, branding expert and industry commentator Allen Adamson - co-founder of Metaforce, adjunct professor at NYU Stern School of Business, and former leader at Ogilvy and Landor.Reflecting his brand strategy lens, Allen explores a crucial yet often overlooked question: if every agency claims to be different, why do so many feel exactly the same?Referencing powerful lessons from his storied agency career, he unpacks the importance of tangible points of difference in how clients experience agencies, including the value of the right behaviors and culture.We also...
2025-06-2432 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesHuge’s EVP: leading the next phase of digital - Michael OlayeToday’s guest is Michael Olaye, EVP at Huge - one of the world’s most respected digital agencies - and newly independent after their exit from Interpublic. Michael shares how the recent alignment of Huge and Hero Digital was built on shared values - not just capability - and why that matters more than any press release.His big idea is how agencies can move beyond just ‘making things’ to creating what he calls ‘anticipatory experiences’ that actually unlock value for clients. You’ll also hear his refreshingly clear take on agencies being ‘consultative’. This isn’t just ‘co...
2025-06-1733 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesWPP Open's President: AI and the pursuit of happiness – Matt McNeanyToday’s guest is Matt McNeany, President of WPP Open. Drawing on two decades of experience helping the world’s biggest brands and agencies navigate digital transformation, Matt offers some much needed big picture context around AI.His ‘streamline, expand, disrupt’ model extends the established benefits of greater productivity and unpacks why differentiated agencies will be more essential than ever as the brand, marketing and customer experience rule books are rewritten. Matt also offers an unfashionable take on the prospects of the holding companies vs challengers like Brandtech, Stagwell and Accenture Song. Finally he reflects...
2025-06-1041 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesAAR President: Knowing the people behind the creds - Lisa ColantuonoToday’s guest is Lisa Colantuono, President of search consultancy, AAR Partners. With decades of experience and zero time for fluff, Lisa lays bare what agency searches should really be about - forging proper partnerships, not playing matchmaker. Building on themes of trust and transparency, Lisa shares horror stories as well as best practice - including how new-business is never a numbers game, what great pitches look like, and why IRL counsel and feedback is so essential. She also unpacks what the smartest agencies do differently - from demonstrating their expertise, to how they show up w...
2025-06-0340 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesForsman & Bodenfors’ Global MD: Creativity as a process - Eric ZuncicToday’s guest is Eric Zuncic, Global Managing Director and Chief Product Officer at Stagwell’s creative collective, Forsman & Bodenfors. And he’s passionate about the work. Eric describes why our industry’s obsession with outputs is hampering impact. So if your agency is still taking briefs at face value and churning out content, then you’re missing a trick. He unpacks how Forsman breaks the rules, ditch the hierarchy and prioritise ‘uncomfortable collaborations’ that actually change things. This is about earning permission to ask better questions – and being bold enough to walk away when a brief is just pl...
2025-05-2738 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesDesign Bridge & Partners' Global Chief Growth Officer: A Human-First Future for Agencies - Holly MaguireToday’s guest is the highly experienced Holly Maguire, Global Chief Growth Officer at Design Bridge and Partners. She shares her unique perspective on how agencies can evolve with empathy, not ego.As her career has progressed from advertising to brand design, and as a former agency CEO, Holly describes the power she’s seen in humility, collaboration and enduring craft skills. We also explore the growing need for greater emotional intelligence - across industry language, client relationships and agency leadership. As Holly puts it, less talking, more listening - and never be too presidential or to...
2025-05-2038 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesDesign Bridge & Partners' Global Chief Growth Officer: A Human-First Future for Agencies - Holly MaguireToday’s guest is the highly experienced Holly Maguire, Global Chief Growth Officer at Design Bridge and Partners. She shares her unique perspective on how agencies can evolve with empathy, not ego.As her career has progressed from advertising to brand design, and as a former agency CEO, Holly describes the power she’s seen in humility, collaboration and enduring craft skills. We also explore the growing need for greater emotional intelligence - across industry language, client relationships and agency leadership. As Holly puts it, less talking, more listening - and never be too presidential or to...
2025-05-2038 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesSPCSHP's Founder & Executive Chairman: Leading with culture - Michael LebowitzToday’s guest is Michael Lebowitz, Founder and Executive Chairman of SPCSHP – an agency that’s defied trends and labels for 25 years, and been a Harvard Business School case study not once, but twice. Using the metaphor of a living, breathing organism, Michael describes SPCSHP as a creative canvas, where culture and imagination are more important than rigid labels or passing trends. We also unpack why values aren’t just something to stick in a creds deck, but a powerful filter for the right clients and talent. And he explains how rituals (even playful ones) reveal mor...
2025-05-1339 min
The Immortal Life of Agencies4As’ CEO: A unique perspective on agencies - Marla KaplowitzToday’s guest is a true agency advocate – Marla Kaplowitz, Chief Executive Officer of the 4A’s.As her 8-year tenure draws to a close, Marla speaks up for the pressures that agencies are under and the opportunities she sees in an industry transformed since the pandemic. The conversation explores the value of creativity, why speed should command a premium and how AI can drive premiumisation rather than a race to the bottom. We also cover what does – and doesn’t – work when it comes to differentiation in a saturated market, from the fear of standi...
2025-05-0636 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesStagwell EMEA’s CEO: Challenging the global market - James TownsendToday’s guest is James Townsend — CEO EMEA at Stagwell and also CEO of their Brand Performance Network. Stagwell is now a multi-billion dollar challenger to the established agency HoldCo.s, so how are they approaching growth differently to their competitors? In a word: adaptation — by embracing the evolving needs of modern clients. James describes how Stagwell’s digital-first structure aims to be the ‘Goldilocks’ of holding companies — that ‘just right’ size between up-scale indies and the more established HoldCo.s. He talks about combining creatives, strategists and over 1,500 engineers to focus on solving real-world client problems. And...
2025-04-2234 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesUncommon’s Co-Founder: Every moment is a chance - Nils LeonardThis episode features Nils Leonard, Co-Founder of Uncommon Creative Studio – one of the world’s most influential creative forces right now.It’s a searingly honest conversation about what it means to matter - as an individual, a creative, an agency, and as a citizen of the world.Nils unpacks why many agencies have a broken relationship with success - and why even for a high-profile creative, it’s really not about the work. From an industry perspective, he argues that there’s an even bigger prize to focus on.We also explore Nils’ pers...
2025-04-0840 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesGrey London's President: Making a promise to the market - Conrad PersonsFrom President to Presidency, Conrad shares his journey - from chasing Barack Obama around Virginia, to taking the reins at Grey London. He describes the importance of balancing intuition with evidence - an essential skill when balancing change with heritage at Grey over the last 12 months. We dive into value propositions and what makes them succeed, particularly how they become insular and indulgent if they lack jeopardy or anything meaningful for clients to buy into. Conrad also explores the stagnation of the agency business model, strongly advocating for a change in how agencies sho...
2025-03-2536 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesWe Are Social’s Global CEO: Nurturing creative cultures - Toby SouthgateToday’s guest is Toby Southgate, newly appointed Global CEO of We Are Social, and this episode is a real treat. Few leaders advocate so vocally for our industry as a whole, or - as you’ll hear - have such a refreshing perspective on their competitive set. Toby shares his perspective on what agencies are getting wrong when it comes to differentiation - from bloated service offerings and overused buzzwords, to why ‘the work’ isn’t what wins clients’ hearts and minds. He also describes how optimism and empowerment are critical ingredients for successful agency leaders...
2025-03-1144 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesPerformics’ Global Growth Officer: Breaking the burnout cycle - Bianca BestBurnout is everywhere. And let’s be honest – agency life isn’t helping. The pressure’s relentless, deadlines never stop and somehow you're just supposed to keep going. So how can you avoid running yourself and your team into the ground?Bianca Best is the Global Growth Officer at Performics – the performance marketing arm of Publicis Media. She’s also the founder of The Burnout Business and the author of Big Impact Without Burnout (out March 11). In this episode of The Immortal Life of Agencies, Bianca lifts the lid on why burnout is hitting our industry so h...
2025-02-2540 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesGiant Spoon’s Co-founder: How audacious ideas get made - Trevor GuthrieHave you ever attached a 270-foot dragon to the top of the Empire State Building? No, me neither. And how do your most audacious ideas make it into the world - especially if your agency doesn’t offer clients the reassurance of a readymade creative reputation? To explore that question, today’s guest on The Immortal Life of Agencies is Trevor Guthrie, co-founder of US-based independent, Giant Spoon. Now, of course these days Giant Spoon do have that stellar reputation - as evidenced by their work for the likes of HP, Netflix and Google...
2025-02-1136 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesCandid’s CEO: The quest for agency simplification - Ruud WanckToday’s guest is Ruud Wanck, CEO of Candid - who describe themselves as ‘next generation holding company’. Candid’s offering has been specifically designed to address the defining challenge for modern clients - the twin needs for specialisation and integration. Ruud shares how he’s consolidated his group into three core offerings - brand, communications and media. And by removing so much complexity, Candid claims to be the first player to truly break down the silos in our industry.His clarity is compelling. While so many agency groups are wrestling with their strategy, Ruud has a very...
2025-01-2832 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesMajority's Founder & CEO: From phoney to fearless: building an agency ‘for the culture’ - Omid FarhangThis episode features Omid Farhang, co-founder and CEO of Majority - Adweek's newly crowned Multicultural Agency of the Year. This is a fascinating insight into how one man very consciously transitioned from insecurity to market leadership. From starting a podcast that became his personal 'business school curriculum', to purposefully connecting with the CMOs he most admired, Omid shares how Majority has redefined ‘multicultural’ from marginal to mainstream. As he puts it, "Beyoncé doesn’t make a different album for black people and white people. Why do agencies?"He also describes why it’s so important to dismant...
2025-01-1438 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesGroupM’s CEO: Honest leadership in times of change - Josh Krichefski“Running an agency is like doing a jigsaw with some of the pieces missing.”How’s that for candour from GroupM’s EMEA’s CEO Josh Krichefski? This conversation unpacks the joys and challenges of running an agency of international scale - from the inevitable cycle of client wins and client losses, to the increasingly transformational needs of modern clients. Josh also offers his perspective on the trends reshaping the industry, including how AI is enhancing efficiency, redefining agency operations and emphasising the importance of human creativity and intelligence. In his other role, as President...
2024-12-1035 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesMischief’s Co-founder: The risks of malicious obedience - Greg Hahn“The best way to win the game is by not playing the game.” How’s that for a hot take on the agency business? It’s from Mischief’s fascinating and thoughtful Chief Creative Officer, Greg Hahn. In this episode, we unpack just how pervasive fear has become in the agency business - including where it shows up and what to do about it. In a world where agencies have become so meek, he’s even heard clients say that their agencies are afraid of them. Clearly this is not the path to good work.
2024-11-1940 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesJellyfish’s Global ECD: Why creativity relies on diversity - Jo Wallace“Creativity is our ‘special sauce’”. Really, though - is it? This is the episode I’ve wanted to record for ages. I finally get to address my bemusement at agency leaders claiming that ‘creativity’ is their agency’s point of difference, and then delivering conference keynotes where they also say it’s the whole industry’s USP. Thankfully, here’s Jo Wallace - the always eloquent Global ECD at Jellyfish and founder of Good Girls Eat Dinner. Her experience and wisdom - gleaned from her fascinating career path - helps shed some light on what ‘creativity’ actually does...
2024-11-0536 min
Think with Google FirestartersHow agencies can drive growth, with Co:Definery's Robin BonnWhat does your agency offer clients that no one else can? Robin Bonn, founder of business consultancy Co:Definery, reveals how to create your own "market of one". Plus, the surprising power of saying "no" to clients, how to price your work in the age of AI, and the one thing every agency must understand to reach the top of the tree. Think with Google Firestarters delves into the minds of the marketing and advertising industry's most inspirational leaders. Check out our YouTube video series at: https://goo.gle/3t13pWt
2024-10-2243 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesCommon Interest’s CEO: The business case for differentiation - Anthony FreedmanJust over a year ago, Common Interest burst onto the scene with the acquisition of former Coke and Airbnb CMO Jonathan Mildenhall’s fabled branding agency, TwentyFirstCenturyBrand. It was one hell of an entrance into the global agency space.Today’s guest is Anthony Freedman, Common Interest’s CEO and Founder. Together we unpack how he’s building a new kind of holding company. Of course, we’ve all heard ‘new kind of…’ rhetoric before, but Anthony is unusually clear on how he’s looking to do it - in this case, to accelerate brand and business growth...
2024-10-1541 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesOnly Dead Fish's Founder: When change becomes transformation – Neil PerkinDESCRIPTIONFor all the talk in agencies about change, transformation and - kill me now - ‘agility’, what exactly do these words mean in practice? And is blundering through ‘change’ causing more harm than good? To shine a light on all this, today’s guest is Neil Perkin - the founder of Only Dead Fish, a consultancy sitting at the intersection of digital strategy, transformation and agility. He wrote the IPA’s ‘Partnering for Growth’ report, which unpacked how agencies can create long-term, mutually sustainable client relationships. He’s also a three-time author and the host of the acclaim...
2024-10-0139 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesMeet The People’s CEO: How to maintain entrepreneurialism at scale - Tim RingelMore and more ‘mini-networks’ are seeking to beat the holding companies at their own game.These often PE-backed groups of agencies can play the agile indie card, and they can also club together to service global clients. Unsurprisingly, each group claims its own point of difference vs the traditional holding company model. Meet The People is one such emerging network. And our guest today is Tim Ringel, their Global CEO. MTP is three years old and already home to 800 people. Which isn’t a surprise when you consider that this isn’t Tim’s first start-up ro...
2024-09-1742 min
The Immortal Life of AgenciesTomorrowToday’s CEO: How AI is changing the agency business model - Chris JohnsonHaving touched on the omnipresent topic that is AI in pretty much every episode, this time we dive right in. Our guest is Chris Johnson, Founder and CEO of the AI consultancy, TomorrowToday. And wow, does he give value for money. While much of the industry discourse around AI centres on creative tools and ideation speed, Chris is focused on commercial application. Our conversation starts with him sharing detailed advice on how agencies can reinvent their pitch process using commonly available AI tools. From simple efficiencies, to the creation of synthetic target audiences - and ev...
2024-09-0340 minThe Immortal Life of AgenciesDDB’s Global CEO: Secrets of successful client relationships - Alex LubarWhen it comes to advertising agencies, they don’t come much more prestigious than Omnicom’s DDB. Whenever any of us needs a quote of substance, Bill Bernbach - the B in DDB - is always a rich source of wisdom. So what a treat to sit down with their global CEO, Alex Lubar, to find out what makes DDB successful. Alex speaks to what he sees as the two driving forces of agency culture - momentum and optimism - and how they’re an essential foundation for innovation. We also cover how quality drives differen...
2024-07-2334 minThe Immortal Life of AgenciesUncommon Creative Studio's Founder: The recipe for agency swagger - Natalie GraemeIn seven short years, Uncommon Creative Studio has gone from launch to the very top of the advertising world. Alongside the reputation, the awards and of course the work, their deal with Havas now gives them the scale to go truly global. So how can a newly minted agency achieve so much success so quickly? To find out, we sat down with one of Uncommon’s founders, Natalie Graeme. Starting with Uncommon’s origin story, Natalie unpacks just how deliberately she, Lucy and Nils have authored the agency’s story - from why it exists, who they...
2024-07-0937 minThe Immortal Life of AgenciesEssenceMediacomX Chief Transformation Officer on building careers in a changing world - Sue UnermanSue Unerman is the Chief Transformation Officer of EssenceMediacomX. And having spent 34 years with Mediacom in its various incarnations, it’s fair to say that ‘transformation’ is a subject that Sue knows a thing or two about. Unpacking her personal journey across five decades (sorry, Sue!), this far-reaching conversation explores how to build an agency career amidst constant change and increasing uncertainty. From playing to your strengths, to the impact of having great bosses, Sue shares her typically thoughtful observations on how to thrive as an introvert, particularly if your skills don’t conform to the norms...
2024-06-2534 min
On The Go With ManavAgency Advisor and Co-Living Pioneer: A Dual Path with Robin BonnSend a textRobin Bonn is an agency advisor and leadership coach to some of the world’s best-known agencies - McCann, MullenLowe and DDB, and leading independents, such as MSQ, AnalogFolk and Stink Studios.He is the CEO and founder of Co:definery, an advisory and coaching practice that specialises in helping agencies create their own ‘Market of One’. Robin is also the co-founder of Clevernest Property Group, which creates modern and thoughtfully designed Co-Living spaces for working professionals.Before Robin launched Co:definery in 2016, he spent nearly 20 years in agency growth roles...
2024-06-1925 minThe Immortal Life of AgenciesMcCann Chief Strategy Officer on the profound impact of being yourself - Harjot SinghOur guest today is the wonderful Harjot Singh - Global Chief Strategy Officer at McCann & McCann Worldgroup. This is a rich and personal conversation about the impact of people being different in our industry. Harjot has a real way with words and he shares some lovely thoughts, not least on the critical difference between discipline and dogma when it comes to great work. He also beautifully captures what he calls the ‘dance’ that occurs between agencies and their clients as we strike a balance between offering certainty and possibility. Harjot also speaks candidly about there not be...
2024-06-0437 minThe Immortal Life of AgenciesKatie Lee: How to Create Healthy GrowthThis episode features Katie Lee - former CEO of Lucky Generals and now Chief Operating Officer of Wavemaker, the WPP media agency. Together, we explore the differences between healthy and unhealthy growth.As a case in point, Katie shares her experience of how agencies often confuse growth with strategy, which in turn leads to unhelpful - and unhealthy - places. So if you recognise her definition of the ‘danger zone’ that this creates, then consider her wisdom a wake-up call.We also delve deeper into the importance of role modelling and how that enables future lead...
2024-05-2132 minThe Immortal Life of AgenciesRuth Mortimer: A global perspective on creativity and innovationRuth Mortimer is the Global President of Advertising Week, so it’s fair to say that she has an unusually broad perspective on our industry, on clients and of course on agencies. In this episode, you can really feel her breadth of knowledge - as well as her passion for creativity - as she compares and contrasts different markets. In particular, Ruth unpacks what’s holding back the UK market, as well as what agencies can do about it. She also shares her very personal perspectives on AI - not least how it can democratise creati...
2024-05-0737 minThe Immortal Life of AgenciesRob Campbell: Fighting for diversity is not enoughToday’s episode is powerful. It's a conversation with Rob Campbell, Chief Strategy Officer at Colenso BBDO in Auckland. The topic is diversity in agencies - and how those of us with privilege can and should be doing more.Rob brings humanity and curiosity to his experience of diversity from beyond the shiny Western boardrooms of Soho and Madison Avenue, openly discussing what he got wrong in living and working in the US, China, Singapore, Japan and New Zealand (to name a few) as well as sharing practical advice on what he learned agency leaders can do be...
2024-04-2341 minThe Immortal Life of AgenciesDavid Meikle: Meeting the needs of modern clientsHow clear are you on what clients REALLY want from agencies? And what if you could ask someone with a unique perspective on how agencies do great work? Our guest on this episode is David Meikle. The classic ‘poacher turned gamekeeper’, he was previously an agency leader, working for Grey and latterly running Ogilvy in Russia, and now he’s a search consultant. David’s also a compassionate, innovative and rigorous thinker about the advertising and marketing industry, which you’ll know if you’ve read his books. This far-reaching conversation covers commerciality and profit, the risks of p...
2024-04-0949 minThe Immortal Life of AgenciesMichael Farmer: A new game plan for agenciesIn this episode, Robin chats with Michael Farmer - Chairman and CEO of Michael Farmer and Co. and an influential author on agency transformation. They discuss the commercial challenges and opportunities facing agencies and explore the need for a radical change in the business model. Michael highlights the stagnation in client growth, the impact of AI on agency profitability and the historical focus on cost reduction over client performance. They also explore the idea of agencies taking a more consultative approach, productising solutions and charging for scopes of work instead of selling time. Micheal and Ro...
2024-03-2545 minThe Immortal Life of AgenciesRory Sutherland: Where does innovation really come from?In this episode, Robin is joined by acclaimed advertising guru Rory Sutherland. Known for his innovative thinking, particularly in applying principles of behavioural economics to advertising and consumer behaviour, he and Robin explore the barriers to innovation in modern agencies. From accidental innovations like Viagra, to the value of inefficiency, as well as the alignment of briefs to organisational needs, rather than those of the consumer, this far-reaching conversation offers a wealth of inspiration for having a different kind of conversation with your clients. They also share ideas on commercial innovation - like wh...
2024-02-1551 minThe Immortal Life of AgenciesFaris Yakob: How agency CEOs must compete with people’s need for freedomIn this episode, Robin is joined by author, thinker and Genius Steals Co-Founder, Faris Yakob. Famed for his ‘digital nomad’ lifestyle as much as his insights, a LOT of agency people ask him about how to go freelance. So he and Robin explore why agency life sucks for a lot of people and what agency leaders can do to avoid great talent choosing to be independent consultants instead. Unpacking his own ‘accidental’ journey to becoming a consultant, Faris shares what he sees as the limitations and constraints of working in a traditional agency role. He and Robin...
2024-02-1539 min
The Fuel PodcastRobin Bonn – Co:definery – Find your new business Mojo!The art of lifting your head up, why focus is a superpower, cutting-edge conformity, the Goldilocks ratio of referrals & new business, why employ a new business big-hitter, agencies -v- consultancies.
The post Robin Bonn – Co:definery – Find your new business Mojo! appeared first on Fuel Podcast.
2022-02-191h 24
The Fuel PodcastRobin Bonn – Co:Definery – Find your new business mojo!How do you grow from working in the agency, to ON the agency?Robin Bonn is an expert mentor, coach and new business person, specializing in the creative sector, helping agency owners nurture their growth ambitions.Learn Robin’s best-selling tips for making sure that leaders bring their people with them on the journey and how to develop the new business pipeline into a long-term 3-5 year strategy.What’s the magic ratio of referrals to cold new business and how do you delegate growth responsibility?A fascinating hour of conversation with...
2022-02-191h 26Distillery11: distillery sessions – meet Robin BonnRobin Bonn, founder of Co:Definery talks to us about developing business proposition for fans, agency relationships (and his love for Archer on Netflix). You can learn more about Robin and Co:Definery: https://www.codefinery.com/ (or tweet him @robonn). Don’t forget to hit subscribe for more great content, and visit us at https://www.wearedistillery.co/ follow us on social @wearedistillery […]
2020-09-0500 min
distillery sessionsdistillery sessions - meet Robin BonnRobin Bonn, founder of Co:Definery talks to us about developing business proposition for fans, agency relationships (and his love for Archer on Netflix).
You can learn more about Robin and Co:Definery: https://www.codefinery.com/ (or tweet him @robonn).
Don't forget to hit subscribe for more great content, and visit us at https://www.wearedistillery.co/ follow us on social @wearedistillery and use the hashtag #distillerysessions
2020-09-0533 min
Small Spark Theory: a marginal gains approach to new business and marketingEP41: Positioning v proposition | Robin Bonn | Co:defineryThere aren't enough podcasting hours to do justice to the agency positioning and proposition debate. We've explored this before in episode 13 with David C. Baker and then again in episode 36 with master of the agency messaging, Roland Gurney. But with entire industry sectors in crisis and an uncertain economy ahead it has never been more important for agencies to clearly define and signpost their expertise. So buckle up, we're going in again! In this episode we talk to Robin Bonn from Co:definery to get the lowdown on why positioning is dead but proposition is king and the...
2020-07-0141 min
Small Spark Theory: a marginal gains approach to new business and marketingEP41: Positioning v proposition | Robin Bonn | Co:defineryThere aren’t enough podcasting hours to do justice to the agency positioning and proposition debate. We’ve explored this before in episode 13 with David C. Baker and then again in episode 36 with master of the agency messaging, Roland Gurney.
But with entire industry sectors in crisis and an uncertain economy ahead it has never been more important for agencies to clearly define and signpost their expertise. So buckle up, we’re going in again!
In this episode we talk to Robin Bonn from Co:definery to get the lowdown on why positioning is dead but proposit...
2020-07-0100 mindistillery sessionsPivoting your business while staying true to your brand purposeCurrent events have challenged entrepreneurs, brands and businesses to think more creatively. Quick pivots and rewriting marketing playbooks are now expected from many organisations. We are seeing fashion brands as pharmaceutical leaders, restaurants as tech pioneers and museums as media companies.
In this episode, we speak with a panel of experts to discuss the ways brands are innovating through tougher constraints and highlight practical tips to keep these innovations true to your draft values.
We'll hear from:
Robin Bonn, Founder of Co:definery
Melda Simon, Founder of Little Fires
Thomas Knowles, Membership Events...
2020-06-221h 03