Marketing Agency Power Hour

Calvin Wilder
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This is the Marketing Agency Power Hour! Join host, Cal Wilder, each week, as he powers through discussions on business challenges, success stories, and game-changing strategies. This show is sponsored by SmartBooks, provider of bookkeeping and accounting for marketing agencies.

  1. 16h ago

    Why Profit Trumps Vanity Revenue - Mary Elizabeth Elkordy - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #73

    Take your agency operations, client expectations management, and PR execution to the next level with practical strategies on pairing fast-paced newsroom agility with strategic brand storytelling. It’s time to move past over-produced, vanity-driven content and start building credible media authority that converts. Who better to guide you through this transition than former WABC broadcast producer, political media strategist across 18+ campaigns, and President & Founder of Elkordy Global Strategies, Mary Elizabeth Elkordy? You will learn how to operate an agency with a "half breaking news firm mentality," why raw, relatable video outperforms overly styled aesthetics on platforms like TikTok, and how to educate clients on the realities of earned media timelines. Get motivated to prioritize profit over top-line revenue, establish clear boundaries between friendship and leadership, and leverage every media placement to its fullest potential! Takeaways: The "Breaking News" Mentality: Successful PR requires balancing long-term brand strategy with rapid, real-time news execution so clients can ride trending headlines.Relatability Trumps Production Value: On channels like TikTok and vertical video, authentic, low-friction setups (in a car, at a desk) connect with audiences far better than hyper-curated, overly polished sets.Earned Media is a Time Game: Securing Tier-1 press operates like SEO; agency leaders must aggressively manage expectations early on so clients understand that genuine editorial features take months to materialize.The 60/40 Rule of Content: Winning the media placement is only 60% of the job—the remaining 40% comes down to repurposing the asset across socials, newsletters, and sales collateral.Focus on Take-Home Profit Over Revenue: Top-line revenue numbers are vanity; real stability comes from rigorous cash-flow planning, preparing for three-payroll months, and managing client attrition waves. Connect with Mary Elizabeth: Twitter: maryelkordyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-elizabeth-elkordy-356a8812/Website: elkordyglobal.com  Ways to Tune In: Transistor: https://marketingagencypowerhour.com/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19ECltpQuJWu6rfXlx98wT  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/marketing-agency-power-hour/id1809205281  Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/344bea8c-7897-4dfc-8cdc-f31a92514243  iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-marketing-agency-power-hou-272863996/  Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/marketing-agency-power-hour-6067409

    Why Profit Trumps Vanity Revenue - Mary Elizabeth Elkordy - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #73

  2. Oct 22

    Embracing Promise and Limitations - Chris Deri - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #72

    Take your agency positioning, operational culture, and client advisory strategies to the next level with game-changing insights on navigating early-stage growth, leveraging AI for custom client insights, and competing with legacy holding companies. It’s time to move past complex agency structures and start offering senior-level, high-touch advisory built around solving your clients' most critical challenges. Who better to guide you through this transition than KRG Advisors Founder & Managing Partner, former Edelman Sustainability practice builder, and former political finance director, Chris Deri? You will learn why senior counselors are leaving massive holding companies to build agile, high-value firms, how to deliberately design agency culture when going from zero to one, and how KRG Advisors built a proprietary "agentic stack" to generate rapid stakeholder intelligence. Get motivated to refine your firm's value proposition, integrate AI into everyday workflows without over-promising, and align your talent around client success! Takeaways: The Core Agency Strategy: Agency success always comes down to identifying the client's single biggest problem and playing a meaningful role in solving it.Building Deliberate Culture: Going from zero to one requires intentional effort to establish operational norms, clear expectations, and team alignment rather than assuming culture will happen organically.Agility Over Scale: Smaller, specialized agencies hold a massive competitive advantage over legacy holding companies because they can integrate AI tools and deploy senior counselors without matrixed bureaucracy.Proprietary AI Agentic Stacks: Combining senior partner experience with trained AI agents enables firms to synthesize market data and scenario planning at unprecedented speeds.The Equalizer of Technology: Modern agency tech enables 25-person firms to deliver the same strategic depth and employee experience that previously required a 500-person organization. Connect with Chris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-deri-1451373/Website: www.krgadvisors.com Ways to Tune In: Transistor: https://marketingagencypowerhour.com/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19ECltpQuJWu6rfXlx98wT  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/marketing-agency-power-hour/id1809205281  Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/344bea8c-7897-4dfc-8cdc-f31a92514243  iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-marketing-agency-power-hou-272863996/  Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/marketing-agency-power-hour-6067409

    Embracing Promise and Limitations - Chris Deri - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #72

  3. Oct 2

    Scaling Beyond Word-of-Mouth - Dustin Tropp - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #71

    Take your hiring strategy, pricing model, and agency execution to the next level with game-changing insights on disruptive recruitment, AI adoption, and volume scaling. It’s time to stop relying on outdated, slow-moving hiring tactics and build agile operations that deliver top talent faster and more affordably. Who better to guide you through this transformation than campaign veteran, recruiter pioneer, and Founder of Republican Jobs and Capital Jobs, Dustin Tropp? You will learn how Dustin placed over 3,500 candidates by replacing traditional 30% retainer fees with a flat-fee, non-exclusive model, why speed trumps money in fast-paced talent markets, and how charging upfront deposits filters out unserious clients. Get motivated to embrace imperfect execution, leverage AI tools like voice-to-text to streamline workflows, and use thought leadership to drive inbound referrals! Takeaways: Disrupting the Traditional Headhunting Model: Traditional 30% retainer-based recruiting is dying; switching to a non-exclusive, flat-fee placement model allows agencies to win on volume, speed, and affordability.Speed as the Ultimate Competitive Advantage: In fast-moving industries, client needs change in days rather than months; building deep candidate pipelines ensures immediate fulfillment.The Importance of Skin in the Game: Billing small upfront deposits filters out non-serious hiring managers, doubles close rates, and protects team capacity.Overcoming Pricing Hesitation: Most founders undersell their services out of fear; raising rates often yields zero client drop-off and increases perceived market value.Imperfection Over Inaction: Waiting for perfect execution holds founders back; moving quickly, learning from mistakes, and deploying AI productivity tools accelerates growth. Connect with Dustin Tropp: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-tropp-9a5513169/Website: https://www.republicanjobs.gop Ways to Tune In: Transistor: https://marketingagencypowerhour.com/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19ECltpQuJWu6rfXlx98wT  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/marketing-agency-power-hour/id1809205281  Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/344bea8c-7897-4dfc-8cdc-f31a92514243  iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-marketing-agency-power-hou-272863996/  Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/marketing-agency-power-hour-6067409

    Scaling Beyond Word-of-Mouth - Dustin Tropp - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #71

  4. Sep 25

    Marketing agency Power Hour Political Series compilation - Episode #70

    In this special compilation episode of the Marketing Agency Power Hour, we bring together key insights from our political miniseries featuring three top-tier strategists, communicators, and public affairs experts. Host Cal Wilder dives into the intersection of corporate positioning, public policy, and political execution. Featured Guests in this Episode: Nathan Daschle - Founder & CEO at The Daschle GroupAnna Stallmann - Founder & CEO at Ascent Strategic CommunicationsJai Chabria - Partner at MAD Global Strategy You will learn how to turn policy arguments into compelling political narratives, identify your company’s unique "white space" to cut through media noise, and apply campaign-tested strategies to drive real-world business outcomes. Get motivated to leverage trusted relationships, adapt to modern media environments, and lead with authentic messaging! Takeaways: Winning the Political Argument (Nathan Daschle): Policy arguments alone don't move Capitol Hill; successful advocacy aligns a client's agenda with the reelection and public-interest objectives of lawmakers.Navigating Capitol Hill Gatekeepers (Nathan Daschle): Trust is the ultimate currency in DC; chiefs of staff serve as vital gatekeepers who manage both policy and political strategy for members of Congress.Finding Your Brand's "White Space" (Anna Stallmann): Before competing in a noisy media environment where PR pros outnumber journalists 7-to-1, organizations must establish a research-backed, sticky core narrative.Adapting to the New Media Reality (Anna Stallmann): As traditional newsrooms compress, companies must step up as their own news environment through boutique journalism, newsletters, and direct-to-audience platforms.Goal-Oriented & Bespoke Strategy (Jai Chabria): Effective public affairs strategies reframe client challenges to solve the target decision-maker's problems, avoiding outdated playbooks from past election cycles.Managing Large-Scale Organizations (Jai Chabria): Transitioning into government leadership requires a balance of high-level personnel management, political battery management, and structured transition planning. Quote of the Show: "When people think of lobbying, everybody thinks of winning on the policy front. What people don't think about is winning on the political front. To succeed in DC, you have to win in both." - Nathan Daschle Connect with the guests: Jai Chabria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaichabria/Anna Stallmann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annastallmann/Nathan Daschle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathandaschle/ Ways to Tune In: Transistor: https://marketingagencypowerhour.com/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19ECltpQuJWu6rfXlx98wT  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/marketing-agency-power-hour/id1809205281  Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/344bea8c-7897-4dfc-8cdc-f31a92514243  iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-marketing-agency-power-hou-272863996/  Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/marketing-agency-power-hour-6067409

    Marketing agency Power Hour Political Series compilation - Episode #70

  5. Sep 10

    Goal-Oriented Political Strategy - Jai Chabria - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #69

    Take your agency's strategic positioning, client communications, and public affairs campaigns to the next level with powerful insights on framing issues around decision-maker goals. It’s time to move past off-the-shelf playbooks and build bespoke strategies that adapt to today's changing media and political landscape. Who better to guide you through it than political strategist, former senior advisor to Governor John Kasich, key strategist to Vice President JD Vance, and Partner at MAD Global Strategy, Jai Chabria? You will learn how to align your client’s message with what target decision-makers care about, maintain agency culture during rapid 4x team growth, and navigate transparent, senior-heavy compensation models. Get motivated to innovate your go-to-market tactics, leverage media relationships, and focus on long-term client results over transactional PR! Takeaways: Frame Issues Around Decision-Maker Goals: Successful public affairs and strategic communications campaigns succeed by understanding what problems the target decision-makers (legislators, executives, or public figures) need to solve for their constituents.Avoid Fighting the "Last Election": Agencies must avoid running outdated playbooks; strategies must constantly evolve to match current consumer moods, emerging media channels, and shifting public sentiment.Bespoke Strategy Over Off-the-Shelf Tactics: Measuring success requires tailored metrics for every single client engagement rather than applying rigid, templated PR formulas.Preserving Culture During Rapid Growth: Scaling an agency from 10 to 40+ employees across multiple states requires intentional, systematic hiring to protect team autonomy and a collegial environment.Transparent Compensation Models: Aligning senior talent and rainmakers requires clear, predictable compensation structures that reward both business development and high-level client execution. Quote of the Show: "You run the election that you're in today rather than the one that was the last one. That's a really critical piece of anyone that does what I do on the political side." - Jai Chabria Connect with Jai: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaichabria/Website: https://www.madglobalstrategy.com/ Ways to Tune In: Transistor: https://marketingagencypowerhour.com/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19ECltpQuJWu6rfXlx98wT  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/marketing-agency-power-hour/id1809205281  Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/344bea8c-7897-4dfc-8cdc-f31a92514243  iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-marketing-agency-power-hou-272863996/  Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/marketing-agency-power-hour-6067409

    Goal-Oriented Political Strategy - Jai Chabria - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #69

  6. Sep 4

    Navigating Public Affairs, Values, and Client Retention - Anna Stallman - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #68

    Take your agency's messaging, client positioning, and operational growth to the next level with powerful insights on finding your unique market white space and retaining top talent. It’s time to move beyond vanity metrics and build sticky, research-backed narratives that differentiate your clients in a noisy media environment. Who better to guide you through it than political communications veteran, PR strategist, and Founder & CEO of Ascent Strategic Communications, Anna Stallmann? You will learn how to leverage positioning programs to drive client business decisions, navigate the shifting landscape of journalism and AI search engines, and manage intentional agency growth using fractional financial leadership. Get motivated to protect your agency’s culture, implement retention-focused policies like sabbaticals, and lead with authentic core values! Takeaways: Unlocking Your White Space: Success starts with establishing a core positioning program,using research to identify the sticky, repeatable narrative that only your client can own.The Seat at the Executive Table: Strategic communications should influence core business operations; PR is most effective when communicators help solve business challenges before going to market.Adapting to the New Media Reality: With PR professionals outnumbering journalists 7-to-1, agencies must leverage premium relationships, company-owned channels, and generative engine optimization (GEO) to maintain visibility.Scaling Intentionally: Rapid growth can dilute quality; agency owners must be willing to slow down BD to protect service excellence, retain core clients, and build scalable internal systems.Investing in Human Talent: Retaining top employees requires proactive culture investments, such as 5-week sabbaticals, and utilizing fractional CFOs for granular financial clarity. Quote of the Show: "You have to know where your white space is, what is that unique space that only you as a company can own, claim, and communicate about?" - Anna Stallmann Connect with Anna: Email:  anna@ascentcomms.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annastallmann/Website: https://ascentcomms.com/ Ways to Tune In: Transistor: https://marketingagencypowerhour.com/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19ECltpQuJWu6rfXlx98wT  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/marketing-agency-power-hour/id1809205281  Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/344bea8c-7897-4dfc-8cdc-f31a92514243  iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-marketing-agency-power-hou-272863996/  Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/marketing-agency-power-hour-6067409

    Navigating Public Affairs, Values, and Client Retention - Anna Stallman - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #68

  7. Aug 13

    Winning the Political Argument: Inside DC Lobbying with Nathan Daschle - Nathan Daschle - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #69

    Take your advocacy and marketing strategies to the next level with powerful insights on political strategy, building bipartisan trust, and effectively communicating with decision-makers. It’s time to look beyond standard policy points and master the political physics of Washington, D.C. Who better to teach you than political strategist, CEO of DB3, and former Executive Director of the Democratic Governors Association, Nathan Daschle? In this episode, you will learn how to turn client priorities into matters of broad public interest, gain confidence in navigating Capitol Hill relationships, and smash common misconceptions about lobbying to bits. Get motivated to refine your messaging, build authentic trust-based networks, and deliver impactful results for your organization or clients. Takeaways Policy vs. Politics: Winning in D.C. requires more than a sound policy argument; you must build a compelling political argument that aligns with an elected official's reelection and constituent interests.Third-Party Validation: Transforming a niche agenda into a matter of public interest relies on leveraging third-party validators, grassroots support, and coalition partners.Trust Over Mere Access: True influence on Capitol Hill comes from long-term, trust-based relationships with key staffers, especially Chiefs of Staff and committee leads, rather than surface-level connections.Campaign Experience as a Foundation: Working on political campaigns teaches the real-world mechanics of political relevance and urgency, making it one of the best training grounds for advocacy.Concise, High-Impact Marketing: Standing out in a crowded market requires bold choices, such as one-page bullet alerts, definitive election predictions, and memorable branded touchpoints. Quote of the Show "It's not winning the policy argument, it's winning the political argument. Campaigns teach you how politics works, and people who come from campaigns develop that part of their brain." - Nathan Daschle Connect with Nathan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathandaschle/Website: http://www.db-3.co/ Ways to Tune In: Transistor: https://marketingagencypowerhour.com/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19ECltpQuJWu6rfXlx98wT  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/marketing-agency-power-hour/id1809205281  Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/344bea8c-7897-4dfc-8cdc-f31a92514243  iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-marketing-agency-power-hou-272863996/  Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/marketing-agency-power-hour-6067409

    Winning the Political Argument: Inside DC Lobbying with Nathan Daschle - Nathan Daschle - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #69

  8. Jul 23

    The Human Side of Branding - Robin Kenyetta - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #66

    The strongest brands are built on genuine human connection, not just polished visuals. In this episode of Marketing Agency Power Hour, Cal Wilder sits down with Robin Kenyetta, Founder and Lead Brand Strategist of The Reflective Edge, to discuss how authentic relationships, strategic partnerships, and thoughtful storytelling have shaped both her business and the clients she serves. Robin shares how she evolved from street photography into leading a full-service branding agency, why she believes personal connection is becoming more valuable in an AI-driven world, and the lessons she's learned about scaling a creative business without losing its purpose. From building referral-driven growth to managing the realities of business finances and expanding a multi-disciplinary agency, Robin offers practical insights for agency owners, creative entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to build a brand that people genuinely remember. Takeaways:  Relationships still outperform algorithms. Robin credits much of her firm's growth to in-person networking, authentic conversations, and building meaningful partnerships beyond social media.Referrals come from serving, not selling. Instead of viewing every introduction as a potential customer, she focuses on creating value first and building long-term connections that naturally lead to referrals.Great branding starts with the story. Before creating photos, videos, or marketing assets, understanding the client's purpose and message is what brings a brand into focus.Collaboration creates stronger businesses. Working alongside agencies and complementary partners has allowed The Reflective Edge to expand its capabilities while delivering a more complete client experience.Know your expenses as well as your revenue. Robin explains how overlooked subscriptions, unnecessary software, and unclear budgeting can quietly erode profitability, even when sales are growing.AI should enhance the human experience, not replace it. While she embraces AI for research and efficiency, Robin believes the creativity, trust, and emotional connection behind strong brands still come from people. Connect with Robin Kenyetta: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robinflemmingWebsite: thereflectiveedge.comWebsite: robinkenyetta.com Ways to Tune In: Transistor: https://marketingagencypowerhour.com/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19ECltpQuJWu6rfXlx98wT  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/marketing-agency-power-hour/id1809205281  Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/344bea8c-7897-4dfc-8cdc-f31a92514243  iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-marketing-agency-power-hou-272863996/  Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/marketing-agency-power-hour-6067409

    The Human Side of Branding - Robin Kenyetta - Marketing Agency Power Hour - Episode #66
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About

This is the Marketing Agency Power Hour! Join host, Cal Wilder, each week, as he powers through discussions on business challenges, success stories, and game-changing strategies. This show is sponsored by SmartBooks, provider of bookkeeping and accounting for marketing agencies.

Information

  • Creator
    Calvin Wilder
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 SmartBooks
  • Show Website
    Marketing Agency Power Hour