Advertise on podcast: The Innovative Agency

On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Toerek welcomes Simone Mandel and Rachel Segall, co-founders of NBZ, to explore what it takes to build sustainable new business momentum.  Drawing on decades of experience across holding companies and independent agencies, Simone and Rachel share why agencies often struggle to market themselves as effectively as they market their clients, and what they can do differently. From strengthening your agency's brand and building a community around business development to maintaining momentum during lean times, this conversation offers practical strategies for agencies at every stage of growth.  What you will learn in this episode:  Why most agencies struggle to apply their own brand-building expertise internally What it really takes to get everyone "singing from the same songbook" The hidden power of having a clear agency identity (especially in an industry with over 88,000 competing voices) Practical low-budget steps to maintain momentum when business is slow and resources are tight Why specificity is the key to standing out in a saturated market The ways AI and community can act as great equalizers for both small and independent agencies Bio We're Rachel and Simone. We spent decades building brands and driving performance at the biggest agencies in the game. The more we learned the rules of entry, the more we wanted to rewrite the playbook for success. So we transformed our experience into a growth engine that helps small to midsize businesses compete with the big guys. We're not here to fix a broken system. We're here to help you keep pace in a fiercely competitive market by giving you an ownable brand, a winning growth strategy, and an expansive network. Resources: Website: https://www.nbzpartner.com/home LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nbz-partner/

On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek sits down with Park Howell, Founder of Business of Story, consultant, and former agency owner, to explore how agencies can transform their intellectual property into a competitive advantage.  Park shares how his approach to "artful intelligence" helps agencies operationalize their expertise, strengthen storytelling, improve client outcomes, and unlock new revenue opportunities.  He also discusses why agencies shouldn't let fear of AI disruption dictate their future. Instead, they can harness emerging technologies to monetize their know-how, increase their relevance, and build stronger, more resilient agencies.  What you will learn in this episode:  Why most agencies struggle to monetize their intellectual property The untold power of operationalizing your agency's brand story using AI (or as Park Howell calls it, "artful intelligence") The critical difference between pushing your capabilities and pulling prospects in with demonstrated abilities in your new business pitches How to develop and license campaign IP, sidestepping the common pitfalls agencies face trying to productize their methods The overlooked role of "StoryOps" in driving agency revenue and client loyalty in a noisy, fast-changing landscape Bio Park Howell is known as The World's Most Industrious Storyteller, having grown purpose-driven brands by as much as 600 percent. He is an EMMY Award-winning, 40+ year veteran of the advertising industry and now consults, teaches, coaches, and speaks internationally to help business, sales, and marketing leaders excel through the stories they tell. He is the host of the popular weekly Business of Story podcast, which is ranked among the top 10% of downloaded podcasts in the world. Park published Brand Bewitchery in 2020 to help you use his proven Story Cycle System to craft spellbinding stories for your brand. In 2021, he co-authored The Narrative Gym for Business, a short 75-page guide on how to use the foundational narrative framework of the ABT (And, But, Therefore) to make you a more confident, compelling and persuasive communicator. Park recently launched the StoryCycle Genie™ to help business leaders craft a lucrative brand story strategy in minutes, not months, at a fraction of the cost of the old, traditional way of branding. Resources: Website: https://businessofstory.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parkhowell/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/7575384/ StoryCycle Genie: https://www.storycyclegenie.ai/ The Business of Story Podcast: https://businessofstory.com/podcast/

On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Toerek sits down with Jacques Spitzer of Raindrop Agency to explore how agencies can bridge the gap between creativity and measurable results. Jacques shares Raindrop's unconventional journey from humble beginnings to helping launch billion-dollar brands and the lessons learned while navigating swift growth along the way. Jacques unpacks how to set clear client expectations, recognize patterns before challenges become problems, and communicate honestly when growth puts pressure on strategy and operations. He introduces his approach to "brandformance," bringing brand and performance marketing together to create stronger, more sustainable results.   For agency leaders looking to scale without sacrificing creativity, client trust, or business outcomes, this conversation offers valuable insight. What you will learn in this episode:  Why "brandformance" may be the untapped pathway for agencies caught between the pull of brand-building and the pressure for immediate results  The challenges (and unexpected rewards) of going from local service providers to national innovators without a traditional agency pedigree  The art and science behind setting client expectations before the first strategy session, and why saying "no" can be your most powerful business safeguard Why pattern recognition and historical context beat rigid formulas every time when deciding which clients and projects to accept How to use data, direct communication, and sometimes tough love to align your agency's ideas of success with your clients' Bio To some, Jacques Spitzer is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside of some of the greatest performing commercials of all time. To those he works with, Jacques is a passionate leader, connector, and storyteller with an innate ability to build brands and create ideas that people love. His Four-time Emmy® award-winning agency, Raindrop, has generated billions of views and billions in campaign sales for powerhouse brands like Dr. Squatch, Native and Grüns and disruptive brands like Good Culture, Hello Panda, Graza, Magic Spoon and more. Raindrop's creative force has been showcased by their work on three Super Bowl campaigns and their recent execution of the largest brand launch in Procter & Gamble history for Spruce. As a champion for the next generation of disruptive companies, Jacques serves as a strategic advisor to high-growth CPG brands that Raindrop Ventures has uniquely helped launch and invested in, including Grüns, Laundry Sauce, ForAll, VitaWild, and Maeva. Resources: Website: https://raindrop.agency/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jspitzer5/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/raindrop-agency/ Website: https://www.jacquesspitzer.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquesspitzer TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jacquesspitzer Marketing People Love Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marketing-people-love/id1642420328

On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Toerek chats with Stephanie Tillinghast, Vice President of Business Development at Battery Agency, to explore what it really takes to drive sustainable agency growth while protecting the culture and creativity that make an agency unique.  Stephanie shares how Battery has turned business development into a true team sport using data, transparency, and open conversations about wins, losses, and lessons learned to keep the entire agency engaged.  As AI changes how quickly ideas can be developed and raises new questions around intellectual property, Stephanie shares her insights on how agencies can be more intentional about what they're willing to give away and how they communicate those boundaries with prospective clients.  From building a stronger business development culture to navigating the changing expectations of pitches and spec work, Stephanie offers practical insights agency leaders can use to grow with greater intention without losing sight of what makes their agency valuable in the first place.  What you will learn in this episode:  Why rapid agency growth often breaks your processes (and what to do about it) How transparency about wins, losses, and the reasons behind them can energize and rally your entire agency The power (and pitfalls) of sharing business development data and trends agency-wide How to become an indispensable partner to account teams Navigating the age-old question of spec work Why proactive, nuanced conversations about AI with clients are quickly becoming a non-negotiable for agency leaders Bio Stephanie Tillinghast is the VP Business Development at Battery, in their Los Angeles headquarters. With over 12 years of experience as a new business lead at advertising agencies, she thrives at the intersection of growth and creativity. Since joining Battery in 2024 as the creative shop's first-ever head of new business, the agency has achieved double-digit growth and Stephanie's leadership earned recognition from Campaign U.S. as New Business Development Team of the Year. Resources: Website: https://www.batteryagency.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniefranko/

This episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast welcomes Michelle Wintersteen, CEO and Founder of MKW Creative. Michelle unpacks the real costs of saying yes to too much, and why creative agencies, no matter how talented, often hit a wall when operational cracks start to show. Talent and creativity can fuel growth, but without the right systems, boundaries, and internal structure, that growth can quickly become unsustainable. Michelle shares lessons from navigating turbulent years in the agency world including why knowing when to say "no" can be just as important as knowing when to pursue an opportunity.  Michelle offers a candid look at what it takes to build an agency that can thrive for the long haul, all without sacrificing your agency's creative edge. What you will learn in this episode:  Why saying yes to every client request can undermine your agency's value and operational health How project management tools and operations leaders keep creative agencies profitable How boundaries with clients (and within your team) lead to better work, happier people, and accountability on both sides Moving from social-driven inbound clients to referral networks and deeper client relationships Why rethinking deliverables, like a return to print and tangible brand assets, could be your next competitive advantage Bio Michelle Wintersteen is the Founder and creative director of MKW Creative Co., an award-winning branding and design studio based in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California. Since 2014, she's helped 250+ luxury, lifestyle, hospitality, and product-based brands go from overlooked to overbooked — building identities so recognizable they become brag-worthy. She's also the host of Kiss My Aesthetic, a podcast with 100K+ downloads dedicated to real-world branding, marketing, and creative entrepreneurship — no fluff, no gatekeeping. Resources: Website: https://mkwcreative.co/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-wintersteen/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkwcreativeco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkwcreative.co/  Community Group: https://app.heartbeat.chat/kissmyaesthetic/feed Podcast: https://app.heartbeat.chat/kissmyaesthetic/feed TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mkwcreative.co

On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Toerek welcomes Russel Dubree, Founder of An Agency Story, to cut through the noise surrounding AI and explore what agency leaders should be focused on to build resilient, profitable businesses. As technology reshapes the agency landscape, Russel argues that AI isn't the existential threat many fear. Instead, it's a magnifier, exposing weaknesses in positioning, operations, pricing, and value delivery while creating new opportunities for agencies that have their fundamentals right. Russel details how agencies can better articulate the outcomes they create for clients, and why strong positioning may be an agency's greatest protection against uncertainty.  For independent agency leaders navigating relentless change, this conversation offers a grounded roadmap for turning disruption into opportunity and building an agency designed to thrive no matter what comes next.  What you will learn in this episode:  Why AI is NOT replacing the need for agency differentiation or strategic positioning The real opportunity for independent agencies to monetize their intellectual property and methodologies How the shift from activity-based to outcome-based compensation changes how agencies capture value and price services What agencies that successfully leverage AI are doing differently How meaningful metrics can become a growth engine in the age of AI disruption Bio Russel Dubree is a business coach guiding agency owners to build and grow their most ideal agency.  Resources: Website: https://anagencystory.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russeldubree/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/an-agency-story/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anagencystory Live Workshop: https://anagencystory.com/agency-planning-workshop/

On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek chats with Amanda DeVito, Chief Marketing Officer of women owned and led Butler/Till, to explore how employee ownership, strategic specialization, and a culture of accountability have fueled the agency's remarkable growth. Amanda shares how treating employees as true partners creates an owner's mentality that strengthens trust, encourages innovation, and empowers people at every level of the agency to contribute to its success. She also digs into the role emerging technologies like AI and agentic advertising will play in the next chapter of agency growth, and why leaders need to approach disruption with both fearlessness and rigor.  This conversation offers a powerful reminder that sustainable growth starts with giving your people ownership, embracing innovation, and building a culture equipped to adapt. What you will learn in this episode:  Why independent agencies are facing a moment of both tremendous opportunity and deep uncertainty about the future of their business models The distinction between AI as a tool to improve operational efficiency and AI as a competitive differentiator in agency positioning What agencies that successfully leverage AI are doing differently Why intellectual property (IP) and proprietary methodologies offer a path to higher margins and long-term agency value in an AI-driven world A perspective on keeping grounded and serving clients' true needs in turbulent times Bio Amanda DeVito is Chief Marketing Officer at Butler/Till, responsible for driving strategic thinking, creative solutions, and innovation across the agency. As CMO, she is integral in setting the future course of the agency. Amanda has 20+years of experience assisting clients, agencies and brands generate effective results, with core competencies across Business/Disruption and strategy. Resources: Website: https://butlertill.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadevito/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/butler-till/

On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Toerek welcomes Dominic Tremblay, co-founder and CEO of international creative agency Tux, for a conversation about what sustainable agency growth really looks like in an increasingly unpredictable market. As economic uncertainty, shifting client expectations, and rapid technological changes continue to transform the industry, Dominic explains how leading with intention, rather than reacting to every challenge, has helped Tux expand into new markets, embrace innovation, and build a lasting competitive advantage. From integrating AI and CGI into the agency's offerings to building a people-first culture that supports long-term success, this episode explores the strategic choices that separate agencies that merely survive from those that continue to thrive.   What you will learn in this episode:  Why growth for independent agencies demands more than just chasing big-name clients The evolving demands of agency business models amid shrinking budgets, the rise of value pricing, and persistent myths about AI making everything "cheaper" Why most clients don't actually care how many days you're in the office What it takes to build a talent-first team How intentional iteration is shaping the future of creative agency growth Bio Dominic Tremblay, Co-founder & CEO of TUX, is a creative leader and agency executive who helps brands grow through strategic creativity. With more than 20 years in marketing and advertising — on both the client and agency side — Dominic brings a rare dual perspective that bridges business objectives with bold, effective creative. He has led global campaigns, launched hundreds of products and services, and helped scale brands across categories by aligning strategy, execution, and storytelling under one cohesive vision. Resources: Website: https://tux.co LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tremblaydom/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tux-creative-house/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuxcreative/

On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek sits down with Cimin Cohen, CEO and Founder of Idea Peddler, an independent, woman-owned creative and media agency specializing in destinations, hospitality brands, and experience-driven organizations. Cimin unpacks the "attribution illusion" reshaping today's media landscape and reveals why the metrics agencies rely on most don't always reflect true business impact. Drawing on experience from both global agency networks and independent firms, she explores how hidden incentives, flawed reporting, and a lack of transparency can erode client trust, and what agency leaders can do to deliver more meaningful results. If you're looking to strengthen client relationships through greater transparency, smarter media strategy, and a clearer understanding of what success really looks like, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. What you will learn in this episode:  The true impact of rollups and M&A activity on agency talent, creativity, and client results The hidden incentives and pricing misalignments that prevent a level playing field for independent agencies How shifting privacy regulations and shrinking data panels are quietly undermining the reliability of today's attribution models The most important questions agency owners should be asking media partners about data, transparency, and measurement Why strategic alliances can be the best defense for creative and comms shops managing media budgets Concrete ways to have more honest, trust-building conversations with brands about what real impact measurement should look like Bio A native Austinite, Cimin Cohen has been in the media industry for over a decade on both the agency and publisher sides. During this time, she has led cross-channel strategic media planning and buying for Fortune 500 companies including Best Buy, Microsoft, Intel, Zurich Insurance, and Kraft Foods. ‍After honing her chops at large agencies like Starcom, MediaVest and Mindshare, Cimin realized there had to be a better, more streamlined way to help brands achieve their advertising goals. Idea Peddler was born out of the need to have a new model for the 21st century—one where there are no bureaucratic layers, work gets done efficiently and on time, and we all get to work with nice people. ‍Cimin has a strong foundation in both traditional and digital media and specializes in crafting strategies for cross-channel campaigns, using a mix of local and national media. She helped launch and sat on the board of the Women in Wireless Chicago chapter in addition to launching Microsoft's first B2B programmatic display campaign. Prior to that, she deployed the first e-commerce integration and mobile ads for Spiceworks, a social-tech company based in Austin. ‍She currently leads planning and buying for New Mexico Tourism, Taos Ski Valley, City of Palm Desert, NOLS, Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, and other brands, with a focus on strong planning foundations and maximum budget efficiency. Resources: Website: https://www.ideapeddler.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ideapeddler/

On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Toerek welcomes Justin Inman, CEO and Founder of Emberos, for a timely conversation about the rise of AI-driven discoverability. As generative AI transforms search and rewrites the rules for how brands are found online, Justin shares why traditional SEO playbooks are no longer enough, and what agency leaders must do to stay ahead.  Drawing on his experience at Google and his work helping brands navigate this new landscape, he offers practical strategies for creating new revenue opportunities, strengthening client relationships, and building lasting competitive advantage in an AI-first world.  What you will learn in this episode:  Why AI chatbots are rapidly becoming the "front door" of the internet, and what that means for your clients' brands The hidden risks of relying on AI-generated content to boost discoverability How the tried-and-true tactics of PR and consistent messaging are colliding with new AI-driven search realities What proactive steps agencies must take right now to avoid disappearing from search results Opportunities for agencies to create new revenue streams How to measure the real impact of your AI strategy Bio Justin Inman is the Founder and CEO of Emberos, the first operating system built to orchestrate paid, owned, and earned signals for AI visibility. He works at the intersection of brand strategy, AI systems, and predictive analytics, helping companies understand and influence how they appear inside generative AI platforms. Resources: Website: https://www.emberos.ai/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jinman11/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emberos/

On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Toerek sits down with Courtney Cotrupe, CEO of Partners + Napier, for a conversation about leading an independent agency through founder succession while preserving the values that fuel long-term success. Courtney shares why culture and collaboration have become a competitive advantage, how agency business development has evolved, and what differentiates employee-owned agencies in today's marketplace. If you're navigating change, planning for the future, or looking for new ways to strengthen your agency's position in an increasingly crowded industry, this episode offers practical insights and fresh perspectives you won't want to miss.  What you will learn in this episode:  Why agency culture can make or break your client relationships What it takes to honor a founder's legacy while establishing a new vision The growing pains that come with scaling an independent agency The hard truths about business development in a turbulent market, and what's changed for independents over the past two years Where real collaboration happens in the agency world The implications of increased M&A and private equity money in the independent agency space Bio Courtney Cotrupe leads with a perfect mix of sharp strategy, collaborative style, and creative soul. As CEO of Partners + Napier, she oversees all client partnerships and operations with a forward-thinking vision that continually evolves talent and capabilities. Under her leadership, the agency has added major brands like Royal Caribbean, Checkers & Rally's, and MD Live, while expanding capabilities with in-house media, analytics, and Gammut Productions — a full-scale content studio. Courtney also serves on the national AAF board, chairs the 4As New York State Council, and sits on the board of Foodlink. Resources: Website: https://www.partnersandnapier.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneycotrupe LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/partners-and-napier/

Joining this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast is Mike May, Chief Strategy Officer at Fifty Thousand Feet, for a conversation about the evolving role of strategy in the AI era. Mike reveals how agencies can use AI not simply as a productivity tool, but as a strategic partner that accelerates, augments, and elevates their thinking.  He shares a practical framework for preserving the uniquely human insights clients value most, while adapting to rising expectations for speed, efficiency, and measurable impact. This episode offers agency leaders actionable guidance for protecting and expanding their strategic value in a rapidly changing industry. What you will learn in this episode:  How AI is redefining the role of the Chief Strategy Officer and reshaping what clients value in agency partnerships  Why efficiency isn't the smartest way to talk about AI with clients What "acceleration," "augmentation," and "elevation" truly mean for agency strategy How to protect your agency's core value in a world where clients could use the same tools What happens when junior talent doesn't get foundational training How agencies can use freed-up resources to deepen partnerships and foster organic growth with clients Bio Mike May brings more than 25 years of experience across all flavors of strategy. He was previously the GVP of Strategy at Huge, overseeing business, brand, product and content strategy, as well as research and analytics. He has also held senior leadership roles the Interactive Advertising Bureau, and Jupiter Communications (now Forrester Research), and helped pioneer global e-commerce initiatives at Avon. Mike has published over 100 articles and research reports on brand, business and marketing strategy, has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Good Morning America, and has been quoted in The Economist, WSJ, The New York Times and others. He has degrees in English from Colgate University and the University of British Columbia and a MBA from NYU. Mike is based in FTF's DC office. Resources: Website: https://fiftythousandfeet.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdotmay Linkedin Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fiftythousandfeet/

On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast we welcome Shauna Nuckles, CEO and Founder of Advocation, for a conversation about what drives sustainable agency growth.  Shauna unpacks the hidden operational bottlenecks that keep agencies stuck, the leadership habits that quietly limit progress, and why productized services, smarter systems, and a clear definition of success matter more than relentless expansion. Whether you're navigating the founder's bottleneck, preparing your agency for its next stage, or simply looking to build a business that's more profitable, scalable, and aligned with your goals, Shauna shares practical frameworks and candid advice to help you move forward with confidence. What you will learn in this episode:  The inflection points where most agencies hit their biggest growth bottlenecks, and what typically triggers them The right way to define what "success" looks like for your agency beyond just chasing headcount or revenue benchmarks How to productize your agency's methodology and reporting approach to drive retention and stand out in a crowded market Why sticky, outcome-based client engagements matter more than ever as AI commoditizes creative execution How small, nimble agencies can use technology to deliver greater impact and profit without adding headcount Bio Shauna Nuckles is the Founder of Advocation, an operations consultancy that helps agency owners turn burnout-prone firms into transferable, wealth-building businesses. She's supported more than 5,000 agency professionals and created the Agency to Asset® methodology, recognized by Inc. magazine for reshaping how agencies grow beyond their founder.  Known for transforming chaos into clarity and building systems that scale, Shauna brings a rare operator's lens on what makes agencies last and how leaders can reclaim time, profit, and sanity. Resources: Website: https://www.advocationsystem.com/  LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunanuckles/  LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advocationtraining/

On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek welcomes Robb Fahrion, Founder and CEO of Flying V Group, for a conversation about the realities of measuring and communicating ROI in today's agency environment. Together, they explore how agencies can set expectations from the very beginning, identify potential red flags during the sales and onboarding process, and create stronger partnerships built on transparency and shared goals. Robb shares insights on navigating difficult client conversations, aligning around meaningful metrics, and demonstrating value that extends beyond what can be captured in a dashboard. If you're looking for ways to strengthen client relationships, improve retention, and ensure your agency is recognized for the results it delivers, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. What you will learn in this episode:  Why data transparency between agencies and brands often breaks down The crucial early red flags that warn an engagement might be doomed How to set realistic expectations for ROI, even when a client won't lay all their cards on the table The overlooked ways agencies actually deliver value beyond just profit points and campaign KPIs The role of internal systems in defining successful partnerships What agency leaders can do to reclaim the narrative on ROI Why embracing tough conversations up front leads to better organic growth with existing clients Bio Robb Fahrion is the Founder and CEO of Flying V Group, a leading digital marketing and advertising agency located in Newport Beach, CA. Robb and his team have served over 400+ clients with go-to-market and strategic marketing initiatives in order to drive new levels of profitability and success. Robb is also an avid angel and seed investor that focuses on founder led businesses that are looking to revolutionize their specific category. Resources: Website: https://www.flyingvgroup.com LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbfahrion/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-v-group/ Marketing Consultants: Seal the Deal with Marketing Questions to Ask Clients: https://www.flyingvgroup.com/marketing-questions-to-ask-clients/

This episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast features Martin Calvert, Marketing Director at ICS-digital joining the podcast from Leeds, England. Martin breaks down the challenges agencies face when expanding into new markets, particularly when it comes to achieving online findability across different cultures, languages, and platforms. Drawing on more than two decades of experience helping brands establish digital visibility across global markets, Martin shares practical lessons on managing risk, avoiding costly expansion mistakes, and building strategies that resonate across cultures.  Whether you're grappling with scaling your agency worldwide or building trust with clients in unfamiliar territories, this episode explores the hard truths and tips for navigating cross-cultural marketing. What you will learn in this episode:  The hidden pitfalls agencies face when expanding into unfamiliar international markets Practical strategies for de-risking global growth without falling into the trap of "fatal half-measures" What your agency can learn from ICS-digital's journey in adapting to both blunt and "polite" business cultures The surprising reality behind industry awards Strategies for managing regulated industries and ensuring creative, compliant work across global markets Bio Martin Calvert is Marketing Director at ICS-digital - a global agency specialising in all aspects of multilingual SEO, content and translation, as well as digital PR, influencer relations and paid media. Resources: Website: https://www.ics-digital.com/ Linkedin Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martincalvert/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ics-digital/