Small Spark Theory@ Episode 57: Steve Parks I’ve talked a lot about leadership on this podcast, and rightly so. Sustainable new business performance starts with a growth mindset and that has to come from the very top of an agency. Just in the last episode we spoke to Claire Humphris of Iris, adding to a stellar line…

Small Spark Theory® Episode 56: Claire Humphris — Earlier this year, Claire Humphris was named CEO at Iris, the agency she co-founded with five other colleagues in 1999. Iris now numbers over 1000 people across 17 offices worldwide. As agency breakaways go, it is a perfect case study. But of course, what interests me is the new business…

Small Spark Theory® Episode 55: Felix Velarde In 2017 I interviewed Felix Velarde for this podcast to discuss agency growth planning. It was our 4th episode and I’ll be honest, it was pretty chaotic. …

As we look ahead to September and a new sales and marketing window, I’ve been reflecting on the challenges facing agency leaders who are struggling to grow, or in some cases, to simply maintain consistent revenue. There are some familiar themes that have been cropping up in my conversations over…

As I write this at the end of July 2021, I feel a sense of cautious optimism. The agencies I talk to are largely busy, many are back in the office, at least part time, plenty are hiring and best of all, new clients and projects are being won. And…

Small Spark Theory® Episode 53: Jennifer Crowley In the discussions we’ve had on the Small Spark Theory podcast, and in the work I do with agencies, the theme of walking in a clients’ shoes has been a recurring one. …

Small Spark Theory® Episode 54: Sarah Yeats I’ve often said that the people I admire the most in business are independent agency leaders. And over the last 18 months, as our industry, largely populated by small businesses, has rallied against such unforeseen challenges, my admiration and respect has only deepened. Through all of the conversations I have…

Change is a constant. And change is also the key to unlocking more strategic conversations that can build greater advocacy with our clients. Many of us feel that we know a lot about the businesses we work with, but understanding and tracking the change is where the opportunities lie. What’s…

‘You just can’t mark your own homework.’ This was just one of the many great soundbites from my recent conversation with Andrew Southcott, Managing Director at creative agency group, Captivate. Andrew and I have worked together since last year, when he appointed me to work with Captivate’s new business talent…