Agency Outsight Coaching

?? Are you stuck in the “time-for-money” trap? In this episode of Agency Bytes, I chat with Greg Hickman of AltAgency, who shares how he escaped the grind and built a 7-figure business while working just 25 hours a week. ?? We cover: ? How to productize your agency services (without losing your creative edge) ? Breaking free from custom everything and scaling smart ? Redefining wealth beyond just financial success ? How to build systems that give you your life back ? And so much more... Greg’s story is packed with practical advice and personal lessons that every agency owner should hear. ??? ?? Listen now via the link in the comment below, or on your favorite podcasting app!

?? Empathy is a Business Tool—But It Starts with You In episode 102 of Agency Bites, I sat down with Rena DeLevie, who shares a powerful message: if you want to lead with compassion, you first have to show up for yourself. Rena has lived the high-pressure, fear-based leadership culture of corporate America—and made the conscious choice to step out of it. What stood out most in our conversation wasn’t just the leadership strategies, but the human practices that keep her grounded so she can show up with kindness and strength. ?? We talk about daily meditation (even if it’s just 3 minutes), mindful breathwork, walking in the woods to calm the nervous system, and even using humor as a release valve in toxic environments. This is about real self-leadership and finding sustainable ways to reset your energy so you’re not stuck reacting to anxiety or burnout. ?? If you’re a leader—or anyone—navigating stress and overwhelm, Rena’s story and tools might be exactly what you need to hear. ?? Listen through the link in the comment below, or in your favorite podcast app! #AgencyBites #Leadership #CompassionateLeadership #Mindfulness #EmotionalIntelligence #AgencyLife #SelfLeadership #Podcast

In Episode 101 of Agency Bytes, I sit down with Kyra Cavanaugh, a wellbeing consultant, meditation coach, and Qigong instructor, for a conversation that feels like a deep breath in the middle of a hectic workday. We explore what it really means to prioritize wellbeing—not just for ourselves but for our teams and the people we lead. Kyra shares practical, down-to-earth strategies for finding balance in a world that pushes us to hustle nonstop. We talk about how small, intentional moments of self-care can ripple into productivity, creativity, and stronger connections—both at work and in life. From recognizing when a teammate (or you) might need a breather, to breaking the cycle of “push through and crash later” culture, this episode is all about giving yourself permission to slow down in order to show up fully. If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, felt the pressure to always be “on,” or wondered how to create a healthier, more human-centered workplace, this conversation is for you. Take a pause and join us. Link in the comment below or in your favorite podcasting app.

In the 100th episode of Agency Bytes, I couldn’t think of a more fitting guest to mark this milestone than the legendary Debbie Millman. As a designer, writer, educator, and the pioneering host of Design Matters, Debbie has shaped the creative industry in ways that continue to inspire me and so many others. In this conversation, we dive into her remarkable journey—from leading Sterling Brands to an Omnicom acquisition, to her impact on branding and design education, and even the evolution of her own 20-year podcasting career. She shares invaluable insights on leadership, overcoming rejection, embracing an abundance mindset, and finding inspiration in unexpected places. Plus, we discuss her upcoming book Love Letter to a Garden and the deeply personal connection between creativity and growth. It’s an episode filled with wisdom, warmth, and a celebration of resilience in the creative industry. In this episode, we dig into: ? Debbie’s leadership at Sterling Brands and the journey to an Omnicom acquisition ? The evolution of Design Matters and what 20 years of podcasting has taught her ? How an abundance vs. scarcity mindset changed her creative path ? The impact of Milton Glaser’s mentorship and his powerful five-year vision exercise ? Advocating for women in design and her role in Omnicom’s Omniwomen network ? Dealing with rejection, imposter syndrome, and the realities of a creative career ? Her new book Love Letter to a Garden and the inspiration behind it So, whether you’ve been here since episode one or you’re tuning in for the first time, thank you for being part of this journey with me. I sincerely hope you enjoy this special 100th episode of Agency Bytes with the one and only Debbie Millman! You can tune in via the link in the comments or in your favorite podcast app. Also, hat tip to Steven Picanza ????for the introduction!

In episode 099 of Agency Bytes, I got to have our first-ever repeat guest: Kelly L. C.. Kelly is a trauma-informed leadership coach, author of Heal to Lead, and creator of The New TLC: Trauma, Leadership, and Consciousness on Substack. They aren’t just talking about leadership—they’re redefining what it means to be a leader in today’s world, starting from the inside out. This conversation goes deep. We’re talking about the unspoken struggles that agency owners face—the hidden emotional baggage, the past experiences that shape how we lead, and why doing the inner work isn’t just self-care, but a leadership imperative. Kelly shares how their own journey led to a radical shift in understanding leadership—not as a performance, but as an extension of our healing. We unpack why self-awareness is the foundation of trust, how compassion (not control) is the key to stronger teams, and why integrating past trauma is essential for leading with clarity and confidence. We also get into: ?? Why so many leaders struggle with reactivity, trust, and burnout—and how to break the cycle. ?? The real difference between empathy and compassion (and why one is more effective in leadership). ?? The danger of people-pleasing in leadership—when “being supportive” crosses into self-sacrifice. ?? How agency leaders can create cultures of psychological safety, especially in uncertain times. ?? Kelly’s bold decision to step away from LinkedIn for a year—and why they’re doubling down on deeper, more meaningful conversations on The New TLC. ?? The agency landscape in 2025—why some agencies are thriving while others are struggling, and what owners need to focus on to stay ahead. If you’ve ever felt like leadership was more exhausting than it should be—if you’ve questioned why certain situations trigger you, or if you want to create a more human, connected, and resilient agency culture—this episode will challenge you in all the right ways. Kelly’s insights are game-changing, their wisdom is undeniable, and this conversation is one you don’t want to miss. Grab the episode in your favorite podcast app, or in the comment below.

In episode 098 of Agency Bytes, I sit down with Paolo Vidali, CEO of Hidden Gears, for one of the most honest and raw conversations we’ve ever had on this podcast. This isn’t just about agency life—it’s about the real, unfiltered struggles that come with being an entrepreneur and a human being. Paolo opens up about one of the hardest challenges he and his wife faced—her unexpected cancer diagnosis at just 35 years old. We talk about what happens when life blindsides you, when everything you’ve built suddenly takes a backseat to survival, and how you find the strength to keep going. Paolo shares what it was like to step up as a caregiver, run a business solo, navigate financial pressures, and manage his own mental health—all while figuring out how to show up for his wife, his team, and himself. We also get into: ? The emotional weight of entrepreneurship—and why so many agency owners feel like they have to have it all together, even when their world is falling apart. ? The unexpected kindness that came from clients and colleagues when he chose to be vulnerable about his situation. ? The hardest leadership lessons he learned while scaling back, delegating, and ultimately growing the agency in a healthier, more sustainable way. ? How this experience completely reframed his approach to work, life, and success—from prioritizing health and setting boundaries to embracing a “YOLO” mentality when it comes to experiencing life fully. This conversation isn’t just about overcoming setbacks—it’s about redefining what truly matters. If you’ve ever struggled with balancing business and personal challenges, if you’ve ever felt like you had to carry everything alone, or if you need a reminder that it’s okay to step back, ask for help, and build a business that supports your life (not the other way around)—this episode is for you. Paolo’s story is deeply personal, incredibly inspiring, and a powerful testament to resilience, leadership, and love. Give it a listen—you won’t regret it. Link in the comment below, or in your favorite podcasting app.

In episode 097 of Agency Bytes, I had the pleasure of speaking with Matthew Fox, a project leader, trainer, and operations consultant who specializes in conscious leadership and helping teams work better together. Matthew opened up about his personal journey with imposter syndrome and how it led him to dive deep into self-development. Over the years, he’s explored frameworks like The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership and the Drama Triangle, which have shaped how he approaches leadership and team dynamics. One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation? Project managers often spot cultural issues before leadership does. If your projects are struggling, it’s probably not just an execution problem—it’s a reflection of your agency’s culture. We also dove into the importance of self-care for agency owners—something too many of us neglect. Matthew shared how shifting from reactive, fear-based leadership to solution-focused, conscious leadership can improve team morale, retention, and overall agency success. This was an insightful conversation, and I know agency owners will take a lot from it. If you’re stuck in survival mode, it might be time to rethink how you lead. ?? Listen now in your favorite podcast app, or the link in the comment below.

????Podcast Episode Drop I recently sat down with Jason Kramer, founder and CEO of Cultivize, to talk about optimizing the sales process. We covered a lot of ground, including: ???? The keys to effective lead nurturing and CRM implementation ???? Behavioral changes agencies need for successful CRM adoption ???? How to evaluate past marketing efforts and understand key metrics ???? Positioning strategies that make a big impact on agency growth Jason also shared details about Profit Path, a Google Sheets-based CRM designed to help agencies track leads and marketing costs with ease. I’m excited to share these valuable takeaways from our discussion! Tune in via the link in the comment below, or search "Agency Bytes" in your favorite podcast app.

??? New Episode Alert! On this episode of Agency Bytes, I sit down with the incredible Chip Griffin, founder of the Small Agency Growth Alliance (SAGA). With 30+ years of experience in the agency world, Chip shares his wisdom on how to build a business you actually want to own. ?? We cover: ?? The importance of defining your personal and professional goals. ?? Why chasing “copycat goals” or benchmarks can derail your agency’s growth. ?? Practical advice on pricing, profitability, and avoiding scope creep. ?? Why niching down (or finding focus) is the key to efficiency and success. ?? How to regain control of your time as an agency owner. Chip also shares insights on value pricing, tracking the right metrics, and the pitfalls of relying too much on agency “benchmarks.” This is a must-listen for anyone looking to create a business that works for them—not the other way around. ??? ?? Tune in now and get ready to rethink your approach to agency ownership! (link in the comments below) #PodcastEpisode #AgencyGrowth #CreativeEntrepreneurs #AgencyBytes #BusinessTips

?? Agency Owner Podcast Drop ?? In episode 094 of Agency Bytes, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris DuBois, a seasoned marketing expert and non-founder CEO. Chris shares his fascinating journey from being an infantry officer to leading a successful agency that not only got recognized as an Inc 5000 honoree but also earned the prestigious Two Comma Club award. During our conversation, Chris dives deep into the Dynamic Agency OS, his framework for helping agencies achieve alignment and growth. Key areas of focus from the podcast include: ??Transformational Leadership: How Chris advanced from head of operations to CEO and his insights on effective leadership. ??Strategic Specialization: The importance of niching based on problem-solving and creating differentiated offers. ??Team Optimization: Evaluating and leveraging team strengths to maintain high standards and improve agency culture. ??Quarterly Planning: The benefits of conducting quarterly strategy sessions to stay aligned with client goals and maintain focus. ??Practical Tools: Chris's take on invaluable tools like the AI-powered calendar tool, Motion, and its impact on productivity. Tune in to explore valuable strategies and actionable insights that can help marketing agency owners thrive and grow their businesses. Grab the link in the comment below or subscribe in your favorite podcast app to never miss a new episode drop!