Scale and grow your agency with better clients, invested employees, and a stronger bottom line, with Drew McLellan.
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Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan welcomes Shawn Yeager, founder of Upshift, for a candid conversation about the seismic shifts AI is creating in the agency world. Together, they go beyond the hype and headlines, examining how agencies can genuinely commercialize AI—not just adopt new tools, but strategically redesign what they sell and…
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan is joined by Anthony Reeves, Vice President of Global Brand and Creative at Kohler and former Amazon internal agency leader, to explore the vital—but often neglected—topic of embracing discomfort and making tough decisions as an agency leader. Drawing on lessons from his book, "Eat the Donkey: Why Great…
Welcome to an especially impactful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan takes you on a deep dive into the true nature of leadership inside agencies beyond the usual skills and techniques. Drawing from months of research and two decades of real-world experience, Drew outlines the essential leadership domains every agency owner and team member needs to master for a…
Welcome to another inspiring episode of Build a Better Agency! In this episode, Jeannie Walters breaks down the real distinction between customer experience and customer service, and why treating them as the same thing keeps agencies from measuring what actually drives retention and referrals. You'll learn how a concise CX mission statement becomes the judgment call every employee uses when things…
Welcome to another can't-miss episode of Build a Better Agency! Drew McLellan is joined by Rita Ainsworth, a media buyer turned nervous system coach who works with agency people and performance marketers to help them recognize and reverse the slide toward burnout prevention before it costs them their health or their team. In this episode, Ainsworth breaks down why performance doesn't actually drop…
Get ready for an eye-opening episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, Drew McLellan is joined by the always generous and sharp Joe Pulizzi, author of "Burn the Playbook" and a longtime leader in the content marketing world. Together, they dig into some big questions facing agencies today: Why does the old way of doing things feel stale? How do you keep showing up—and standing out—when…
Welcome to another can't-miss episode of Build a Better Agency! Drew McLellan sits down with Laura Lopuch, client and partner acquisition expert and creator of the WARM cold email methodology, to challenge everything you think you know about cold email outreach. If cold email is something you have written off as spammy, pushy, or simply ineffective, Lopuch has a fundamentally different approach…
Welcome to another can't-miss episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan ditches the guest chair and goes solo to unpack the agency trends his team has been tracking for months, the trust shifts, the AI shake ups, and the consolidation chaos that are about to reshape how small and mid sized agencies compete over the next twelve to eighteen months. In this episode, Drew digs…
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan is joined by seasoned project management expert Danielle McCier to shine a spotlight on one of the most critical—and sometimes underestimated—roles in any agency: project management. Together, they unpack how powerful project management isn't just about checking boxes, but about leading with clarity,…
Welcome to another can't-miss episode of Build a Better Agency! Drew McLellan hosts Noel Andrews, founder and CEO of Job Rack, for a deep dive into how AI recruitment is revolutionizing the hiring landscape. Andrews shares eye-opening insights about the dramatic changes agencies face when building teams in today's AI-powered world. In this episode, you'll discover how Andrews and his team are…
Welcome to another episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan is joined by operations expert Trevor Foley for a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of agency operations—where profit is made or lost. With decades of experience across agency and client-side roles, Trevor Foley brings a practical, battle-tested perspective on how agencies can tighten processes, reduce chaos, and…
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This time, host Drew McLellan teams up once again with research partner Susan Baier from Audience Audit to unpack the findings from the highly anticipated 2026 Agency EDGE study. Together, they examine how AI is impacting agencies and, more importantly, the shifting expectations and priorities of agency clients in this rapidly…
Welcome to a pivotal solo episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan takes listeners on an honest and insightful journey through the real work of agency leadership, exploring the mental and emotional shifts required to move from talented employee or manager to confident agency owner. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience and candid stories from agency owners nationwide,…
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan sits down with executive business coach Trevor McGregor to tackle one of the most critical and persistent challenges agency owners face: scaling their business. Drawing from his expansive coaching experience and background working alongside leaders like Tony Robbins, Trevor McGregor unpacks the most…
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! Host Drew McLellan is joined by agency owner and automation enthusiast Caitlin Studdy for a deep dive into the world of AI-driven automations—an essential, but often underutilized, tool for agencies looking to boost efficiency, profitability, and team satisfaction. In this episode, Caitlin Studdy recounts her journey from agency…
Welcome to another episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan sits down with virtual event expert Kevin Sanderson to unravel the secrets behind leveraging online summits to grow your agency—and your client's business. With over 30 virtual summits under his belt, Kevin Sanderson brings his firsthand knowledge of creating, marketing, and monetizing virtual events, making this…
Welcome to a new episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, Drew McLellan invites Yoni Kozminski, CEO and co-founder of Escala, for a candid and transparent discussion that takes you behind the scenes of agency operations, scalability, and owner independence. Drew opens up about AMI's own journey towards better systems and processes, and together, they explore what it really takes to…
Welcome to another energizing solo episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan draws on his 25+ years of agency experience to deliver both a rallying cry and a clear-eyed reality check for independent agency owners: the chaos swirling around AI, consolidation, and economic uncertainty isn't the threat it appears to be — it's an invitation. For owners who are willing to evolve,…
Welcome to another episode of Build a Better Agency! Host Drew McLellan sits down with Emily Thompson, marketing manager at CoSchedule, to unpack the just-released AI Impact 2026 research study. With 900 respondents spanning every industry, company size, and marketing level, this is one of the most comprehensive looks at how marketers are actually using AI today and what they plan to prioritize in…
Welcome to another dynamic episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan welcomes longtime industry innovator John Hall to unpack the growth trends that will shape agencies in 2026 and beyond. Drawing from years of agency leadership, investment experience, and countless conversations with top entrepreneurs, John brings a bold perspective on where agency leaders should aim their…
Welcome to the latest episode of Build a Better Agency! Host Drew McLellan is joined by the powerhouse team of Robin Boehler and Stephen Boehler from Mercer Island Group for an eye-opening discussion about their new book, "It's Not About You: Winning New Business in a Crowded Agency World." With decades spent guiding both agencies and clients through the agency selection process, Robin and Stephen…
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan is joined by talent acquisition expert Kat Duncan for a deep dive into the ever-evolving art and science of hiring in today's agency world. If attracting and retaining top talent has ever felt daunting, you're in the right place—Kat Duncan brings over two decades of recruiting experience and actionable…
Welcome to another insightful solo episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan draws on his 25+ years of agency experience to tackle a game-changing reality for agency owners: the ways buyers find, vet, and select agencies have shifted—and your approach needs to shift too. Based on the latest industry research and buyer behavior data, this episode serves as both a wake-up call…
Welcome to another episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan dives into the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and its game-changing implications for agency owners. Joining him is Julian Goldie, an innovative SEO agency owner and AI authority who has reimagined his business by harnessing the power of automation. Together, they demystify AI's practical applications, offering…
Welcome to another episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan sits down with agency owner and behavioral science expert Nancy Harhut to unlock the hidden forces behind human decision-making—and how they impact your agency's marketing success. Drawing on her years of experience and her deep dive into the psychology of persuasion, Nancy brings a fresh perspective on why people…
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan is joined by returning guest Noel Andrews, the founder of JobRack, to explore a dynamic trend that's reshaping the way agencies build and cultivate their teams. Together, they dive into the growing movement of hiring full-time international team members from regions like Eastern Europe and South…
Welcome to another impactful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan sits down with AI strategist and data tinkerer Cade Dannels to demystify the true potential of artificial intelligence for agencies. If you're tired of hearing the same surface-level conversations about AI writing blog posts, buckle up—this conversation digs deeper. Drew McLellan and Cade Dannels break…
Welcome to a powerful solo episode of Build a Better Agency! In this installment, host Drew McLellan takes a deep dive into one of the most urgent and consequential topics facing agencies today: the vital importance of ongoing professional development. Drawing from decades of experience and the latest industry data, Drew McLellan lays out a compelling case for why investing in your team's growth…
Welcome to the latest episode of Build a Better Agency! Host Drew McLellan is joined by talent strategy expert John Arnold to tackle one of the most critical and timely challenges facing agency owners today: hiring, retaining, and managing the right people in the ever-evolving agency landscape. As AI and technology shift agency workflows, Drew McLellan sets the stage for a refreshing conversation…
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan is joined by legendary cartoonist and marketer Tom Fishburne, best known for his "Marketoonist" series that has humorously and astutely captured the nuances of agency life for over two decades. If you've ever laughed (or cringed) at a cartoon that perfectly depicts a creative brief gone wrong or the…
Welcome to another compelling episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan sits down with special guest Brett Farmiloe, a former agency owner turned SaaS entrepreneur, to unpack the evolving world of PR and media in the age of AI. Together, they dive into the complexities and opportunities that the rapid adoption of AI presents for agencies, especially those aiming to maintain…
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan tackles the critical—yet often underestimated—legal side of agency mergers and acquisitions. Joined by agency law specialist Sharon Toerek, Drew explores all the ways agencies can better prepare for buying or selling a business and avoid the legal pitfalls that can delay deals, drive up costs, or even…
Welcome to a brand new year and a brand new episode of Build a Better Agency! In this special solo cast, host Drew McLellan kicks off 2026 with a focused, actionable discussion on preparing agency owners and leaders for what promises to be a pivotal year. Drawing from his decades of experience and deep involvement with agencies across the globe, Drew McLellan lays out five essential resolutions…
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Build a Better Agency! In this episode, host Drew McLellan welcomes Greg Star, founder of Driven Branding and former CEO of Carvertize, to explore how agency leaders can leverage LinkedIn to build stronger, more authentic personal brands. If you've ever wondered why your company's LinkedIn page isn't gaining traction or how you can make your own…
Welcome to another can't-miss episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan explores a rapidly evolving strategy that has the potential to shake up the way agencies attract leads and position themselves as go-to experts. Joining Drew McLellan is returning guest Tom Schwab of Interview Valet, who brings groundbreaking insights on how artificial intelligence (AI) tools are…
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan welcomes brand strategist and agency veteran Ulli Appelbaum to dive deep into the science of brand associations—a topic that's often referenced but rarely explored with the rigor it deserves. If you've ever struggled to quantify the value of your agency's or your client's brand, this episode will…
Welcome to another engaging episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan turns the spotlight inward to tackle a challenge many agency owners face but rarely confront: the chaos we unintentionally create within our own shops. Joined by productivity expert and business coach Amber De La Garza, this episode dives deep into the subtle ways agency leaders can become the source of…
Welcome to a transformative solo episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan invites listeners to reframe how they view uncertainty, chaos, and change in the agency world. Drawing from both scientific research and personal stories—including a gripping childhood encounter with real fear—Drew McLellan explores why agencies feel paralyzed by unpredictability, and more importantly,…
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan is joined by returning guest Nicole Mahoney, an accomplished agency owner and thought leader renowned for her innovative work in collaboration within the travel and tourism space. Drawing on her 15 years of industry expertise, Nicole shares how strategic partnerships have propelled her agency to new…
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Build a Better Agency! Host Drew McLellan sits down with Robin Bonn, agency veteran and founder of Codefinery, for a candid conversation that tackles one of the agency world's biggest challenges: true differentiation. Drawing on over two decades of industry experience and insights from his new book, Market of One, Robin unpacks why even the most…
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan welcomes renowned author, speaker, and client experience expert Neen James for a thought-provoking discussion that will challenge agency leaders to rethink how they deliver value. Together, they explore the concept of "luxury" in the context of client service and agency culture—not just as something…
Welcome to a crucial episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan is joined once again by Craig Cody, a seasoned CPA and tax advisor renowned for his expertise in agency financial management. Drew and Craig jump straight into a timely and essential topic for every agency owner—the recent changes to 401k regulations that could have significant implications for your agency's…
Welcome to a new solo cast episode of Build a Better Agency! Host Drew McLellan is flying solo for episode 525, bringing decades of agency expertise to help owners prepare their businesses for a fast-changing marketplace. If the calendar is winding down and you're looking ahead to 2026, this episode is packed with actionable insights designed specifically for agency leadership. Drew kicks off with…
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan welcomes Ben Gaddis—former agency owner, seasoned operator, and now private equity investor—to give you an insider's view of what makes an agency truly valuable in today's changing landscape. Drawing on his unique journey from building and selling his own highly successful agency to investing in…
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! In this thought-provoking conversation, host Drew McLellan welcomes acclaimed author, agency veteran, and thought leader Rishad Tobaccowala to the show. Together, they dig into the rapidly evolving nature of work and what it means for agency leaders and teams in the years ahead. Rishad draws on his decades of agency experience and his…
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan sits down with Ana Laskey, an experienced market researcher and strategist, to tackle one of the industry's hot-button issues: the art and business of agency strategy. As the marketing landscape gets more crowded with freelance talent and AI tools, Drew and Ana dig deep into what truly differentiates…
Welcome to another data-driven episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan sits down with returning guest Lee McKnight to break down the results of RSW/US's freshly released 2025 Agency New Business Survey. Together, Drew and Lee unpack the real-world challenges and emerging opportunities that agencies—especially small and midsize firms—are facing as they gear up for the rest…
Welcome to another insightful solo episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan is at the mic, bringing over 25 years of agency expertise to address one of the most critical topics for agency leaders: rethinking your strategic planning process for the historic challenges and opportunities ahead in 2026. With economic uncertainty, industry disruption, and the rapid acceleration…
Welcome to another episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan shines a light on an area vital to every agency's growth: how to show up for clients and prospects in ways that build genuine trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships. To explore this undervalued but crucial topic, Drew is joined by Jamie Shibley, founder of The Expressory and expert in strategic engagement and…
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan turns the focus inward—with a practical conversation that every agency leader needs to hear. Joined by long-time AMI partner and Strategic Talent Management co-owner Sue MacArthur, Drew unpacks one of the most nuanced and important topics in the business: how to elevate your team, enhance retention, and…
