The Immortal Life of Agencies

Co:definery
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Fancy a bit more positivity around the business of running an agency? Welcome to Co:definery’s podcast ‘The Immortal Life of Agencies’. Here we celebrate the visionaries and change-makers who are actively future-proofing the agency sector. Each episode features our CEO Robin Bonn having short, sharp conversations - sometimes even friendly arguments - with some of the biggest, broadest and deepest thinkers in our industry. These are the leaders who’ve been there, done that and are happy to talk about the t-shirt - even if it’s a bit grubby. Expect untold stories of progress - always optimistic and never dull.

  1. 1d ago

    The Working Assembly's Founder: From side hustle to exit – Jolene Delisle

    Today’s guest is Jolene Delisle, Founder of The Working Assembly, the New York-based design-led creative agency she built around a simple idea – assemble the right people around the problem, rather than force every client through the same agency model. Jolene reflects on the unconventional origins of the business, which began as a side hustle while she was working at Meta and pregnant with her daughter. She explains how her Korean origins, adoption and early experience of using art as a form of communication shaped her instinct for storytelling and creative problem-solving. The conversation explores how The Working Assembly evolved as client needs changed, why traditional agency structures became increasingly difficult to justify, and what the current reckoning means for agencies facing smaller budgets and rising expectations. Jolene also shares what she learned from selling the business, why she chose Catalyst, and why she sees smaller, specialised teams working together as a model for the future. HIGHLIGHTS: [02:56] Design as a differentiator [05:17] Side hustle at Meta [07:09] Art before words [12:13] Assembling creative needs [17:05] The agency reckoning [20:12] Specialisation over scale [22:17] Founder-led adaptability [25:19] Finding the right buyer [30:56] Appeal of working closely MORE ABOUT JOLENE: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jolened Website: theworkingassembly.com HOST SOCIALS: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robinbonn Twitter: twitter.com/robonn MORE ABOUT CO:DEFINERY: Website: codefinery.com Book: Market of One

    The Working Assembly's Founder: From side hustle to exit – Jolene Delisle

  2. Sep 29

    The Intangibles' Founding Partner: Unlocking the uncharted – Jon Wilkins

    Today’s guest is Jon Wilkins, best known for co-founding Naked Communications and now a founding partner at The Intangibles. First Jon reflects on what made Naked distinctive – not least how they attracted “brilliant misfits”, protected their culture as they expanded internationally, and built trust by putting client interests first. We also explore his transition via Karmarama into Accenture, helping lead the multi-billion dollar acquisition spree that ultimately built Accenture Song, and arguably redefined the agency landscape. Finally Jon unpacks his latest venture – the new model consultancy, The Intangibles, which addresses opportunities that many client-side CEOs can't yet see. Few people have so consistently explored uncharted territory and Jon openly shares his thinking, his methods, and the lessons learned along the way. HIGHLIGHTS: [03:51] Finding uncharted territory [08:17] Trust through neutrality [11:00] Hiring brilliant misfits [15:11] Codify the culture [21:01] Knowing when to move on [23:46] Accenture’s CMO opportunity [27:55] Building The Intangibles [33:45] Where value comes from [40:20] The value of trust [43:10] Fuelling human superpowers [47:39] Championing new spaces MORE ABOUT JON: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wilkinsjon Website: theintangibles.com HOST SOCIALS: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robinbonn Twitter: twitter.com/robonn MORE ABOUT CO:DEFINERY: Website: codefinery.com Book: Market of One Mentioned in this episode: Get Co:definery's diagnostic questionnaire Is your agency  really as differentiated as you think? And have you fully embraced the commercial disruption that AI is bringing? To find out, take five minutes to complete Co:definery's diagnostic questionnaire. It's quick, free, and thought provoking, and you get a tailored report with practical guidance for sharpening your competitive edge. Visit codefinery.com/dq

    The Intangibles' Founding Partner: Unlocking the uncharted – Jon Wilkins

  3. Sep 22

    isobel’s Managing Partner: Why isobel Chose to Start Again - Jamie Williams

    Today’s guest is Jamie Williams, Managing Partner at Isobel, the independent agency that’s recently repositioned itself as ‘the brand reset company’. Jamie explains what prompted the change and how it’s designed to capitalise on what the agency does best, as well as reflect where they believe the market is heading. He also shares how productisation helped turn their refined proposition into a clear, three-stage offer, while also making change easier for the team to embrace. This candid conversation combines differentiation, value-based pricing and how to create a better experience for clients. At a time of huge disruption, Jamie offers an insider’s perspective at how an established agency can embrace change without losing what made it distinctive. HIGHLIGHTS: [02:13] Twenty years of independence [05:04] Future proofing the agency [08:16] Breaking creative commoditisation [14:46] Finding the hybrid opportunity [20:59] Knowing when to reset [29:11] Think, create, and do [32:21] Value-based pricing [34:34] Translating differentiation into demand [40:22] The power of brands MORE ABOUT JAMIE: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamie-williams Website: isobel.com HOST SOCIALS: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robinbonn Twitter: twitter.com/robonn MORE ABOUT CO:DEFINERY: Website: codefinery.com Book: Market of One Mentioned in this episode: Get Co:definery's diagnostic questionnaire Is your agency  really as differentiated as you think? And have you fully embraced the commercial disruption that AI is bringing? To find out, take five minutes to complete Co:definery's diagnostic questionnaire. It's quick, free, and thought provoking, and you get a tailored report with practical guidance for sharpening your competitive edge. Visit codefinery.com/dq

    isobel’s Managing Partner: Why isobel Chose to Start Again - Jamie Williams

  4. Sep 15

    4As’ CEO: The opportunity in change – Justin Thomas-Copeland

    Today’s guest is seasoned agency leader, Justin Thomas-Copeland – now CEO of the 4As – unpacking their transformation from agency trade body into a more proactive, service-led organisation. He explains why agencies also need to look in the mirror, identify what they’re genuinely brilliant at and resist the temptation to be everything for everyone. Justin shares how specialisation strengthens culture and commercial performance, and why confidence is often a reward rather than a prerequisite. He also offers a positive long-term view on talent for our industry – from the lack of playbook for young people, to the mid-career uncertainty. This is a fascinating conversation with a leader who’s excited by change and full of optimism for what's to come. HIGHLIGHTS: [03:32] A lifelong love of change [07:27] 4As as a service [10:50] Making the hard choices [16:27] Looking in the mirror [20:10] Filling the blind spots [27:13] Build value from your DNA [34:22] Rethinking the talent equation [38:12] Beyond the linear career [46:36] The importance of creative thinkers MORE ABOUT JUSTIN: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/justintc Website: aaaa.org MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: 4As Look Ahead: Looking Ahead to 2026 GenJam via LBB: GenJam Challenges Creatives to Build Live with GenAI HOST SOCIALS: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robinbonn Twitter: twitter.com/robonn MORE ABOUT CO:DEFINERY: Website: codefinery.com Book: Market of One Mentioned in this episode: Get Co:definery's diagnostic questionnaire Is your agency  really as differentiated as you think? And have you fully embraced the commercial disruption that AI is bringing? To find out, take five minutes to complete Co:definery's diagnostic questionnaire. It's quick, free, and thought provoking, and you get a tailored report with practical guidance for sharpening your competitive edge. Visit codefinery.com/dq

    4As’ CEO: The opportunity in change – Justin Thomas-Copeland

  5. Sep 8

    Beers with Friends' Founder: Serving creativity on tap – Dana Hork

    Today’s guest is Dana Hork, Founder of Beers with Friends, the sprint-based creative agency that makes creative firepower available on tap. Drawing on her experience as a brand-side marketer at Jet.com, Walmart and Wonder, Dana explains why she felt the traditional agency model was no longer keeping pace with modern marketing. That’s why Beers with Friends takes a radically different approach – working with one client at a time, bringing the right talent around the table and compressing high-stakes work into five-day sprints. Dana also unpacks how their model creates focus, choosing their ideal clients and how repeat business works without traditional retainers. This is an innovative, positive, and optimistic conversation from a client who decided to do it for themselves. HIGHLIGHTS: [02:16] Selling ‘Beer Runs’ [03:26] Brand side beginnings [09:45] Paying for focus [13:57] Single vs multiple sprints [21:04] People behind the brands [24:58] Competing without competition [27:21] AI the fidelity of ideas [32:07] Designing the client experience [37:29] Optimism through innovation MORE ABOUT DANA: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danahork Website: Beers With Friends HOST SOCIALS: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robinbonn Twitter: twitter.com/robonn MORE ABOUT CO:DEFINERY: Website: codefinery.com Book: Market of One Mentioned in this episode: Get Co:definery's diagnostic questionnaire Is your agency  really as differentiated as you think? And have you fully embraced the commercial disruption that AI is bringing? To find out, take five minutes to complete Co:definery's diagnostic questionnaire. It's quick, free, and thought provoking, and you get a tailored report with practical guidance for sharpening your competitive edge. Visit codefinery.com/dq

    Beers with Friends' Founder: Serving creativity on tap – Dana Hork

  6. Aug 18

    Generation Media's Group Managing Director: Embracing entry-level talent – Lisa Morgan

    Today’s guest is Lisa Morgan, Group Managing Director at Generation Media, the independent media agency specialising in children, youth, communities and fandom. Lisa explains why AI should redesign entry-level roles rather than replace them, liberating people from repetitive processes to focus on using their brains. She shares how Generation Media identifies and develops young talent, balancing curiosity and technological confidence with human skills such as critical thinking, judgement and attention to detail. The conversation also explores employee ownership, evolving agency economics, and creating a coaching culture to offer young people the leadership that they increasingly demand. HIGHLIGHTS: [01:54] Generation Media’s evolution [05:39] Nurturing talent through the system [14:26] Value of employee ownership [20:43] Strengthening strategic thinking [26:25] Away from selling time [28:26] Coaching changes leadership [34:19] Limitations of technology [36:20] Finding balance MORE ABOUT LISA: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisa-morgan Website: generationmedia.com HOST SOCIALS: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robinbonn Twitter: twitter.com/robonn MORE ABOUT CO:DEFINERY: Website: codefinery.com Book: Market of One Mentioned in this episode: Get Co:definery's diagnostic questionnaire Is your agency  really as differentiated as you think? And have you fully embraced the commercial disruption that AI is bringing? To find out, take five minutes to complete Co:definery's diagnostic questionnaire. It's quick, free, and thought provoking, and you get a tailored report with practical guidance for sharpening your competitive edge. Visit codefinery.com/dq

    Generation Media's Group Managing Director: Embracing entry-level talent – Lisa Morgan

  7. Aug 11

    Saatchi & Saatchi's CEO: Reviving an icon – Claire Hollands

    Today’s guest is Claire Hollands, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi, one of the most iconic agency brands in advertising. Claire unpacks how she revitalised this “legacy brand” by giving its most famous belief – ‘Nothing is impossible’ – renewed meaning for a more client-centric age. She describes creating an operating model around realising impossible ambitions – from seeking clients at transformative moments to setting a clearer creative standard and giving every employee their own ‘impossible ambition’. Claire explains why strong agency brands still matter – not least within holding companies – including how Saatchis acts as a doorway into the wider Publicis offering. She also reflects on letting go of leadership ego, building a more inclusive culture, and why creativity and human intelligence remain fundamental to driving business growth. HIGHLIGHTS: [03:47] Rediscovering Saatchis’ DNA [10:01] Agencies as change agents [13:39] Strategy drives the proposition [14:54] Relevance through differentiation [19:20] Power in the collective [25:01] Bringing 'Nothing Is Impossible' back [29:40] Inclusivity over sub tribes [30:20] Creating a 'We' culture MORE ABOUT CLAIRE: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/claire-hollands Website: saatchi.co.uk HOST SOCIALS: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robinbonn Twitter: twitter.com/robonn MORE ABOUT CO:DEFINERY: Website: codefinery.com Book: Market of One Mentioned in this episode: Get Co:definery's diagnostic questionnaire Is your agency  really as differentiated as you think? And have you fully embraced the commercial disruption that AI is bringing? To find out, take five minutes to complete Co:definery's diagnostic questionnaire. It's quick, free, and thought provoking, and you get a tailored report with practical guidance for sharpening your competitive edge. Visit codefinery.com/dq

    Saatchi & Saatchi's CEO: Reviving an icon – Claire Hollands

  8. Aug 4

    X&O's Co-Founders: Embracing your superpowers – Eric Segal & Brett Banker

    Today’s guests are Eric Segal and Brett Banker, Co-Founders of X&O – the sprint-based agency with an expert-only model, bringing together specialist talent to solve client challenges in double quick time. Drawing on more than 20 years leading teams inside traditional agencies, they share why they chose not to replicate what exists, but to rethink how the work gets done. Brett and Eric explore the shift from selling time to selling outcomes, why conviction matters more than compromise when defining a commercial model, and how freeing experts from meetings, multitasking and management responsibilities unlocks better thinking. They also discuss the future of agency talent, arguing that the industry's best people shouldn't have to leave the work they love behind simply to climb the career ladder. HIGHLIGHTS: [01:45] A new model agency [07:55] The winds of change [10:27] Solving problems [13:14] Specificity over availability [20:21] Consistency builds trust [28:34] Climbing the wrong ladder [32:30] The C-suite’s secret weapon [37:35] No long game [42:24] Conviction over consensus MORE ABOUT ERIC & BRETT: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eric-segal LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brett-banker Website: heyxo.co HOST SOCIALS: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robinbonn Twitter: twitter.com/robonn MORE ABOUT CO:DEFINERY: Website: codefinery.com Book: Market of One Mentioned in this episode: Get Co:definery's diagnostic questionnaire Is your agency  really as differentiated as you think? And have you fully embraced the commercial disruption that AI is bringing? To find out, take five minutes to complete Co:definery's diagnostic questionnaire. It's quick, free, and thought provoking, and you get a tailored report with practical guidance for sharpening your competitive edge. Visit codefinery.com/dq

    X&O's Co-Founders: Embracing your superpowers – Eric Segal & Brett Banker
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About

Fancy a bit more positivity around the business of running an agency? Welcome to Co:definery’s podcast ‘The Immortal Life of Agencies’. Here we celebrate the visionaries and change-makers who are actively future-proofing the agency sector. Each episode features our CEO Robin Bonn having short, sharp conversations - sometimes even friendly arguments - with some of the biggest, broadest and deepest thinkers in our industry. These are the leaders who’ve been there, done that and are happy to talk about the t-shirt - even if it’s a bit grubby. Expect untold stories of progress - always optimistic and never dull.

Information

  • Creator
    Co:definery
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Co:definery
  • Show Website
    The Immortal Life of Agencies

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