The Innovative Agency

Sharon Toerek

The Innovative Agency is a podcast that exists to help marketing agency leaders answer the question: "What's Next?". How are agencies staying on the cutting edge of marketing trends? How are they adapting their businesses to meet new business challenges in the agency world? Hosted by marketing law and intellectual property lawyer Sharon Toerek, we'll talk with agencies who are at the cutting edge of innovation and industry experts who have a front row seat to the practice of innovation in today's marketing, communications and creative agencies. The goal is to help listeners learn to look around the corner to spot their next opportunity. Sharon will share her expertise along the way about how to legally protect your agency's assets, and how to turn your agency's innovation into cash.

  1. 6日前

    344. Where Creativity Meets ROI, with Greg Beauchamp

    On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek sits down with Greg Beauchamp, Founder of Bindery, for a thoughtful exploration of what it really means to build a modern creative agency. Greg has crafted a unique model,one that intentionally blurs the lines between original filmmaking and branded content. He's navigating how to honor creative ambition while still delivering consistent commercial results. Greg details the evolving role of creativity in today's agency landscape, from building emotionally resonant work for clients to investing in original intellectual property as a long-term growth strategy. He shares insights from scaling Bindery, including how his team balances client demands with the pursuit of independent creative projects and why that balance can become a powerful differentiator. What you will learn in this episode:  Why the traditional storytelling funnel is broken, and what agencies must do to capture attention in a fragmented landscape How blending original content with client campaigns can sharpen creativity The hard truth about balancing ROI with emotional resonance in agency work New approaches for embedding your agency team into client strategy Tactics for keeping collaborative chaos from derailing creative impact The nuanced art of choosing when to invest your agency's resources into original IP versus fee-for-service client work What agency leaders risk if they ignore the value and monetization potential of their own intellectual property Bio Greg Beauchamp is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, entrepreneur, and the Founder/CEO of creative agency and production studio, Bindery. Founded in 2012 in New York City, Bindery has been at the forefront of helping brands craft campaigns and content with cultural and commercial resonance. Informed by Greg's experience as an independent filmmaker, Bindery's success comes from its script to screen studio model, where strategy, storytelling, and production all create together under one roof - bringing big ideas to life for the likes of Apple, Nike, Walmart, and Land Rover. For his original projects, Greg won an Emmy for his work on ZION, a documentary film he premiered at Sundance and sold to Netflix. He produced the indie rom-com PLUS ONE (Executive Produced by Ben Stiller), which won the Audience Award at Tribeca. His current projects include ROWDY GIRL (HotDocs, HamptonsFF) and LATE BLOOMERS (SXSW). Greg is a supporter of Sundance Catalyst and the Oxbelly Retreat in Greece. A native Texan, Greg lives between NYC and East Hampton with his wife, Katia, and their 4 kids. Resources: Website: https://www.bindery.co/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.bindery.co/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bindery/

    35 分鐘
  2. 4月8日

    343. Designing Experiences That Stick, with Derek Gwaltney

    On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Toerek welcomes Derek Gwaltney, CEO and Founder of Atlas Experiences, for a conversation about what it really takes to build lasting connections in a world dominated by digital noise. Derek shares his journey from the lottery industry into experiential marketing, and how that path shaped his perspective on engagement, loyalty, and trust. Derek shares why immersive experiences, when done right, go far beyond one-and-done excitement, and instead become powerful drivers of brand affinity and long-term relationships. He details how agencies of any size can design moments that resonate on a human level, while still delivering measurable business outcomes. What you will learn in this episode:  How unforgettable experiences drive authentic human connection to a brand The real force behind brand loyalty (hint: it is moving from transactional rewards to emotional memories) How agencies can deliver high-impact experiences, even when resources or budgets are limited What it takes to craft scalable events that make an impression, whether for 20 or 2,000 attendees Why experience marketing isn't just for travel or entertainment brands and which overlooked sectors can benefit most How smart partnerships and strategic alliances amplify the reach and power of experiential campaigns What agency leaders should know about the evolving expectations of younger audiences and unlocking future growth Bio Derek Gwaltney is the Founder and CEO of Atlas Experiences, an INC 5000 company ranked #33 nationally and #1 in Georgia, recognized as one of the fastest-growing businesses in America. In just six years, Derek has transformed Atlas from an entrepreneurial vision into a trailblazing experiential marketing powerhouse that creates once-in-a-lifetime prize experiences, large-scale promotions, and game show activations for some of the most recognizable brands and state lotteries in North America. Derek launched Atlas Experiences with a clear vision: to reimagine how brands and organizations connect with people by delivering authentic, emotional, and adventure-driven experiences that stand out in a crowded marketplace. His career in marketing and entrepreneurship, paired with an instinct for storytelling and consumer behavior, gave him the foundation to build a company that could scale rapidly while still delivering tailor-made, high-impact programs. Under his leadership, Atlas has pioneered a unique approach that combines travel, entertainment, creativity, and cultural immersion to create winning moments that inspire players and strengthen brand loyalty. Derek's entrepreneurial resilience, having built Atlas from the ground up in the wake of the global pandemic, underscores his commitment to innovation and growth. His ability to unite a talented team around bold ideas and flawless execution has been instrumental in scaling Atlas from a startup to a nationally recognized brand in experiential promotions. What sets Atlas apart is the relentless pursuit of authentic connections and measurable impact. Rather than delivering cookie-cutter promotions, Derek's team designs experiences that become stories participants will share for a lifetime whether it's a private concert in the Smoky Mountains, a cultural journey through Ireland, or a million-dollar game show. This focus on creating memorable, once-in-a-lifetime journeys has established Atlas as a trusted partner for lotteries, global brands, and entertainment companies alike. Derek's leadership also extends beyond business success. He champions a culture of creativity, collaboration, and purpose, encouraging his team to embrace bold thinking while engaging in community and social responsibility efforts. His personal story of building Atlas—through vision, persistence, and a drive to create meaningful impact—continues to inspire both his team and clients. Resources: Website: https://www.atlasexperiences.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekgwaltney/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atlasexperiences-llc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlasexperiences/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@atlasexperiences

    32 分鐘
  3. 4月1日

    342. The New Playbook for Indie Agencies, with Doug Zanger

    This episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast welcomes Doug Zanger of Indie Agency News, to discuss what it really takes for an independent agency to stay competitive and relevant in a market that's shifting faster than ever. With a background that spans radio, journalism, and a deep commitment to the indie agency community, Doug brings a unique lens to what's happening across the industry. He explores forces reshaping the business, from economic pressure and changing client expectations to the accelerating impact of AI and emerging technologies. Doug reveals how successful indie agencies are responding by sharpening their positioning, rethinking their storytelling, and building stronger communities around their expertise. If you're looking for insight into where the market is headed, and how your agency can adapt, grow, and stand out in the process, this is a conversation for you. What you will learn in this episode:  Why mid-market and challenger brands present major opportunities for independent agencies right now How independent agencies can build confidence and effectively tell their own stories to attract new clients Why smaller agencies should focus on distinct lanes instead of chasing every opportunity How relationship-building and "key marketing partner" models are reshaping traditional agency-client dynamics The pitfalls of undervaluing your creativity and IP, and why pricing needs to evolve in the age of AI The power of community building among agency leaders, and why relationships remain central to agency success Bio Doug Zanger built what he always knew independent agencies needed: their own home. Indie Agency News launched in 2023 and serves 300+ agencies globally (and growing). In 2026, he's launching inhouse.news for the in-house community. Resources: Website: https://indieagency.news/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zanger/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indie-agency-news/

    34 分鐘
  4. 3月25日

    341. What Innovations Means for Agencies Now, with Jeff Brecker

    What does it really mean to be an "innovative agency" in 2026? Are we chasing the right signals, or just the loudest ones? On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek sits down with Jeff Brecker, Partner in Innovation and Growth at Siberia, for a conversation about what innovation actually requires today. As AI dominates headlines and agencies feel mounting pressure to keep pace, Jeff challenges the notion that innovation is about adopting the latest tools. Instead he reframes it as the ability to solve real client problems in more meaningful, strategic ways. Drawing on decades of experience across both the brand and agency sides, Jeff shares how the role of agencies is evolving, why brands are increasingly expected to operate like media companies, and what that shift means for how agencies deliver value. He also offers a grounded perspective on navigating both the opportunity and the legal considerations that come with emerging technologies. What you will learn in this episode:  Why defining true innovation in the agency space is more nuanced than simply adopting the latest technology Why agencies must look beyond the "AI hammer" and instead seek to understand client business needs and consumer behavior The critical shift from creating one-way brand messages to building engaging, participatory experiences How small, independent agencies can outmaneuver larger holding companies through strategy and adaptability How AI can become an enabler for deeper personalization and better understanding of client audiences Tips for navigating client expectations around pricing, value, and the role of technology in creative output Bio Jeff Brecker is a seasoned creative executive and marketing leader with over two decades of experience driving innovation at the intersection of design, technology, and business. He currently serves as a partner focused on growth and innovation at the digital agency Siberia, where he helps shape strategy and build transformative client solutions. Throughout his career, Brecker has held senior leadership roles at top global organizations, including R/GA (SVP, Managing Director) and Kimberly-Clark (Vice President of Global Creative, Design & Content), where he led large-scale creative and digital initiatives across international markets.  Known for his ability to build and scale high-performing teams, he has worked with major Fortune 500 brands and startups alike, delivering award-winning campaigns recognized by Cannes Lions and other industry honors. Resources: Website: http://siberia.io/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbrecker/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/siberia-/ Behance: https://www.behance.net/jeffbrecker Brecker Heads To Siberia As Partner, Innovation: https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/409770/brecker-heads-to-siberia-as-partner-innovation.html

    29 分鐘
  5. 3月18日

    340. Your Agency By the Numbers This Year, with Jody Grunden

    This episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast welcomes Jody Grunden, Partner at Anders Virtual CFO and one of the most trusted financial advisors in the agency world. As technology reshapes how agencies deliver value and AI accelerates the pace of change, many agency leaders are asking the same questions: Are our pricing models still sustainable? Are we truly profitable? And are we planning well enough for what's coming next? In this conversation, Jody brings decades of experience guiding agencies how to rethink the fundamentals of their financial strategy, from moving beyond hourly billing to adopting scalable, value-based pricing models, to building stronger cash reserves and creating dynamic forecasts that prepare your business for uncertainty. Leaders who understand their numbers will be far better positioned to turn disruption into opportunity. If you're ready to stop reacting to financial surprises and start leading your agency with greater clarity, confidence, and profitability, this episode is packed with insights you can put to work right away. What you will learn in this episode:  Why agencies need to revisit traditional hourly billing models and consider value-based, subscription, or flat-fee pricing How to build profitable pricing using historical data and a "choose your own adventure" approach for clients What key financial metrics and margins agencies should track for sustainable growth The vital importance of proactive cash management How dynamic forecasting can guide more intentional business decisions Methods for demystifying pricing conversations with clients and boosting agency confidence Bio Jody Grunden is a trailblazer in the accounting industry who has transformed how agencies manage their finances. As the co-founder of Summit CPA Group, now Anders Virtual CFO, Jody pioneered subscription-based billing for accounting firms and built the first fully distributed Virtual CFO practice in North America. Since 2002 he has specialized in guiding digital and creative agencies toward sustainable profitability and scalability using a proprietary profit-focused maturity model. Author of Digital Dollars and Cents and Building the Virtual CFO Firm in the Cloud, Jody has been recognized by CPA.com as one of the most innovative practitioners in the country. His work goes beyond the numbers by empowering agency founders to align their financial operations with their vision so they can lead with confidence, invest in growth, and enjoy greater freedom in their business and life. Resources: Website: https://anderscpa.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodygrunden/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/andersvcfo X: https://x.com/anderscpa Digital Dollars and Cents: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Dollars-Cents-Companies-Financial-ebook/dp/B0779K8W21/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CBNX3CA8O1LW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GbPMBrVYyUFjOdiI3NvwSqJ2QnjScUcVxcbrqe74mng.l6Z9XFxG9VX7ejb28KyykVF3BTDeQiHBMfArnPaiiME&dib_tag=se&keywords=digital+dollars+and+cents&qid=1758224245&s=digital-text&sprefix=digital+dollars+and+cents%2Cdigital-text%2C100&sr=1-1

    39 分鐘
  6. 3月11日

    339. Video That Converts, with Tim Bradley

    On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek chats with Founder of Pennant Video Tim Bradley, about the strategic role of video in today's agency landscape. Video is no longer just a top-of-funnel awareness play or a flashy add-on to a campaign. Done right, it's a powerful mid-funnel engine that builds trust, nurtures prospects, and drives meaningful movement toward decision. Tim shares how his entrepreneurial journey led him to develop a distinctive mid-funnel video marketing framework designed specifically to create real impact for B2B brands. If your agency is looking to elevate its video strategy beyond production and into true business impact, this episode delivers both clarity and a roadmap. What you will learn in this episode:  Why the "mid-funnel" is the most overlooked, and potentially powerful, stage for video in B2B marketing The "video marketing trifecta" framework: differentiation, demonstration, and validation How agencies can position video as a strategic tool in long B2B sales cycles The risks and rewards of AI in video production, including trust and authenticity concerns When and how integrated agencies should collaborate with video specialists Practical considerations for protecting intellectual property and managing risk in modern video campaigns Bio Tim Bradley is the Co-Founder of Pennant Video, a B2B-focused agency that has pioneered the Video Marketing Trifecta™ to power mid-funnel marketing strategies. With nearly two decades of experience in video marketing, Tim has partnered with leading B2B tech brands like Cisco, Hitachi, BRANDLIVE and countless startups, bringing their stories to life with compelling video campaigns. Before founding Pennant, Tim was the Executive Producer at a large communications agency. In his 12 years there, he built, managed and mentored a 25-person creative team, while growing the business in competitive sectors such as tough tech, cybersecurity, and healthcare. He believes in creating work that cuts through the noise—methodical yet bespoke, scalable yet unique. Beyond client projects, Tim mentors aspiring creatives through workshops and portfolio reviews, reinforcing his belief that elevating new talent fosters a more innovative and story-driven industry. Resources: Website: https://pennantvideo.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-bradley-pennant/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pennantvideo/

    38 分鐘
  7. 3月4日

    338. Turn Data into Loyalty, with Zino Rost van Tonningen

    On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek is joined by Zino Rost van Tonningen, CEO and Founder of TyrAds, for a look at how reward-based marketing is redefining engagement in a mobile-first, data-driven world. As agencies wrestle with first-party data strategies, evolving privacy regulations, and the accelerating influence of AI, it feels increasingly complex to connect technology, marketing, and measurable growth. Zino helps us cut through that complexity. He shares how reward-based models, particularly within mobile apps and gaming environments, are unlocking powerful new ways to capture attention, build loyalty, and drive meaningful customer action. If you're looking for smarter ways to blend emerging tech with strategic marketing, and turn data into durable client growth, this conversation will expand how you think about what's possible. What you will learn in this episode:  How mobile-first and reward-based marketing strategies are redefining engagement in today's crowded app market The evolution of incentivized advertising Why first-party data is becoming the ultimate competitive advantage for agencies How hyper-personalization powered by AI is shaping the future of incentives and customer experience Pitfalls of misaligned incentives in reward campaigns, and how to avoid churn and fraud Bio Zino Rost van Tonningen is the CEO of TyrAds, a dynamic force in the rewarded advertising space dedicated to helping game studios globally grow their user base and enhance player engagement through intelligent reward systems. With a background that began in automotive business management, Zino's journey into marketing took off over a decade ago when he co-founded an agency in the Netherlands. There, he played a key role in scaling numerous local apps before specializing in the gaming sector. His passion for innovation and global perspective led him to Asia in 2018, where he founded TyrAds and has since been at the forefront of evolving rewarded user acquisition. Resources: Website: https://tyrads.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rovato/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tyr-rewards/

    36 分鐘
  8. 2月25日

    337. Price for Outcomes, Not Hours, with Jonathan Stark

    This week on The Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Toerek welcomes pricing strategist Jonathan Stark for a candid conversation about breaking free from the cycle of trading hours for dollars. If you've ever wrestled with pricing your work, defending your margins, or responding to clients who default to hourly expectations, this episode will challenge the way you think about value and your agency's future. Jonathan shares his journey from tech management to becoming a leading advocate for value-based pricing, explaining why hourly billing often undermines both profitability and client relationships. He outlines a smarter path forward, one centered on outcomes instead of time, and offers practical guidance for shifting your sales conversations, resetting client expectations, and building pricing models that reflect the true impact of your work. What you will learn in this episode:  Why hourly billing undermines value for agencies and their clients, and how it incentivizes the wrong behaviors How to confidently navigate conversations with clients who expect legacy hourly rates The key questions to unlock client goals and realign your proposals with measurable business outcomes What data points agencies should focus on to accurately determine project value How specializing in a niche makes value-based pricing possible What agencies need to know about the impact of AI on pricing models and client expectations Bio  Jonathan Stark is on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. As an expert in helping consultants package, price, and sell their expertise, Jonathan empowers professionals to break free from trading time for money and shift to pricing based on the value of the results they deliver. Through his writing, speaking engagements, and consulting, he guides clients toward dramatically higher fees, better client relationships, and greater professional fulfillment. Jonathan is passionate about positioning expertise-based businesses to command premium fees. He helps them develop intellectual property through daily writing, build trust with their audience via speaking channels, and confidently differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Whether brainstorming pricing strategies or crafting compelling value propositions, Jonathan thrives on helping professionals unlock their full potential and dramatically improve their quality of life. Resources: Website: http://jonathanstark.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstark/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/join-ditcherville-now/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheJonathanStarkShow

    50 分鐘

關於

The Innovative Agency is a podcast that exists to help marketing agency leaders answer the question: "What's Next?". How are agencies staying on the cutting edge of marketing trends? How are they adapting their businesses to meet new business challenges in the agency world? Hosted by marketing law and intellectual property lawyer Sharon Toerek, we'll talk with agencies who are at the cutting edge of innovation and industry experts who have a front row seat to the practice of innovation in today's marketing, communications and creative agencies. The goal is to help listeners learn to look around the corner to spot their next opportunity. Sharon will share her expertise along the way about how to legally protect your agency's assets, and how to turn your agency's innovation into cash.

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