Own It

How Jenna Cummings of Rival, Owns It

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Jenna Cummings from Rival. She is originally from Spokane, Washington, but is now based in London, England. One of the things she says she loves about ownership and the advertising business is the ability to live and work anywhere and enjoy a global lifestyle.

Rival is an agency focused on helping challenger brands become blue chip ones, primarily through leveraging research, data and marketing technology to do so. That’s where Jenna’s skills come to the table in a big way. She oversees all things paid media, data and martech.

We talked about why her motorcycle is named after her grandmother, where her journey to ownership took her, and her thoughts about closing the gender gap in agency ownership.

The best thing about hosting this podcast is the amazing people, perspectives and ideas we get to hear from our guests. This episode certainly delivers on those promises.

You can find links to the LinkedIn profile for Jenna Cummings and the agency website for Rival in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Stephanie Crockett from Mower Agency, Owns It

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Stephanie Crockett from the Mower Agency. She started at Mower & Associates in 2004 on the account side. By 2021 she was president and chief operating officer. She took over as president and CEO in 2023.

Mower is an advertising and public relations agency with over 50 years experience connecting brands with audience in authentic, lasting ways. Stephanie and I talked about her journey, the powerful group of women friends she feeds off of, many of whom also own their own businesses, and the women who empowered her along the way.

We also dug into the topic of closing the gender gap in agency ownership. We loved what she had to say. We know you will, too.

You can find links to the LinkedIn profile for Stephanie Crockett and the agency website for the Mower Agency in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Chelsea Derrico from OpAD Media Solutions, Owns It

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Chelsea Derrico from OpAD Media Solutions. She climbed the ladder internally at OpAD from a media planner and buyer to CEO and president, all over the last 14 years. The media agency is based in New York City where Chelsea raises a family, plays tennis and leads a firm that focuses on data-driven media decisions to produce results.

We talked about everything from her children to her journey to ownership and everything in between. There are so many good nuggets in this episode. We know you’ll love it as much as we did.

You can find links to the LinkedIn profile for Chelsea Derrico and the agency website for OpAD Media Solutions in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Kimberly Eberl from The Motion Agency, Owns It

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Kimberly Eberl from The Motion Agency. Her firm is based in Chicago and helps clients like Ace Hardware, Whirlpool and more accelerate growth with results-driven creative. Their work and thinking is impressive, for sure.

We talked about her journey from growing up in Cincinnati, to working for Harley Davidson, to founding Motion 20 years ago. She came up through the PR ranks, working at Weber Shandwick and Ogilvy among other firms along the way.

We loved her thoughts on closing the gender gap in agency ownership and learned so much. You will too.

You can find links to the LinkedIn profile for Kimberly Eberl and the agency website for The Motion Agency in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Gina Clementi from Good Story, Owns It

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Gina Clementi from Good Story. Her firm does what she calls brand archaeology. They dig past marketing speak to uncover stories worth telling. We had fun uncovering her stories worth telling including how she came into ownership. Her experiences with Nike where she built much of her expertise in the industry, and her lifestyle in the pacific northwest.

We also dug into her thoughts on closing the gender gap in ownership in the ad business.

This is another episode where you’ll learn and laugh. It was so much fun talking to Gina.

You can find links to Gina Clementi’s LinkedIn profile and the agency website for Good Story in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Cassie Hughes and Gabrey Means from Grow Marketing, Own It

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Cassie Hughes and Gabrey Means from Grow Marketing. Their firm is a full-service agency based in San Francisco that specializes in brand strategy, design and production. They’ve been together for a quarter of a century after early career stops at some major brands.

Cassie worked at Levi Strauss and Esprit along the way. Gabrey was at The Gap and Banana Republic.

We talked about their journeys, both individually and together, their passions and interests in and outside of work and of course, we got their insights into closing the gender gap in agency ownership.

As you know, we always have so much to learn and be inspired by on episodes of Own It. This one is no different.

You can find links to the LinkedIn profiles for Cassie Hughes and Gabrey Means and the agency website for Grow Marketing in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Erin Fabio of Grit Studio Owns It

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Erin Fabio from Grit Studio. Grit Studio is a boutique marketing agency built for bold brands and the women behind them. Erin brings a “dream it, build it” mentality to every challenge. She also recently took up tennis and says it's her time to not think about anything other than being in the present.

Erin has so many good nuggets to share in this conversation. We talked about her journey, her inspirations and certainly discussed the gender gap in agency ownership. You’ll love her thoughts and insights. We know we did.

You can find links to Erin Fabio’s LinkedIn profile and the agency website for Grit Studio in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Alexis Toney and Grace Kwak from Background Noise, Own It

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:27:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Alexis Toney and Grace Kwak from Background Noise. It is a strategic consultancy that promotes diversity through inclusive strategies that help meet brands where they are and help them grow to where they need to go.

And diversity lives through every bit of their firm. Alexis is a New York City club deejay when she is not working on client projects. Grace balanced that busy life by moving to California not long ago for a more relaxed lifestyle.

We talked about their journeys, how they met and connected, who inspired them to lead and own their own firm and a lot more. And their perspectives on closing the gender gap in agency ownership were insightful and interesting. And the two partners almost immediately made the conversation fun!

You’re going to love this episode.

You can find links to the LinkedIn profiles for Alexis Toney and Grace Kwak, and the agency website for Background Noise in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Mandana Mellano from PEONY Talent, Owns It

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Mandana Mellano from PEONY Talent. It is a boutique talent recruitment and advisory practice that services the media, advertising, marketing, technology and entertainment industries. Her efforts have been focused on modernizing the talent recruitment process in our industry. I love how she’s innovating in that space for us all.

Mandana and I talked about her journey, the issues facing the industry with regards to talent, and certainly got her thoughts on the gender cap in advertising agency ownership.

I love the different perspective each of our guests bring. This conversation is no different. I learned so much.

You can find links to Mandana Mellano’s LinkedIn profile and PEONY Talent’s agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Chelsea Matthews of TUX, Owns It

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Chelsea Matthews from TUX, a creative agency with offices in L.A. and Montreal. Chelsea is also an owner beyond the agency world. She is also a partner in Highly Likely which has a number of casual dining restaurants in Southern California, and co-founded Candid, a content creation platform that was acquired in 2024.

We certainly dove into her ability to thrive balancing multiple ventures and used her amazing experience to get to her thoughts on closing the gender gap in agency ownership in the advertising business.

Chelsea is so interesting and smart. This was such a fun learning experience to get ot know her. We know you’ll enjoy this as much as we did.

You can find links to Chelsea Matthews’s LinkedIn profile and TUX’s agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Tiffany Rolfe of R/GA Owns It

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Tiffany Rolfe from R/GA. She is the global chair and one of the new owners of one of the world’s largest and most successful agencies so this episode has a lot of value in it. Tiffany has recently touched work with Puma and Jay-Z, the ACLU and many more. She’s in the middle of leveraging influencers and creating strategic solutions at the intersection of storytelling and technology that lead to growth and cultural impact for her clients.

This was such an amazing conversion and you’ll enjoy getting to know her, her work and her perspective on the gender gap in agency ownership a lot.

You can find links to Tiffany Rolfe’s LinkedIn profile and R/GA’s agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Remy Stiles from Kepler, Owns It

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Remy Stiles from Kepler. After serving as the North American president for the previous three years She is now Kepler’s global CEO. She’s been with the firm for over 13 years and came up through the account side of the industry.

Remy has been instrumental in building the culture, innovation, and vision that defines who Kepler is, which is a critical piece of the leadership puzzle. We talked about her journey through the business to leadership, her perspective on the industry and certainly her thoughts on closing the gender gap in agency ownership.

I so love talking to fellow owners and leaders in this industry. Remy is yet another that inspires me and I’m sure will inspire you.

You can find links to Remy Stiles’ LinkedIn profile and Kepler’s agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Lennon Barnica of Wild Manor, Owns It

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Lennon Barnica from Wild Manor. It is a editorial and finishing house that focuses on the quality and craftsmanship they bring to client projects. They say they’ve created a place for storytelling to flourish. We love that.

Hearing Lennon tell her story was fascinating and inspiring. We had a wonderful time hearing that, getting to know her and certainly getting her perspective on the gender gap in agency ownership.

Lennon is also a project fiend. She’s a handy woman who loves to tinker, build and fix things away from work. We learned so much from her. We know you will, too.

You can find links to Lennon Barnica’s LinkedIn Profile and Wild Manor’s agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Emily Siegel from Lafayette American, Owns It

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Emily Siegel from Lafayette American. She not only started her Detroit-based agency in 2018, but did so at the same time she had her first child. None of that held her or the firm back. It has earned AdAge Small Agency of the Year, was on the Adweek Breakthrough Agency of the Year Shortlist and Emily was named an AdAge Woman to Watch along the way.

Emily came to ownership through running the content studio for Ford Motor Company where she won the first of her two Effie Awards.

We could talk about her awards and accomplishments all day, but we dove into lots more about her and her journey. I loved her perspective on closing the gap in agency ownership as well.

You’ll enjoy Emily’s perspective on all of this.

You can find links to Emily Siegel’s LinkedIn Profile and Lafayette American’s agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Michele Kunken and Julie Liu from Slim Creative, Own It

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Michele Kunken and Julie Liu from Slim Creative. As you might infer from the name, they are focused on the power of less and strip away the layers that crush great ideas.

Michele and Julie lead the agency from different coasts with Michele operating out of the New York/New Jersey area. Julie is in Los Angeles. We dove into their firm, their individual and collective journeys to ownership through our industry and, of course, their take on closing the gender gap in agency ownership.

Having two owners on at once always makes the shows lively and fun. You’re going to enjoy this!

You can find links to LinkedIn Profiles for Michele Kunken and Julie Liu and Slim Creative’s agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Aleena Kuzma from FUSE Create, Owns It

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Aleena Kuzma from FUSE Create. She’s based in the Toronto area in Canada but immigrated there from the middle east when she was a teenager. That sense of adventure and travel drives her creativity.

Aleena has been with FUSE for eight years and earned her way to a partnership role very early in her tenure. The firm promises to create work that turns heads. They are such a fantastic creative agency and we enjoyed getting to know it and her as we talked.

We loved hearing her journey and ideas about our industry. And we were thrilled to learn she and her husband are also expecting their first child soon.

You can find links to Aleena Kuzma’s LinkedIn Profiles and FUSE Create’s agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Alexis Young and Danielle McNeill from Definitely Real, Own It

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Alexis Young and Danielle McNeill from Definitely Real. It is a creative marketing agency committed to delivering impactive creative solutions based in Vancouver, Canada. Alexis and Danielle started the firm in 2021 after meeting at a music festival in Toronto.

Definitely Real was recently featured in AdWeek as a Top 10 Indie Agency to Watch.

We had so much fun hearing about their journey to each other, then to ownership. They shared their ideas on the industry and how we can close that gender gap in agency ownership.

We had such a great conversation. We're glad to share it with you now.

You can find links to Alexis Young and Danielle McNeill’s LinkedIn Profiles and Definitely Real’s agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

I’m Christy Hiler. We’ll talk again soon … On Own It!

How Meryl Draper of Quirk Creative, Owns It

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Meryl Draper from Quirk Creative. She is truly global, leading a firm that has offices in New York, Guadalajara, and Paris, where she is based now.

Meryl spent time at iconic agencies and with impressive brands through the years including Ogilvy & Mather, MSL Group, Cisco, Blackboard, IBM and more. After co-founding Quirk Creative in 2015, she has guided the agency to Adweek’s Fastest Growing companies list. She’s also been recognized on AdWeek’s Creative 100, and The Drum’s 50 under 30.

She is impressive. So is her firm. And we loved her perspective on the industry and how we can help produce more women-led agencies … and women owned agencies … as we all continue to grow.

You can find links to Meryl Draper’s LinkedIn Profile and Quirk Creative’s agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Anjali Ramachandran from Storythings, Owns It

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Anjali Ramachandran from Storythings. She is based in the UK but is really a global citizen, having lived in many different countries and cities. She told me was always drawn to the colors, vibrancy and stories that advertising had to offer, even as a child.

She has an impressive career journey that included a stop at Nike, and working with brands like Burberry and Warner Brothers. She started Storythings in 2016 to help business-to-business brands tell stories that truly connect with their prospective customers. They do that by helping B2B brands to stay human.

We had such a fun conversation about her journey, her perspective on the industry and her thoughts on closing the gender cap in agency ownership.

Anjali is so fun to talk to. We know you’re going to learn a lot and be inspired today.

You can find links to Anjali Ramachandran‘s LinkedIn Profile and Storythings’ agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Bethany Wilcox from Unusual, Owns It

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:07:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Bethany Wilcox from Unusual. She started her firm to help brands stand out. They strive to help their clients be genuinely differentiated. She says they entertain, instead of advertise.

Entertaining is an apt description of Bethany as you will see. She’s full of energy, creativity and ideas. That makes her the perfect guest for us to dive into her journey, her inspiration and her thoughts on closing the gender gap in agency ownership.

This was such a fun conversation.

You can find links to Bethany Wilcox‘s LinkedIn Profile and Unusual’s agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Heather Waisanen from Coastal Maverick, Owns It

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Heather Waisanen from Coastal Maverick. Her firm is a custom out of home consulting company. That segment of the advertising world became her passion and she has built an amazing company around it.

Heather was a gymnast in her younger years and wound up as a gymnastic coach living in places like the Grand Caymans and South Africa out of college. She’s based in Florida now and has such a smart outlook on our business, client success and certainly how we can attack the gender gap in agency ownership.

We so love the different perspectives we bring to the table on this podcast. Heather adds so much to that.

You can find links to Heather Waisanen‘s LinkedIn Profile and Coastal Maverick’s agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Elizabeth Rosenberg from The Good Advice Company, Owns It

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Elizabeth Rosenberg from The Good Advice Company. Her firm is focused on executive personal branding, thought leadership, and brand positioning and high-level PR strategy. But she also founded a company or project called Chief Spiritual Officer.

We talked about that, her amazing career, being present and so much more. I loved her perspective on closing the gender gap in agency ownership and got smarter and more inspired talking to her. I know you will too!

You can find links to Elizabeth Rosenberg‘s LinkedIn Profile and The Good Advice Company’s agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Carrie Stein from Bridge Insights and Media, Owns It

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Carrie Stein from Bridge Insights and Media. She obviously came up through the media side of the ad business, working for many years at Neilsen before co-founding Bridge with her partner Jenny Griffith 10 years ago.

They started with the idea that advertising could be smarter, more cost-effective and easier for clients. We talked about her firm, her journey to ownership and her thoughts on the gender gap in agency ownership.

Learning more about fellow agency owners never fails to give me ideas and inspiration. This episode was no different.

You can find links to Carrie Stein’s LinkedIn Profile and Bridge Insights and Media’s agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Jessica Blumberg from hunterblu media, Owns It

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Jessica Blumberg from hunterblu media. It was formed in 2018 to make working with a media agency easier for brands and creative agencies, and has blossomed.

Jessica certainly came up through her career on the media side of the advertising industry. She spent time at Crispin Porter + Bogusky before turning consultant, then agency owner.

We talked about her journey, her passion for media and making that component of the advertising world easier to work with and a lot more. This was such an insightful chat. We're sure you’ll enjoy it.

You can find links to Jessica Blumberg’s LinkedIn Profile and hunterblu media’s agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Casey Benedict from Maverick Mindshare, Owns It

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Casey Benedict from Maverick Mindshare. Her firm spawned from the conflict between bloggers and public relations professionals that emerged in early days of brands being involved in social media. She began bridging the gap between the two sides and brokering brand deals with what we now know as influencers.

We talked about her journey to starting and building her agency, her thoughts on the agency gap in agency ownership and her hard-line position as a tennis player that Pickle Ball is an invasive species.

We had such a fun chat. You’ll enjoy it as much as we did. Here’s my conversation with Casey Benedict.

You can find links to Casey Benedict’s LinkedIn Profile and Maverick Mindshare’s agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Courtney Lewis from The Variable, Owns It

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:17:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Courtney Lewis from The Variable. She just stepped into the role of partner and CEO there two months ago after being on the strategy and leadership team for several years.

Courtney didn’t land at The Variable from the agency world. She was in business and management consulting before and brought that experience and knowledge to the firm.

We talked about everything from her journey to agency life and ownership, to her perspective on the gender gap in agency ownership, and even biscuits and baking. We had so much fun getting to know one another. You’re going to enjoy this a lot.

You can find links to Courtney Lewis’s LinkedIn Profile and The Variable’s agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Holly Conti of Full Swing PR, Owns It

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Holly Conti of Full Swing PR. If you remember the firm’s name, Holly is the co-owner with Caitlin Copple, who was our guest back in November of 2022. She wasn’t originally an owner, so we get to hear how an employe moves into an ownership role.

Holly and Christy had a great conversation about her journey from wanting to be creative and the boss when she was young, to being creative and the boss now. She had some smart thoughts on female ownership in the advertising business, too.

Enjoy this as much as we did.

You can find links to Holly Conti's LinkedIn Profile and the Full Swing PR agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Erin Emmerson and Kelsey Cross of Tower 28, Own It

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 11:56:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Erin Emmerson and Kelsey Cross from Tower 28. It is a global agency built on a network of in-market experts that helps brands globalize content for any audience. Their unique approach to the business is fascinating.

We also enjoy hearing how co-founders and co-owners carve out that journey together. We certainly talked about that, but also parenthood, their paths to find one another and start their firm, and of course we chatted about closing the gender gap in agency ownership.

This episode is full of fun and insight. We know you’ll enjoy it as much as we did.

You can find links to LinkedIn profiles for Erin Emmerson⁠ and ⁠Kelsey Cross⁠ and the ⁠Tower 28⁠ website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Hope Harris Refuerzo of TillSow, Owns It

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Hope Harris Refuerzo from TillSow. It is a fully integrated global storytelling studio. Hope told me they serve the needs of an evolving culture by providing a modern, bespoke experience for companies, brands and artists.

Hope is based in Los Angeles and has a production background and was once a casting director in Hollywood.

We had such a fun conversation about our industry, our challenge with the gender gap in ownership there, and we compared notes as working moms who love to have fun with their kids.

As usual, we learned so much and were so inspired by Hope. You will be too!

You can find links to Hope Harris Refuerzo's LinkedIn profile and TillSow's agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Amy Edwards of Quality Meats, Owns It

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Amy Edwards from Quality Meats. Her firm does amazing work, but don’t take my word for it. They have earned Small Agency of the Year awards from both AdAge and AdWeek. The firm launched during the pandemic with no clients and no investors.

What they did have was two partners and a producer who wanted to do great work and remove what they call the “B.S.” of the advertising world. Obviously, they’ve succeeded in building an amazing company.

We talked about how that happened, how Amy came to be the head of such a great agency, and her thoughts on the gender gap in agency ownership. We learn so much from these conversations. This one is no different.

You can find links to Amy Edwards LinkedIn profile and the Quality Meats website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Amanda Lucey of The Partnership, Owns It

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Amanda Lucey from The Partnership. She’s been in that role for almost 13 years and has navigated through both growth and expansion. She came into the agency world from a career in associations, diplomacy and politics.

So her knowledge of that world certainly informs some interesting perspectives on the gender gap in agency ownership, and how we can attack that challenge.

Amanda is so interesting. We learned so much talking to her. We know you will too.

You can find links to ⁠Amanda Lucey⁠'s LinkedIn profile and ⁠The Partnership⁠'s website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Genna Franconi of 22squared and Trade School, Owns It

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 11:54:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Genna Franconi from 22squared and Trade School. She and they are based in Atlanta, Georgia. As you probably noticed, she runs two agencies. One is over a century old. The other was born out of a client need for scaling audience-based content.

Genna came up through the account side of the business and worked her way to the C-Suite at 22squared before founding Trade School as a spin-off firm, eventually earning leadership and partial ownership of the company. The two firms work with great brands like Home Depot, Publix, Baskin Robbins and many more.

Genna has also become an avid pickleball player in addition to her work and her children. We have so much in common. I loved this discussion. I know you will as well.

You can find links to Genna's LinkedIn profile and the agency websites for 22Squared and Trade School in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Jen Harrington from Hatch, Owns It

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Jen Harrington from Hatch. She jumped into the world of ownership when she founded Hatch over 16 years ago. So she has been at this a long time. Her perspective on the gender gap in agency ownership is full of experience and insight.

Jen is also investing her time and energies in fostering the creative world. She creates on-ramps into the creative world for diverse talent and spends time volunteering with organizations like the Greater Boston Food Bank.

She is so busy and, therefore, so fascinating to talk to.

You can find links to Jen's LinkedIn profile and the Hatch agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Lisa Kribs of TGW Studio, Owns It

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Lisa Kribs from TGW Studio. She is based in Rochester, New York, and came up through the creative side of the business. Her firm is a social impact marketing and creative studio that helps clients tell their stories.

She is also a musician and recently finished an E-P! As you can imagine, we had a lot to discuss. I’m always excited to learn from creative brains. This episode certainly has a lot of that.

Find links to Lisa Kribs's LinkedIn profile and TGW Studio's agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Erin Gwiazdon from Level Mpls, Owns It

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Erin Gwiazdon from Level Mpls. She spent several years at Level before joining the executive team, then moving into an ownership role. Most of her career has been on the agency side, but did jump out and work for brands in healthcare and arts.

We had a great conversation about spending time outdoors on the lake, her journey to ownership and her thoughts on closing the gap in advertising agency ownership. There’s so much great insight and learning in this episode. You’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

Find links to Erin Gwiazdon's LinkedIn profile and the agency website for Level Mpls in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Kristen O'Neall of Mirage Media, Owns It

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Kristen O’Neall of Mirage Media. She came up through the account services side of the business and founded Mirage Media last year.

Kristen is an admitted workaholic and is passionate about being a strategic visionary for her clients.

We had such a fun conversation about her journey, her influences and her thoughts on the state of gender balance in advertising agency ownership. She is so energetic and smart. We learned a lot from this conversation. We're sure you will as well.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with You can find links to Kristen O’Neall's LinkedIn profile and the Mirage Media website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Liz Seelye from StarryEyed Strategy, Owns It

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Liz Seelye from StarryEyed Strategy. Her firm believes to be starryeyed means to be creative, collaborative and visionary so you can dream new ideas and make them a reality.

But she also has a renewable energy company with her husband, trail runs and has been to over 40 countries, a dozen or so with one or more of her five children.

As you can tell, Liz is multifaceted and fascinating. We had such a great conversation and, of course, got into the challenges of the gender gap in agency ownership.

We so loved learning from her. We know you will, too.

Find links to Liz Seelye's LinkedIn profile and the ⁠StarryEyed Strategy⁠ agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Kerry McKibbin from Mischief, Owns It

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Kerry McKibbin from Mischief. What can you say about the success of her firm? They’ve been in the top three agencies on Ad Age’s A-List each of the last four years, including topping that list twice in that time.

Their work is amazing. Their success is something we’re all both impressed by and maybe a little envious of.

As you might imagine, I tried to mine her for all sorts of insights from her journey, her leadership, her thoughts on the business and more.

There’s so much good to glean from this episode. You’re going to love it.

You can find links to Kerry McKibbin's LinkedIn profile and the Mischief website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Emily Stutzman of Happylucky, Owns It

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Emily Stutzman from Happylucky.

She calls her firm a creative community built on the ethos of Fear Less, Love More. They do work that shifts hearts, minds, and culture.

Being in Oregon – one of my favorite places – Emily loves to grow things. Everything from plants to clients to her agency.

We talked about so much … her journey, her approach to clients, and her perspective on the gender gap in agency ownership. You’re going to love this episode.

You can find links to ⁠Emily Stutzman⁠'s LinkedIn profile and the ⁠Happylucky⁠ agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Kelly Long from Manifold, Owns It

Tue, 20 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Kelly Long from Manifold. It is a creative experiential marketing firm that aims to create experiences that engage, delight, captivate and inspire people. And inspiring, Kelly certainly is.

Host Christy Hiler and Long talked about her journey, her role models and dug into the topic of the gender gap in agency ownership. Kelly is also a fellow University of Oregon grad, so it is extra special to have her on the show for Christy!

You will love her insights in this episode.

You can find links to Kelly Long⁠'s LinkedIn profile and the ⁠Manifold⁠ agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Mary Cornette from Fuel, Owns It

Tue, 13 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Mary Cornette from Fuel. While we have the same last name, we don’t think we’re related. It’s spelled different. But, her family does have roots in Kentucky, so who knows?

Mary is based in Greenville, South Carolina and her firm Fuel is a brand-building agency. She landed there from New York where she spent time at R/GA and Digitas, among others. Her brand experience is a Who’s Who list of brands and her experiences and perspective are a treasure to learn from.

We so enjoyed her thoughts on our industry, hearing her journey and so much more. We know you’ll enjoy this episode.

You can find links to Mary Cornette's LinkedIn profile and the Fuel agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Benita Conde from Create Radical Love, Owns It

Tue, 06 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own it we’re talking to Benita Conde from Create Radical Love. After many years in the advertising industry at stops like Fallon, BBH and Anomaly, Benita started Create Radical Love which is a life coaching and consulting firm for people who want to radically love their whole life experience.

So this episode will be informed by her agency experience, but include much, much more.

We talked about her journey, her firm’s intent and work, and of course the challenges we face with the gender gap in agency ownership.

You can find links to ⁠Benita Conde⁠'s LinkedIn profile and the ⁠Create Radical Love⁠ website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Shannon Langrand from Langrand, Owns It

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Shannon Langrand from her self-titled agency, Langrand. She founded the agency 22 years ago and has built an amazing firm focused on solving tough problems, telling great stories and doing meaningful work.

Shannon’s father was a Nicaraguan revolutionary. She is bi-cultural with her roots there, but her upbringing in Illinois. She now calls Houston, Texas, home where her agency brings that diversity to bear for her clients.

She’s writing a book, but we got a chance to dig in with her now. And you’re going to love this episode.

You can find links to Shannon's LinkedIn Profile and Langrand's agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Hani Anis of Kahani Digital, Owns It

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Hani Anis from Kahani Digital. Her firm is a little over four years old. It focuses on telling the stories of South Asian owned and founded brands through digital marketing and social media.

Hani grew up in Maryland, but her family is from India. Her geographic journey is as diverse as her professional one. We talked about her early interest in medicine, then work in investment banking and beyond. COVID shifted her priorities and needs and Kahani Digital was born.

Hani’s story is so inspiring and fascinating. I can’t wait for you to hear it.

You can find links to Hani Anis's LinkedIn profile and the Kahani Digital website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Alyssa Toro from Connelly Partners, Owns It

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Alyssa Toro from Connelly Partners. She is a senior partner and chief creative officer there and has been with the firm since its inception 25 years ago.

She worked in a few design shops early in her career including Leonard Monahan, Hill-Holliday and Engle. The latter is where she met eventual business partner Steve Connelly.

We talked about her journey to ownership, the challenges we face in the industry today, and so much more.

You’re going to learn a lot in this episode.

You can find links to Alyssa Toro's LinkedIn Profile and the Connelly Partners website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Laura Jordan Bambach from Uncharted, Owns It

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 11:51:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Laura Jordan Bambach from Uncharted. Laura is not only the founder and chief creative officer of Uncharted but also the co-founder of SheSays, an organization that educates, promotes and inspires women to take up digital creative careers.

As you can tell, she is a perfect guest for Own It! We had a great conversation about her path through the industry which included stops at Grey, D&AD and an independent firm in the UK called Mr. President. She’s very active in the industry and organizations that lift up and celebrate others. It’s high time we lift up and celebrate her.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Laura Jordan Bambach's LinkedIn profile and the Uncharted website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Laura Petruccelli from nice&frank, Owns It

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Laura Petruccelli from nice&frank. She co-founded that firm in 2022 after a long stint with Goodby Silverstein and has quickly guided nice&frank to an AdAge Newcomer Agency of the Year honor.

Laura is a creative through and through. Her father was a commercial photographer, so she grew up around art directors and copywriters. She even started a cartoon business as a child. Her background and journey are so very interesting.

We had so much fun listening to her story and her thoughts on closing the gender gap in agency ownership.

You can find links to Laura Petruccelli's LinkedIn profile and the nice&frank agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Jessica Dimcevski from Blurr Bureau, Owns It

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It we’re talking to Jessica Dimcevski from Blurr Bureau. It is a brand strategy and branding firm Jessica founded in 2022. She also invests in founder-led brands through Blurr, including Flings, an award-winning snack brand found in Target.

Jessica began as a graphic designer in Melbourne, Australia before leading brand strategy at Redscout in New York. There, she led brand strategy and innovation projects across its international audiences.

I so enjoyed learning more about her, her journey to ownership and her thoughts on our industry.

You’ll love this episode.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Jessica Dimcevski from Blurr Bureau. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Molly Rice from Spyglass, Owns It

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Molly Rice from Spyglass. It is a strategic brand marketing firm based in Minneapolis. Molly was a founding partner when the company began back in 2001. She now serves as CEO and president.

We talked about her journey to ownership, but then got some great insights from her two decades of experience being a leader and an owner in our industry. We also talked about a book she’s writing!

It’s so much fun to learn from our guests. This one is no different.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Molly Rice from Spyglass. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Hope Farley from Adolescent Content, Owns It

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Hope Farley from Adolescent Content. She and her partner Ramaa Mosley founded Adolescent in 2013 with a mission to help talented creative individuals from underrepresented backgrounds found paths to exposure. Think of it as part creative agency, part talent agency and all amazing.

We talked about her path to ownership, the agency and its focus, and of course, her take on solving the gender gap problem in agency ownership.

Hope was so fun to talk with. We know you’ll enjoy this episode.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Hope Farley from Adolescent Content. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and company website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Tori Nygren of Hogwash Studios, Owns It

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Tori Nygren of Hogwash Studios. Tori is an award-winning creative director, writer, and filmmaker who started her career learning from the best and the brightest at Droga5 and McCann. She has also worked in-house at tech giants like Uber as well, where she experienced first hand how creativity can transform a business narrative.

Hogwash Studios is a production house that helps brands define their voice with video, experiential and social storytelling.

We talked about her active lifestyle, her creative childhood and her journey to ownership. And, of course, we dove into her perspective on the gender gap in agency ownership.

Tori is so fascinating and exciting to talk to. You’ll enjoy this.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Tori Nygren of Hogwash Studios. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and company website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Lauren Buckley, Allie Fendrick and Kate Meehan of the Hush Collaborative, Own It

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to three owners all together. Lauren Buckley, Allie Fendrick, and Kate Meehan are the power trio behind the Hush Collaborative. Right off the bat the common thread we learn about them is they are all adventurous. They dance, they travel, they study and research herbs … we're almost jealous of all their experiences.

Lauren, Allie and Kate started Hush in 2020. Its focus is to partner with companies who struggle because their strategies are abstract, they work in siloes and experience frustrations like employee attrition. We love their broader-than-advertising perspective to the agency ownership gender gap. We're sure you’re going to enjoy these perspectives, too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Lauren Buckley, Allie Fendrick, and Kate Meehan of the Hush Collaborative. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and company website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Randi Matthews of Multi-Hyphen Media, Owns It

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:09:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Randi Matthews of Multi-Hyphen Media. Her agency bills itself as a hybrid of math and magic and specializes in entertainment and influencer marketing along with social strategy. And it’s the perfect place for Randi, a former NCAA Division I track and field athlete who came up through the broadcasting and entertainment agency world.

We talked about her journey to ownership and experiences along the way, our children and more. The diverse perspectives these agency owners bring to us here are so fascinating and insightful. We're excited for you to learn more about her.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Randi Matthews of Multi-Hyphen Media. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and company website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Shruti Dang of Dang, Owns It

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Shruti Dang from the firm Dang. It is based in Los Angeles and focuses on modernizing brands to better connect them with the next generation of consumers. She is a UX / UI designer by trade but grew up through the industry and launched Dang in April of last year.

Shruti is a dancer who does so with her daughter. They enjoy traditional Indian dance. We talked about that, her journey to ownership and got her unique perspective on the agency gap in ownership in our industry.

We so love learning from each of our guests. This interview was no different. We're excited to share Shruit’s journey with you today.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Shruti Dang from Dang. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and company website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Molly Lopez of Sparo, Owns It

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Molly Lopez from Sparo. Molly came up through the media side of the advertising business and started Sparo almost six years ago. She actually started her career not far from me in Kentucky at Asbury College and internships at some of the brands here in Lexington. We talked about her journey to ownership which she says came about because of the lack of female ownership role models along the way.

We loved her perspective and are so glad to share her journey with you.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Molly Lopez from Sparo. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and company website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Cindy Dodd of PEMA, Owns It

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Own It, we’re talking to Cindy Dodd from PEMA. Her firm is based in Miami and focused on driving high quality leads for B2B clients. They do amazing work largely because of her drive and creativity. Cindy was born in South Africa, but her parents are from the Congo. Her mother was a dentist and a key inspiration for her entrepreneurial spirit. She has a goal of inspiring female marketers, so we had to have her on the show.

Her background and evolution is fascinating and a different story that we often here on the show. We had such a good time exploring her journey. You’ll enjoy this episode.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Cindy Dodd from PEMA. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and company website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Alona Lisa from Far From Timid, Owns It

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Happy New Year and welcome to the first episode of Own It for 2025! This week we’re talking to Alona Lisa of Far From Timid. There are few people we talk to as diverse and fascinating as her background suggests. She paints, runs, plays basketball and writes. She’s a blockchain and metaverse thought leader. She’s worked on both the brand side with IBM and Marriott, and on the agency side with Razorfish, Gray and more before founding Far From Timid in 2019.

As you might imagine, her journey, her influences and her perspective on our industry was quite colorful and interesting. I can’t wait for you to dig into this one.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Alona Lisa of Far From Timid. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and company website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Chanel Cathey of CJC Insights, Owns It

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Own It, we’re talking to Chanel Cathey from CJC Insights. Her firm is an award-winning strategic communications firm that helps brands move forward with creativity, connection and community. She founded the firm in 2018 after leading the corporate practice at Hunt & Gather. She also spent time at Viacom, Unilever and ABC News.

We dug into that journey and her thoughts on the advertising and marketing world. And we loved her thoughts on the problem we face with the lack of women in ownership roles in our industry.

Chanel is just smart and fascinating and we loved this conversation. We know you will too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Chanel Cathey from CJC Insights. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and company website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Tiffany Holland of Consiglieri, Owns It

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Own It, we’re talking to Tiffany Holland of Consiglieri. Her firm counsels brands and their executives on how to shift from campaign-oriented marketing to playing offense with 365-day intentional, modern marketing approaches. She developed that perspective after a career on both the agency and brand side where she was part of the digital teams at T-Mobile and Nordstrom.

Tiffany and Christy had such a fun conversation about her journey, her perspectives on marketing and, of course, her thoughts on closing the gap in agency ownership that exists in our business. We also learned she spends a lot of her time away from the agency serving in leadership positions in youth and family services organizations in her community. We love that so much.

And you’re going to love this episode.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Tiffany Holland of Consiglieri. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and company website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Christine Tolton from Red Cat Marketing, Owns It

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of Own It, we’re talking to Christine Tolton from Red Cat Marketing. She and her firm are based in Toronto. The company is a leading global agency specializing in strategy, branding and digital marketing. It’s celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Christine is a craft cocktail and mocktail maker who also enjoys photography. Her journey to ownership is as fascinating as anyones. We talked about that, her thoughts on the gender gap in agency ownership and so much more.

You’re going to enjoy this as much as we did.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Christine Tolton from Red Cat Marketing. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and company website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Rachel Brandt and Madeline Meade from Corner Table Creative, Own It

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On this episode of Own It, we’re talking to Rachel Brandt and Madeline Meade from Corner Table Creative. These two agency dynamos joined forces just this year to create Corner Table Creative. It is a New York City-based firm focused on helping brands make memorable connections.

These partner conversations are so much fun because we get twice the perspective. Madeline came to New York City wanting to be a jewelry designer, which she still does occasionally. Rachel originally wanted to be a choreographer. The advertising world grabbed them and now they’re together at Corner Table Creative.

We had such a fantastic conversation. You’re going to love their journeys and perspectives.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Rachel Brandt and Madeline Meade from Corner Table Creative. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and company website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Sharon Toerek from Legal+Creative, Owns It

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Own It, we’re talking to Sharon Toerek from Legal+Creative. It is a firm focused on marketing law, advertising law and intellectual property law for creative people. She and the company are based in Cleveland, Ohio.

We talked about the legal side of our business, her journey to ownership and so much more. We are super excited to have her on the podcast. We know you’ll learn as much as we did from this episode.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Sharon Toerek from Legal+Creative. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and company website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Steph Belsky from Love of Good, Owns It

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Own It, we’re talking to Steph Belsky from Love of Good. It is redefining cause marketing from the agency side of things. Their specialty is facilitating alliances and relationships among talent, non-profits and brands. Their work is not only outstanding, but does good in the world.

She also shares a lot of her journey and thoughts on how to change the world via her own podcast. She’s the host of Missed Opportunities for Good, which we highly recommend.

We talked about her new journey into motherhood, her journey through the marketing world and her thoughts on closing the gender gap in agency ownership. Steph is so inspiring. You’ll love this episode.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Steph Belsky from Love of Good. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and company website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Molly Baker of Indie Consulting, Owns It

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Molly Baker from Indie Consulting. Her New York-based firm is a full-service marketing partner for brands of all sizes. She started the company in 2018 after years with Ben & Jerry’s and powerhouse digital agency 360i.

We talked about everything from her journey both as an owner and a runner – she just finished her first Ironman competition – to her thoughts on how to close the gender gap in the advertising business.

Molly is so powerful and inspiring. We loved talking to her and We know you’ll enjoy listening in, too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Molly Baker from Indie Consulting. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and company website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Aliza Freud of She Speaks, Owns It

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Aliza Freud from SheSpeaks. That’s not only the name of her agency, but she also hosts the SheSpeaks podcast, so we’re turning the tables on her as the guest today.

Aliza started SheSpeaks in 2007 amid the social media marketing boom. The firm is the largest, most diverse community of female consumers and influencers in the U.S. It is an award-winning agency that is part community, part influencer marketing firm and part marketing agency.

We talked about her journey and perspective earned from not only leading an agency, but having conversations with other smart women on her podcast. We had so much fun. You will to as you listen.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Aliza Freud from SheSpeaks. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and company website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Mary Lou Bunn from Flower Shop, Owns It

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Mary Lou Bunn from Flower Shop. She came to ownership after many years at some top agencies, but had two other careers prior to advertising. She also pulls experiences from work in the hotel industry and architecture.

She’s spent the lion’s share of her work in business development and strategy, but started off as a communications specialist.

We talked about her journey, what she learned from the diverse experiences she’s had through the years and, of course, the challenges of closing the gender gap in agency ownership today.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Mary Lou Bunn from Flower Shop. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and firm website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Dana Hork of Beers With Friends, Owns It

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Dana Hork from Beers with Friends. With that name, you might anticipate a lively conversation, and you aren’t wrong. Dana’s agency says they can crack just about any business problem better, faster and without the B.S. They call these five-day sprints Beer Runs.

As you can imagine, we dig into her agency and its unique approach, but we also discussed the when, where and why of starting it and building the agency that way. We looked at her journey and got her very energetic answers to those problems we discuss here often — closing the gender gap in agency ownership.

This episode was so much fun. You’re going to enjoy it.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Dana Hork from Beers with Friends. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and firm website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Mindy Goldberg of Epoch Films, Owns It

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of Own It, we’re talking to Mindy Goldberg from Epoch Films. Mindy has worked in and around the movie and production industry for many years. Her experiences as a producer has touched famous directors and actors in both the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

In 1989 after helping build a production company for others, Mindy and a partner went out on their own to start Epoch Films. They produce both motion pictures and television shows, but also create fantastic commercial advertising for major clients like Google, Old Spice, Toyota and Little Caesars, among others.

We talked about her journey, her unique perspective on the agency world from the production side and the big picture of the gender gap in agency ownership. We so enjoyed this talk with Mindy. We know you will, too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Mindy Goldberg from Epoch Films. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and firm website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Lucy Stratton of EA Collective, Owns It

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Lucy Stratton from EA Collective. She and her team have delivered award-winning event marketing campaigns for Google, Twitter, Target, Oprah and more.

We talked about her journey to ownership, the experiences she’s’ delivering for clients and, of course, the challenge of closing the gender gap in agency ownership. She had so many valuable tidbits for us. You’re going to enjoy this as much as we did.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Lucy Stratton from EA Collective. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and firm website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Cathy Murphy and Sylvia Herrera of Venus Media, Own It

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Cathy Murphy and Sylvia Herrera from Venus Media. Their agency is a multicultural marketing firm that has deep experience in media strategies. They both started their careers at CBS Radio, but touched an all-star roster of brands over the years.

We talked about so much in this interview, from bourbon to television shows to building successful agencies. And, of course, we dug into the challenge of closing the gender gap in agency ownership.

You’re going to get a lot of ideas and inspiration from this episode.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Cathy Murphy and Sylvia Herrera from Venus Media. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and firm website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Erin Regan of Full Contact Advertising, Owns It

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Erin Regan from Full Contact Advertising. It is a full-service creative agency based in Boston. Its purpose is to Make Impact, and boy, do they!

Erin worked for several large agencies and a couple of brands over the years, the last several of which have been focused on driving growth. She said she has been fortunate to have strong women leaders above her through the years which have given her a great foundation for strength in ownership.

We talked about that journey, her point of view on the industry and, of course, her thoughts on how we can close the gender gap in agency ownership. We had such a fun conversation. We're sure you’ll enjoy it.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Erin Regan from Full Contact Advertising. You can find links to her LinkedIn profiles and firm website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Ashley Rector of Quimby, Owns It

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Ashley Rector from Quimby. She calls her firm the go-to social media marketing agency for revolutionary founders, CMOs and marketing teams. That word “revolutionary” certainly seems to describe her passion for her clients and this business.

Ashley took a different path to agency ownership. She’s actually an attorney. We talked about that, her journey, and the challenges we face in closing the gender gap in agency ownership. Every one of these conversations is so fun and revealing. We know you’re going to enjoy this one.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Ashley Rector from Quimby. You can find links to her LinkedIn profiles and firm website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Holly Willis from Magic Camp, Owns It

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 12:04:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Holly Willis from Magic Camp. It promises to be a brand’s best friend. She founded her firm because brand-building is hard and working with agencies shouldn’t be. She’s built a firm that is designed for operational efficiency and has a unique approach to running an agency

We talked about that, her journey to ownership which included stints at FCB Chicago and 360i among other stops. We love exploring different perspectives on how to get to ownership, and how to manage ownership. We have that today with Holly.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Holly Willis from Magic Camp. You can find links to her LinkedIn profiles and firm website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Sonja Anderson of zö agency, Owns It

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Own It, we’re talking to Sonja Anderson of zö agency. Her firm champions the change-makers. It is a proud woman-owned marketing department for small to midsized businesses.

We talked about her journey to ownership, the reasons behind her focus on small to midsize businesses and, of course, her take on the challenge of growing women-owned agencies. We also talked a bit about her passion for traveling, which we love.

We're sure you’ll enjoy this episode.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to her LinkedIn profiles and firm website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Lori Murphree from Evalla Advisors, Owns It

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we have a slightly different type of guest. We’re talking to Lori Murphree from Evalla Advisors. It is a financial services firm focused on mergers and acquisitions and investment banking. As you might expect, we certainly wanted to have her on the show to inform all of you about the possibilities of M&A in the agency world, but Lori is also passionate about female ownership across industries. So, we had a lot to talk about.

Understanding the financial piece of the puzzle is often a big hurdle for new agency owners, especially those who grew up working primarily in creative or accounts … basically any part of the business other than finance, so this is going to be super useful for us all.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Lori Murphree from Evalla Advisors. You can find links to her LinkedIn profiles and firm website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Krista Ripma of Authentic Audience, Owns It

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we’re talking to Krista Ripma of Authentic Audience. It is a full-service digital agency that she says is now beyond the fight or flight mode of ownership. We talk about that and how her experiences as a business coach, yoga instructor and overall health and wellness expert impacts the work.

We’ve always been fascinated by owners who run their agencies differently from the norm and Krista certainly qualifies there, so we had a fantastic conversation exploring all of that. We're sure you’ll enjoy this as much as we did.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT withKrista Ripma of Authentic Audience. You can find links to her agency websites in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Caroline May of Grown Creative, Owns It

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Own It, we have a great guest, but also a great guest host. Megan Lally from High Dive in Chicago sits in today and interviews Caroline May from Grown Creative in St. Louis. Her firm likes to think of advertising as a way to sneak art into the world. They focus on marrying ideas and stories to connect with people.

They talked about Caroline’s journey to ownership which included being a journalist, a public relations pro and a creative director, among other roles. Megan and Caroline also discussed being mothers as agency owners and, of course, the challenge of closing the gender gap in ownership in our industry.

We really enjoyed hearing Megan’s conversation with Caroline. We know you will too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Caroline May from Grown Creative interviewed by Megan Lally from High Dive. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and agency websites in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Flor Leibaschoff of Beautiful Beast, Owns It

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0000

This week on Own It, we have a different episode than normal. We are welcoming back Flor Leibaschoff, who visited us with her partner Salma Gottfried, to talk about their journeys to owning BeautifulBeast. That was Episode 45, which we’ll link in our show notes.

Flor is back this week to talk about an equally important gap to fill in agency ownership and that is of Hispanic and Latina representation as owners, but also to quantify and understand Latina representation at every level of the advertising business. We talk about the fact there simply aren’t enough facts to inform what needs to be done and how Flor is leading the charge to survey the industry to find them.

Find the survey at https://latinasleadingsurvey.com/

Flor is originally from Argentina and has worked globally for many years. She is absolutely the right person to spearhead this effort and we in the Own It community are behind her all the way.

This is an important episode. Thank you for listening!

You can find links to Flor's LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com. You can find the survey at https://latinasleadingsurvey.com/.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Erin Creaney and Tammy Brody of Good Day Collective, Own It

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Own It, we’re talking to Erin Creaney and Tammy Brody of Good Day Collective. They describe the agency as the non-agency agency. That means clients get talent customized for their unique challenges without the overhead of a holding company or big agency.

We talked about their model, their journey to ownership and, of course, the challenge we face in putting more women in the role of agency ownership in the advertising business.

It’s always a joy to learn from smart, innovators in the space. Enjoy this conversation with Erin Creaney and Tammy Brody.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Erin Creaney and Tammy Brody of Good Day Collective. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Julia Beardwood and Sarah Williams of Beardwood & Co., Own It

Tue, 28 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Own It, we’re talking to Julia Beardwood and Sarah Williams from Beardwood & Co. Julia started the agency almost 20 years ago after time at P&G both on the brand side, and serving them at an agency. And Sarah, though she was one of the first employees, just took over ownership from Julia.

The firm was born from a dissatisfaction with existing agency models. The agency aimed to accelerate growth for existing brands and create mighty new ones. And have they!

We talked about their respective journeys and perspectives on the agency world. And, of course, we talked about the challenge of closing the gender gap in agency ownership.

You’ll so enjoy this conversation. We know we did.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Julia Beardwood and Sarah Williams from Beardwood & Co. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Kelly Bayett of Love Song & Barking Owl, Owns It!

Mon, 20 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Own It, we’re talking to Kelly Bayett from Love Song and Barking Owl. She owns not one, but two audio production companies. Her work has touched many aspects of the advertising and agency world, so she not only has the ownership experience to share, but a unique perspective on the greater advertising world.

We talked about her inspirations and challenges along the way to own two companies, her perspective on the advertising business and how the music business compares, and, of course, her thoughts on closing the gap in agency ownership. This was such a fun conversation. We're sure you’ll enjoy it as much as we did.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Kelly Bayett from Love Song and Barking Owl. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the production companies websites in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Alison Monk of Eden Collective, Owns It

Mon, 13 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of Own It, we’re talking to Alison Monk from Eden Collective. Her resume is a Who’s Who of the advertising and media business. Edelman, Mercury, Price Waterhouse Cooper, Grey, Conde Naste, Merkle. That’s one of the main reasons I wanted to get her on the show … she has such a deep and wide set of experiences to share with us.

Alison and I talked about her journey to ownership, her vast experiences and influencers and, of course, what she thinks needs to happen to get more women in the position of agency ownership.

Get out your notebooks. There’s a lot to learn here today.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Alison Monk from Eden Collective.

You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Christine Olivas of No Single Individual, Owns It

Thu, 09 May 2024 17:58:00 -0000

To kick off 2024 on OWN IT, we’re talking to Christine Olivas of No Single Individual. Her firm bolts on strategy to other agencies, but she has a wealth of experience across nearly every vertical you can think of. She’s also a 2023 Stevie Award winner which is an award for women in business.

We talked about her journey, her experiences working at and with agencies, and of course, we heard her perspective on closing the gender gap in agency ownership in our industry.

I so enjoy hearing the perspectives from super smart leaders out there like Christine. I think you’ll enjoy hers today.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Christine Olivas of No Single Individual. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Tevis Houston of Friends Everywhere, Owns It

Mon, 06 May 2024 13:29:00 -0000

On this episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Tevis Houston of Friends Everywhere. Her creative studio is a little over a year old and helps brands connect with their communities through what she calls transformative visual storytelling and seasonal campaigns. She has a lot of experience and work in the fashion and youth culture spaces and has driven award-winning work for brands like Levi’s, Vans, Spanx and Roxy.

We talked about her journey, how she’s built a strong professional network, her thoughts on measuring success, and of course, what we can do to close the gap in agency ownership among women.

We loved this episode for lots of reasons and learned so much. We know you will, too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Tevis Houston of Friends Everywhere. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Holland Martini and Maria Vorovich from GOODQUES, Own It

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of Own It, we’re talking to Holland Martini and Maria Vorovich from GOODQUES. Their firm is what they call the “anti-research” research company that is changing consumer insights practices. Their approach is to tackle research in a creative way.

They founded the company in 2019 after years working in the larger agency world. They were named a top global research company to watch in 2020 and 2021 by the StartupPill.

Our conversation focused on their path to ownership, their respective journeys to that point, and their take on why there are so few female agency owners, but how we grow that number.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Holland Martini and Maria Vorovich from GOODQUES. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

Episode 100: Christy Hiler and Jeanne Freeman Look Back on Two Years of Own It

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Today, we are celebrating a milestone. This is the 100th episode of Own It! And what a journey it has been.

Today we welcome back the co-founder of the Own It effort and our first guest way back in episode one, Jean Freeman from Zambezi. We wanted to look back on the last two years of conversations and progress, recap the amazing Own It Summit we just finished in New York, and talk about what’s next for our efforts to close the gender gap in advertising agency ownership.

We focus on the individual guests on this show, so today we’re going to pull back a bit and talk a bit more holistically about our energies, our progress and our plans. You’re in for a little change of pace today topically, but a fun and energizing conversation to keep us all moving forward.

Thanks for listening to this, the 100th episode of OWN IT with Jean Freeman from Zambezi. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Lee Deas from Obviouslee, Owns It

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 13:36:00 -0000

On this episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Lee Deas from Obviouslee. She started her agency when she was 25 with no money or capital investment. She actually taught salsa dancing to make ends meet while she built it. Almost 20 years later, she’s built an amazing agency that does awesome work.

Lee is a force. And you’ll get that in the conversation today. We talked about her lessons learned throughout her two decades of building her agency, her influences along the way, and, of course, what she thinks we need to do to get more women in the role of ownership in our business.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Lee Deas from Obviouslee. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Julie Sheldon and Lindsay Waugh of Tough Love, Own It

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0000

This week on OWN IT, we’re talking to Julie Sheldon and Lindsay Waugh of Tough Love. They say very clearly they are not an agency. They are strategy partners for all things brand, communication and social. Both come from backgrounds in strategy and planning for a variety of brands and agencies of all sizes. They came together to start Tough Love just one year ago.

We talked about their inspirations, their journeys and, of course, the challenges of bringing more women to the forefront of ownership and leading agencies today. And we tried not to focus too much on our mutual love of skiing, though we certainly touched on that, too.

This was such a fun conversation. We know you’ll enjoy it just like we did.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Julie Sheldon and Lindsay Waugh of Tough Love.. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Jolene Delisle of The Working Assembly, Owns It

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0000

This week on OWN IT, we’re talking to Jolene Delisle of The Working Assembly. She started out wanting to be in journalism, but came into advertising during an internship. She wound up leading creative for a lot of big-hitting advertising and branding shops along the way.

She launched The Working Assembly seven years ago and has flourished as an agency owner. But she also owns an ice cream shop, so we talked about the challenge of owning multiple businesses as well.

Jolene is amazing. We left this conversation inspired and excited. We know you will, too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Jolene Delisle of The Working Assembly. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Alisha Goldstein of The Jane Smith Agency, Owns It

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Alisha Goldstein of the Jane Smith Agency. Alisha’s focus is on offering a speciality in what she calls the most powerful consumer in the world - The Discerning Female Consumer.

We talked about the unique focus of her agency, her path to ownership and, of course, her thoughts on why there are so few female agency owners in advertising today.

We also talked about her love of riding horses, which is near and dear to us here in Kentucky!

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Alisha Goldstein of the Jane Smith Agency. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Brittany Woitas of Kōvly Studio, Owns It

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On the latest episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Brittany Woitas of Kōvly Studio. She might have the most interesting career journeys I’ve ever seen. She has been a financial advisor, a family farmer, a teacher and an agency owner. Her parent’s family farm gave her that entrepreneurial spirit.

We walked through her journey and her take on the gender gap in agency ownership. She is just brilliant and this was such a fun conversation. We know you’ll enjoy it as much as we did.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Brittany Woitas of Kōvly Studio. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Holly Fraser of Shelance, Owns It

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 13:00:00 -0000

This week on OWN IT, we’re talking to Hollie Fraser of Shelance. It is a community of freelance female creatives that serves to help that talent get found and seen. As you might imagine, Hollie spent time as a freelance creative, but comes from a long history of working at some of the biggest agencies in the world. Leo Burnett, Grey, MMC and others.

She started Shelance in 2023 after frustration with hearing the complaint that it’s hard to find great female creatives. Hollie didn’t agree but saw the opportunity to start a community to lift up strong women on the creative side of advertising.

We talked about her journey, her perspective on the industry and so much more. We love what she’s doing and so enjoyed our conversation. We're sure you will, too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Hollie Fraser of Shelance. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Faith Hurley and Stacy Callighan of PinPoint Creative, Own It

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 13:39:00 -0000

On this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Faith Hurley and Stacy Callighan from PinPoint Collective. In many ways these two power women are the Odd Couple, from their interests … food versus working out … to their backgrounds … Faith was an actor in a previous professional life. Stacy was an architect.

They met at a human-centered research and design firm. Faith gathered insights and Stacy designed a future not yet imagined with them. They launched PinPoint Collective in 2018 as a research and design agency with a mission to advance female leaders and create inclusive community by making design thinking equally accessible.

There’s so much to dig into here. We loved this conversation and know you will, too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Faith Hurley and Stacy Callighan from PinPoint Collective. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Suzanne Barbosa of Atlantic New York, Owns It

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 14:09:00 -0000

This week on OWN IT, we’re talking to Suzanne Barbosa of Atlantic New York. Her firm is the reigning AdAge Small Agency of the Year! Her experience prior to ownership included stops at MullenLowe, BBDO, Grey, Victors & Spoils and more. So, she brings the perspective of the big and the small to the conversation.

Suzanne loved being in the middle of everything through her career, so she came up in the account role in the business. She joined Atlantic NYC in the summer of 2022 in the middle of a pregnancy, but knew the move was right. And it was.

She has such a smart view of the business and has interesting thoughts on closing the gender gap in agency ownership. We so enjoyed this.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Suzanne Barbosa of Atlantic New York. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Katie Irving of The Moonshot Agency, Owns It

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0000

This week on OWN IT, we’re talking to Katie Irving of The Moonshot Agency. She works mainly in the fashion industry and started her career as a textile designer. That happens to be one of my favorite things, so we could have spent the whole episode talking about that … but we didn’t!

Katie and Christy Hiler explored her journey to ownership, the women who inspired her along the way and the challenges we face in closing that gender gap in agency ownership. This was such a great conversation and the fashion insights she brought to the table expanded what we know.

We're sure you’ll learn something new today.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Katie Irving of The Moonshot Agency. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Leeann Leahy of The VIA Agency, Owns It

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Leeann Leahy of The VIA Agency.

She hails from Portland, Maine where VIA does outstanding work and is an outstanding place to work. They were Ad Age’s Best Agency Culture winner in 2022.

Leeann’s history of work is impressive. She’s been with big and small agencies through the years. She admits she had to learn how to play politics at the big agencies but enjoyed carving her own way at smaller shops.

She actually started in Advertising at six months old. She was an Ivory Snow Baby and modeled through her childhood.

Leeann likes to entertain friends and family in her spare time. And as you can probably imagine, an agency owner does that very well.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Leeann Leahy of The VIA Agency. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Victoria Roedel of Ice Cream Social, Owns It

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On this episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Victoria Roedel of Ice Cream Social. Her experience includes time at both big agencies and big brands. She co-founded Ice Cream Social, which is a digital media and content firm, in 2020. They have PepsiCo, among other brands, on their client list.

And yes … they actually have three ice cream trucks which are incorporated into their business.

Victoria is also a foodie and rides a Vespa, which as you’ll hear sparked a bit of a coincidence with me! So much fun!

We so love the creativity and energy Victoria brings to the industry. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it, too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Victoria Roedel of Ice Cream Social. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Natalie Graeme and Lucy Jameson of Uncommon London, Own It

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 15:44:00 -0000

On this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Natalie Graeme and Lucy Jameson of Uncommon London. Both spent a number of years at a handful of incredible agencies before joining forces on the management team at Grey. From there they envisioned starting their own shop and in 2017 they did.

They’ve always been known for great work, but 2023 turned out to be “The” year for Uncommon. The agency won work from Nike Jordan, Pinterest and Beats and in March was named A-List International Agency of the Year by AdAge. In the summer, they sold a majority stake in the firm to Havas.

We can all learn a lot from Natalie and Lucy, so let’s get to it. Here’s my conversation with Natalie Graeme and Lucy Jameson from Uncommon.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Natalie Graeme and Lucy Jameson of Uncommon London. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Lyndsey Corona of Slap Global, Owns It

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0000

This week on OWN IT, we’re talking to Lyndsey Corona of Slap Global. She has just been an owner for about a year, so that piece of her journey is new. But her path to that point has a lot of lessons for us all.

First of all, Lyndsey is a boxer. She says it’s shaped her approach to business and ownership. She has certainly come into ownership swinging and I must say those punches are landing. She and Slap Global are winning a lot.

But she has a lot of experience she and her partners are bringing to their agency. She’s spent time at McCann, TBWA/Chiat/Day, Saatchi and Saachi and others.

Now she’s taking that big shop and boxing toughness to ownership, so our conversation was quite different and incredibly enlightening.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Lyndsey Corona of Slap Global. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Josy Amann & Taji Zaminasli of Media Matters Worldwide, Own It

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Josy Amann and Taji Zaminasli of Media Matters Worldwide. Their agency is 20 years old and is a media planning, buying and analytics agency. It has always been independent and women-owned so their experience is a treasure trove for us.

Josy and Taji also trail-blazed the concept of remote work. Media Matters Worldwide has been fully remote since 2005 – long before the pandemic made it necessary for some.

I so loved their perspective and experience that is so valuable. I’m excited for you to learn from them, too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Josy Amann and Taji Zaminasli of Media Matters Worldwide. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Jess Hickman and Louise Rengozzi of The Cusp, Own It

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Louise Rengozzi and Jess Hickman from The Cusp. This dynamic duo has worked together in various stops along their journey, but joined forces to found The Cusp earlier this year. So we’re catching them on the very beginning of their journey as owners.

Louise and Jess are based in Whales in the United Kingdom. We talked about their decision to launch The Cusp, the thinking behind their firm and of course, the challenges we face as female owners in a male dominated industry. It’s always great to get new perspectives on Owning It.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Louise Rengozzi and Jess Hickman from The Cusp. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Katie Klencheski of SMAKK, Owns It

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 13:42:00 -0000

On this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Katie Klencheski of SMAKK. It is a Brooklyn-based branding and marketing agency focused on wellbeing. Katie has dedicated her life and career to using creativity to drive meaningful change.

We talked about her love of art, her path to ownership and, of course, her take on what we can do to close the gender gap in agency ownership. I so enjoyed this episode and talking to Katie. I know you will, too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Katie Klencheski of SMAKK. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Cindy Gallop of If We Ran The World & Make Love Not Porn, Owns It

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0000

In this encore episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Cindy Gallop from If We Ran The World and Make Love Not Porn. The original episode dropped on August 29, 2022.

As you might guess from the name of her companies, Cindy is bold, brave and a bull in the China shop. She has deep experience in the advertising business and has been ruffling the feathers of the status quo for a long time.

Cindy starts off taking swings. She says women are at a distinct disadvantage in the advertising world because white men undermine their progress. Intentionally. You may want to buckle up for this conversation. Cindy is truly amazing.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Cindy Gallop from If We Ran The World and Make Love Not Porn. Make sure to connect with her on LinkedIn as well. We’ll have those links in our show notes.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please subscribe, then rate and share it on your podcast service of choice. Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at untilyouownit.com.

How Krista Carroll of Latitude, Owns It

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 12:43:25 -0000

This week on OWN IT, we’re talking to Krista Carroll of Latitude. She and her husband took a mission trip to Haiti in 2009 and returned to reshape their life to reflect their values. Latitude was the by-product of that shift as they launched the agency with the purpose to spend half of their time reinvesting in purpose-driven causes and brands.

The company mantra is “Purpose Elevates Talent.” They’ve been using that talent for clients from a multitude of industries and verticals for almost 14 years now. Perhaps the most fascinating piece of her story is that prior to founding Latitude, Krista was a school teacher.

As you can imagine, this episode produced a very different conversation. So let’s get to it.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Krista Carroll of Latitude. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Allison Henry Aver of Letter A, Owns It

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Allison Henry Aver of Letter A. Allison has been an instrumental creative force for brands like Bumble and bumble, Kate Spade and more. She was the founding creative director for Kate Spade Saturday in fact.

Allison is a creative problem solver and her agency works with emerging brands looking for personality, purpose and point of view. I enjoyed her point of view on our industry, her role in it and our role as women and owners.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Allison Aver of Letter A. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Elena Robinson of Putney, Owns It

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Elena Robinson of Putney. I’ve been so excited to talk to and learn from Elena since she announced Putney at Ad Age’s Small Agency Conference last year. She’s been at it for a little over a year now, so this is going to be an informative episode.

Elena has been at most of the big agencies in Chicago … Leo Burnett, BBDO and more. But now she’s turned her focus toward ownership. She plays guitar, was a theatre major in college, and worked in television production with the Oprah Winfrey Show … I can’t wait to dig in.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Elena Robinson of Putney. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Michelle Edelman of PETERMAYER, Owns It

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Michelle Edelman of PETERMAYER. Michelle is an ad industry veteran She’s served on the boards at the 4A’s and is currently serving on the board at AMIN Worldwide. She’s been at PETERMAYER in New Orleans for 10 years.

Michelle grew up thinking she would be a doctor. She actually went to medical school before opting for public affairs and healthcare marketing which led her to the industry we so love.

As you can imagine, the perspective she brings to the table is quite different and interesting.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Michelle Edelman of PETERMAYER. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Ellen Faulkner of Lewis Communications, Owns It

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Ellen Faulkner of Lewis Communications. We are going to learn a lot this week. Ellen is the CEO of Lewis where she has been for almost 39 years. She started as an account coordinator, but moved up and was SVP and managing director until last year.

Interestingly enough, she purposefully avoided ownership. But as time went on, she joined five others to take over the business from the former owner. She’s been the CEO for the last year and a half.

Now Ellen is also a bit of a legacy in our topic of ownership. Her mother owned the first woman-owned real estate company in the South Alabama region.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Ellen Faulkner of Lewis Communications. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Sally Weavers and Jenny Jones of Craft Media London, Own It

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Sally Weavers and Jenny Jones of Craft Media London. Both credit their mentoring and inspiration to a string of formidable women leaders in advertising. Now that they’re the formidable leaders, they’re inspiring more women to follow that path to ownership.

Sally and Jenny both came up through media and strategy. They’ve worked with some of the biggest brands in the world and guide amazing work. We talked about their experiences and then, as we do, mined their perspective on closing the gender gap in agency ownership.

We love getting the additional perspective from the UK, which is, unfortunately, not altogether different for women in the business. But that’s why we’re having these conversations.

You’ll enjoy this one.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Sally Weavers and Jenny Jones of Craft Media London. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Veronica Diaferia and Sara Eolin from Tinygiant, Own It

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Sara Eolin and Veronica Diaferia from Tinygiant. Tinygiant is a Canne’s Silver Lion award-winning production company that has worked with an incredible roster of the world’s biggest brands and agencies. Their big selling point is they offer the intimacy of a boutique firm at the speed and scale of a production company that does big work.

We had such a fun time exploring their paths to ownership, the work they do and their thoughts on how we can keep chipping away at the gender gap in agency ownership. They are so much fun and have so much energy.

You’ll love this episode.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Sara Eolin and Veronica Diaferia from Tinygiant. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Michelle O'Grady of Team Friday, Owns It

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Michelle O’Grady from Team Friday. Michelle is big into life experiences, and to compliment that, has a background in experiential marketing. She’s based in Los Angeles where Team Friday has existed for the last decade. It’s a creative agency with purpose driven and culturally relevant work in mind.

I love these conversations, especially this one with Michelle. We covered everything from her immigrant great-grandmother, who was also an entrepreneur, to her own path to ownership, to her perspective on the gender gap in agency ownership.

You are going to enjoy this episode. Here’s my conversation with Michelle O’Grady.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Michelle O’Grady from Team Friday. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Kate Wolff of Lupine Creative, Owns It

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000

This week on OWN IT, we’re talking to Kate Wolff of Lupine Creative. She comes from a family of powerhouse women, including her mother who is an attorney, and her grandmother is Janet Wolff, one of the first women inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame.

Kate has lived up to that legacy, starting Lupine Creative after navigating a career that included stops at TBWA/Chiat/Day, DDB and others. As you can imagine, the perspective of someone with her background is fascinating. We had a deep discussion about her journey, her work and her perspective on the gender gap in our industry.

I came away inspired and excited about our direction. I know you will, too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Kate Wolff of Lupine Creative. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Leigh Chandler of Sister Mary, Owns It

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Leigh Chandler of Sister Mary. It’s an exciting time to talk to her because she is in the middle of launching the firm. She’s a native Brit who moved to New York 10 years ago.

Leigh is a traveler and keen observer of different cultures and people, which makes her a fantastic translator to them from brands. We talked about the inspiration behind the name of her company, Sister Mary Corita Kent, her passion for ideas and the motivation to become an owner.

And, of course, we talked about the throws of starting new as she is doing just that. You’re going to enjoy getting to know Leigh, for sure.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Leigh Chandler of Sister Mary. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How MaryBeth Adduci and Karin Rose of 6, Own It

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to MaryBeth Adduci and Karin Rose of 6. We’re going to explore a different angle to ownership with this dynamic duo. MaryBeth and Karin are both creatives and met as creative partners at DDB in Chicago. They started 6 to build an agency that focused on what they call work that matters.

But the two still freelance as a creative team for others. The combination of those approaches puts a different spin on ownership and models an interesting hybrid approach that is quite inspiring.

We had a wonderful conversation about their journey, ownership and what needs to change for more of what they have done to be possible for others.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with MaryBeth Adduci and Karin Rose of Just6. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and the agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Amy Deneson of House of Puff, Pheno & the Cannabis Media Council, Owns It

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Amy Deneson from House of Puff, Pheno and the Cannabis Media Council. Each of those endeavors prove she’s not only entrepreneurial, but isn’t afraid to take that plunge into founding and owning agencies and businesses within our space.

We talked about why and how each of those were started, the challenges of marketing in the corporate cannabis world, and we get some inspiration from her to help close the gender gap in agency ownership.

It’s so inspiring to talk to women like Amy who just Own It … in more ways than one. Get ready to get inspired.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Amy Deneson. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the websites of her three businesses … House of Puff, Pheno and the Cannabis Media Council in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Jane Ferguson of PBS Newshour, Owns It

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Jane Ferguson, a correspondent for PBS Newshour and contributor to The New Yorker. As you might expect, this episode expands our conversation into the world of journalism and how Jane has seen parallel challenges in gender equity and opportunity. Since our industries are not only similar, but intimately intertwined, this conversation is an important one for us to have.

Jane shared her incredible journey to the top levels of journalism, the parallel challenges she faced that women in the agency world can relate to, and had some wonderful thoughts on what we can all do moving forward to continue closing the gaps in both industries.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the show’s website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Blair Brady of The With Agency, Owns It

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Blair Brady of The With Agency. It is a brand partnership agency based in Atlanta. She is a mom, a cook and a former ballerina. She started like many of us as an intern at an agency. Her career took what she calls zig-zags through a couple of agencies before she launched With in 2012.

Blair had so many interesting things to share including the perspective that women who lead agencies also need women climbing the corporate ladder on the brand side, so our mission here isn’t an all-or-none proposition. She had such great advice and thoughts on closing the gender gap in ad agency ownership. I’m so glad to share it with you this week.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Blair Brady's LinkedIn profile and The With Agency’s website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Shannon Gabor of Clever Creative, Owns It

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Shannon Gabor of Clever Creative. She has been an agency owner for almost 18 years, so we tapped into her wealth of experience in ownership.

Shannon came through the creative side of the business and, in a rather timely coincidence for what’s going on in the world today, she once worked on the licensing and packaging team at Mattel for the Barbie product line! And yes, I asked her to chime in on the amazing campaign we’re seeing today in support of the Barbie movie.

We also talked about her passion for cooking and travel. Her mother is Guatemalan, so the conversion diverted there to even more goodness!

Shannon was such a joy to talk to. You’re going to love this.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Shannon's LinkedIn profile and Clever Creative's agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Sarah Latz & Francesca Piancone from Book180, Own It

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Today's episode of OWN IT features Sarah Latz and Francesca Piancone-Crowley from Book180. It is an online portfolio school that sources the best agency talent to teach new professionals in our industry! That is so cool!

The conversation that became the idea for Book 180 was born during COVID. The two worked together at a portfolio school in Chicago before and during the pandemic and saw the online-only approach to education as an opportunity.

Both are writers by craft, but come to the education space with great experiences from the agency space. Sarah spent time as a writer at many of the large agencies during her time in New York, Atlanta and Chicago before moving back to South Carolina. Francesca spent time in the publishing industry, but then found her way into the ad business through the portfolio school where she and Sarah met.

We had a very useful conversation about being entrepreneurs and owners and though Book 180 isn’t a traditional agency, they are helping feed the talent into our industry that builds them. And they are most definitely a part of our community!

You’re going to love their perspective and energy.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Sarah Latz and Francesca Piancone-Crowley's LinkedIn profiles and the Book180 website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Haley Dagan from The Written World, Owns It

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000

On this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Haley Dagan from The Written World. As you might expect, her background is as a copywriter and her firm specializes in purpose-driven copywriting and content marketing.

Writing has been a big piece of her journey along the way. In fact, when she worked in the hotel business, she started a travel blog. She then started blogging and writing as a free-lancer which carried her through the pandemic and inspired her taking the plunge into ownership.

I loved our talk, especially when I asked Haley what story she wants to write for our industry. I certainly enjoyed this conversation. I know you will, too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Haley Dagan from The Written World. You can find links to Haley Dagan's LinkedIn profile and The Written World in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Alana Ficalora from Aligned for Impact, Owns It

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Alana Ficalora from Aligned for Impact. Alana is a dancer away from work and does a lot of community and volunteer work in Los Angeles. She actually comes from a deep tradition of building community. She founded HER - Helping Each Other Rise, a community group of like-minded women dedicated to helping women in advertising and entertainment.

Her firm, Aligned for Impact, helps companies drive social change through employee and customer engagement and sharing stories of positive impact with the world. She also co-hosts a podcast of her own called Missed Opportunities for Good where she and fellow host Steph Belsky look at brands and their social impact.

Alana and I talked a lot about community and how ours is making a change in the industry. Such a great time with Alana. You’re going to enjoy this episode!

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Alana Ficalora from Aligned for Impact. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency’s website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Mary Knight of Hydrogen, Owns It.

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Mary Knight of Hydrogen. She is a writer and came up in the business on the creative side of the aisle. In fact, she is currently working on a satirical novel of climbing the corporate ladder we can’t wait to read!

Mary’s father was a marketing director on the client-side of the advertising business. He raised her and her sisters with the mindset that a woman should be able to do anything a man can do. She carved out an amazing career working on brands like Tabasco and with agencies like FCB, Tracy-Locke and The Richards Group.

She joined Hydrogen as ECD 10 years ago with the plan to one day take over as owner. She did that in January of this year.

Her perspective of becoming an owner after years in the business is a valuable one for those aspiring agency pros, but also helpful for the owners listening. Mary brings a lot of experience to the table. So let’s dig in.

Thanks for listening to this episode. You can find links to Mary Knight's LinkedIn profile and the Hydrogen's website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Megan Devine of cat&tonic, Owns It

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Megan Devine from cat&tonic. She came up through the account side of advertising, but is also a painter with a creative side. That mix turned out to be important in her climb to a position of ownership.

But her path to ownership includes experiences of being fired, leaving an agency and starting something new with partners and then rebranding that agency to what is now cat&tonic.

Megan’s thoughts on ownership and closing the gender gap in ad agency ownership are certainly worth hearing. We had such an amazing conversation. I know your’re going to enjoy hearing it.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Megan Devine's LinkedIn Profile and cat&tonic's website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

ENCORE: How Libby Brockhoff of Odysseus Arms, Owns It

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0000

We're airing an encore presentation of OWN IT today in honor of a recent accomplishment by Libby Brockhoff from Odysseus Arms. We talked to her first almost one year ago about her path to ownership which included a stint working for James Patterson, some of the biggest agencies in the world, then founding Mother. That firm just recently won the D&AD President's Award!

Libby since moved on to found Odysseus Arms with her husband and partner.

Enjoy our revisit with one of the true visionary agency leaders today on the show.

You can find Odysseus Arms' amazing work online at O hyphen Arms dot com (o-arms.com). And be sure to connect with Libby on LinkedIn.

I’m Christy Hiler. We’ll talk again soon … On Own It!

How Barbara Pantuso and Lisa Reid from Nimble Works, Own It

Mon, 29 May 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Today we’re talking to Barbara Pantuso and Lisa Reid from Nimble Works. These sisters started their creative collaboration when they were kids with a fun neighborhood newspaper. But they didn’t always work together. In fact, Barbara started her professional career in the restaurant business.

Lisa’s career was more rooted in writing and marketing creative. Eventually, the entrepreneurial spirit led the sisters into business together. Barbara talked Lisa into joining her in the venture that became Nimble Works which is now an amazing healthcare focused firm blazing new trails in creative and beyond.

We talked about their journeys to ownership and unique perspectives on closing the gender gap in ownership in our business.

I so love learning of different and interesting journeys.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Barbara Pantuso and Lisa Reid from Nimble Works. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency’s website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Ali Cox of Noble West, Owns It

Mon, 22 May 2023 12:35:40 -0000

On this episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Ali Cox from Noble West. It’s not every day that you run into an Olympic athlete. Ali not only is one, she was a member of the United States Silver Medal-winning Women’s Eight Rowing team in 2004.

It’s also not every day you run into an agency owner that is also a farmer. Her family has farmed for generations in California's almond and melon fields.

You might expect, then that Ali and her firm are focused on agriculture, and you would be right. But getting to that point was an evolution with some ups, downs, twists and turns. She takes us through all those in our conversation and has some poignant insights for new, young and aspiring agency owners to take to heart.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Ali Cox from Noble West. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and the agency’s website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying OWN IT, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Allison Bakken of Collective Measures, Owns It

Mon, 15 May 2023 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Allison Bakken from Collective Measures. Her path to ownership is very different and interesting. She began at an agency called Nina Hale, once a small agency owned by a woman. When Nina retired, she sold the company to its employees.

Allison became the managing director and guided the company through a rebranding to become Collective Measures. She now leads a 100-person strong media agency in downtown Minneapolis.

We talked about the ins and outs of that journey, the benefits of leading an employee owned firm and, of course, her ideas on why the agency ownership gender gap exists and how we can close it.

I loved exploring the unique structure of the firm with Allison. It certainly opens your thinking to the different ways we can own it.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Allison Bakken's LinkedIn profile and the Collective Measures website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Rachel Carlson and Jourdan Huys from Foul Mouth, Own It

Mon, 08 May 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of OWN IT we’re talking to Rachel Carlson and Jourdan Huys from the brand new agency Foul Mouth. They officially announced the firm’s opening the week before we spoke, I’m so excited to talk to new agency owners at the very beginning of their journey.

But make no mistake, Rachel and Jourdan are not new to the business. Both have a long list of successful work at a variety of the top agencies. But like many owners before them, found themselves between opportunities and said, “We should start our own agency!”

And from the sheer number of people in the business who have mentioned being excited to see what they build, everyone agrees they should have!

This was such a great conversation and you’ll love what they both have to say about what the problems and opportunities are in closing the gender gap in agency ownership. There’s so much goodness here.

Thanks for listening to this episode. You can find links to LinkedIn profiles for both Rachel Carlson and Jourdan Huys, as well as a link to Foul Mouth's website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Tahira White of 19th & Park, Owns It

Mon, 01 May 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Own It, we’ve got something new and special for you. Our conversations about closing the gender gap in advertising agency ownership shouldn’t be limited to just one person asking the questions. So I’ve asked Carrie Kerpen, who you heard me talk to a few weeks ago, to step in and host an episode. Not only will she host from time to time, but so will many others who are active in our community. Today is just the first of many conversations from and with all of you.

This week, Carrie talks to Tahira White of 19th & Park. That firm evolved from Tahira’s production work for now business partner Whitney Headen, who at the time was working at Essence. Tahira tells the story behind the agency and name, which isn’t quite what you think. But then digs in deep to how they are attacking the diversity in staffing and creative output in truly innovative ways.

Tahira also shares the secrets to getting in the room to work with the biggest brands in the world.

You’re really going to enjoy this conversation.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with our guest host Carrie Kerpen. You can find links to the LinkedIn profile of our guest, Tahira White, as well as a link to her agency, 19th & Park, in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Nina Stanley of MOD, Owns It

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we’re talking to Nina Stanley of MOD. Her Philadelphia-based agency does amazing work around brand storytelling, strategy and creative, but is rooted in the study of consumer behavior, neuroscience and the psychology behind what makes advertising work.

That’s a long way from starting her professional career as a ballerina. We talked about that very unique career path and how its twists and turns shaped her thinking as an advertising creative and strategist.

We talked about the challenges and blessings of running an agency and the contradiction in the movement by brands to ensure authentic representation happens … while ignoring the authentic representation of women.

What an important conversation. It’s ones like these that made me want to start this podcast.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Nina Stanley of MOD. You can find links to her LinkedIn profiles and the agency’s website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Sam Laubach and Meghan Martin of Here & Now Creative Co., Own It

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Sam Laubach and Meghan Martin from Here & Now Creative Co. The two are actually cousins, so they run a family business. They didn’t start out as collaborators, though. And I love their origin story. Meghan texted Sam one day and said, “Why don’t we just start our own agency?” YES!!!!

They’re both designers, though each with a different approach to creative. Their firm specializes in brand development and brand design and does amazing work.

We explored their confidence in easing into ownership, the challenges they’ve faced and how they’ve carved out success, and of course, we addressed the challenges in addressing the gender gap in agency ownership.

Their story and energy is so exciting and energizing. You’re going to love this conversation. I know I did.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Sam Laubach and Meghan Martin from Here & Now Creative Co. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and the agency’s website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Lisa Slagle of Wheelie, Owns It

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Lisa Slagle from WHEELIE! Her firm specializes in video-centric campaigns and rebrands, but they say their creative is for people who thrive outside. As you might expect, she deals with a lot of clients in the outdoor industry.

She’s an avid outdoor enthusiast like me. And being in Colorado helps her with that endeavor. She skis, snowboards, hikes and also has the experience of running a marathon.

We talked about her book-in-progress which is about having creative ideas and how they live in you. Her work with other female leaders in her community. And yes … we addressed the issues around women in ownership, not just leadership.

She’s so very insightful and thoughtful. I really enjoyed my time with her. I know you’ll enjoy it, too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Lisa's LinkedIn profile and WHEELIE's agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Carrie Kerpen of Likeable, Owns It

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Carrie Kerpen of Likeable. Her agency was one of the early firms to lay claim on social media expertise and her business exploded with the trend. But she says that early and fast growth covered up a lot of problems she had to work through and learn from.

Carrie tells us about the power of having a clear vision for your agency and why you should think about selling your agency even if you aren’t ready to sell your agency. She says building it to sell will make your agency stronger, whether you sell it or not. And she has a great tool to help you determine how sellable your business is today, called the Whisper Score.

I loved this conversation. Carrie is full of energy. I learned a lot here and know you will, too.

Show Links:

Dave & Carrie Kerpens' wedding coverage in Inc. Magazine

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. with Carrie Kerpen of Likeable. You can find links to Carrie's LinkedIn prfile and Likeable's agency website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Stacy Durand of Smart Media Technologies, Owns It

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Stacy Durand of Smart Media Technologies. Stacy launched her own agency after years as the CEO of another.

Stacy comes from the media buying segment of the industry, which as you’ll hear, is very different in gender dynamics. That turned out to be quite empowering for her. Our conversation about what needs to change for more women to own agencies is not what you might expect.

Stacy also had some great advice for anyone aspiring to be an owner … or just anyone who is looking to succeed in this wonderful industry we call home.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Stacy Durand's LinkedIn profile and Smart Media Technologies' website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Susan Betteridge and Kate Black of Pahnke, Own It

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Hi and welcome to the OWN IT podcast, where we celebrate the growing number of (women and non-binary) ad agency owners and talk about buying out of the boys’ club of advertising, one agency at a time.

In this episode, we talk to Kate Black and Susan Betteridge from Pahnke. I so enjoy hearing the stories of partnership and co-ownership, so having Kate and Susan on the podcast was exciting. And their story of coming together to form Pahnke is not your typical shared ownership story.

In fact, Kate even said she didn’t want to return to agency life after seeing the industry from the publishing side of the aisle working at The Onion of all places. Creativity brought her around and Susan asked her not to work at an agency, but help lead one.

And, of course, we talk about their ideas on closing the gender gap in agency ownership. You’re really going to enjoy this conversation.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Kate Black and Susan Betteridge from Pahnke. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and the agency’s website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Renee Miller of The Miller Group, Owns It

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode, we’re talking to Renee Miller of The Miller Group. She is a rare bird among advertising agency owners. She launched her agency in Southern California in 1990 – 33 years ago. Her agency is focused on helping purpose-driven brands and those focused on outcomes, not outputs.

Renee tells us about the evolution of the advertising business through the last three decades and how gender roles in the agency world have changed. She also draws a line and tells us some typical behaviors we shouldn’t use to make our world better.

As you might expect, Renee spends a lot of time these days mentoring, so having her on the show is a real blessing, for me and I think, for all of you.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Renee Miller of The Miller Group. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and agency’s website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Marissa Nance of Native Tongue, Owns It

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode we’re talking to Marissa Nance of Native Tongue. She spent nearly 30 years in the Omnicom family of agencies before taking the plunge into ownership just a few short years ago. But she did so to create more seats at the table. Native Tongue is believed to be the first Minority and Women Business Enterprise certified media agency in the world.

Marissa talked about her experiences that led her to ownership, what advice she has for those with aspirations to own it, and what she thinks is holding us back. The answer to that was eye-opening. Listen for that, for sure.

I think you’ll find that for a big-shot media agency owner in the glitz and glamor of L.A., Marissa is perhaps the most down-to-earth, straight-forward and REAL person you can talk to about this business.

Enjoy this conversation. I know I did.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to the resources we discussed, Marissa's LinkedIn profile and Native Tongue.’s website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

Other resources mentioned in the episode:

The earring artist: Andrea Iyamah (https://www.andreaiyamah.com/)

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

ENCORE: How Carol Williams of Carol H. Williams Advertising, Owns It

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today, we are truly honored to learn from Carol Williams. She is perhaps most commonly known as the first African-American female creative director and vice-president in the advertising business. She accomplished that at Leo Burnett in Chicago in the early 1980s.

But she is more deeply known as a tireless pioneer and change agent, who has worked tirelessly to level the playing field in advertising for women and African-Americans, both in the industry and in our creative outputs.

She assumed agency ownership in 1986. Carol H. Williams Advertising continues to be a beacon of great work, great people and great purpose in our industry. What an honor to have her share her path to ownership with us today.

Learn more about her agency, its purpose and its people at carolhwilliams.com. Be sure to connect with Mrs. Williams on LinkedIn, too.

How Marissa Shapiro of Martha, Owns It

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Marissa Shapiro from Martha. Her firm claims to develop brands from the inside out and does amazing branding work for its clients. We talk about her path to ownership, which included work on both the agency and brand side of the business.

She started as a writer and has most recently been writing a fiction novel. So exciting!

Marissa has some great thoughts about continuing our work to close the advertising agency ownership gender gap and supporting one another along the way. And get out your notebooks … she shares some great resources for you as well.

Communities & Resources

Books

A Company of One by Paul Jarvis
My Year of Rest & Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Marissa Shapiro from Martha. You can find links to the resources she shared, Marissa's LinkedIn profile and Martha's website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Amanda Russell of Cream Studios, Owns It

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Amanda Russell of Cream Studio. Her firm is based in Richmond, Virginia, and is a fantastic creative shop with specialties in 2D and 3D animation, illustration and design. They make magic come alive on screen for clients.

It’s not a surprising leap, then, to know that Amanda enjoys gaming. She plays Fortnite with her two children and husband. We actually connect that activity with some creative wisdom in our conversation.

While we talk about the gender gap in advertising agency ownership here on own it, Amanda has a double whammy. She is a female owner in the animation studio space. My guess is the gender gap may be more pronounced there.

Her ideas about how to handle that rare air and solve the gender gap are certainly valuable to consider. I so enjoyed talking with Amanda. You will enjoy listening.

The two books Amanda referenced in the conversation were:

How to Stand Up to a Dictator by Maria Ressa
How to Win Friend and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Amanda Russell's LinkedIn profile and Cream Studio's website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Salma Gottfried and Flor Leibeschoff of Beautiful Beast, Own It

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today we’re talking to the dynamic duo of Salma Gottfried and Flor Leibeschoff of Beautiful Beast. Their agency started as a Hispanic-focused multicultural agency, but quickly grew into a dynamic cross-cultural firm. Salma was born and raised in Mexico City. Flor navigated a meteoric rise through the biggest agencies in Argentina.

They came together in Dallas, Texas and co-created Beautiful Beast just last year. In fact, their one-year anniversary is coming up next month.

Our conversation was so rich because these two women are literally in the early stages of building an agency. Being bold was their theme for last year and bold they were.

Because their entrepreneurship and path to ownership is new, they have some very smart and pointed perspectives on the gender gap in agency ownership. This will be one of those episodes I refer back to often. I’m sure you will too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Salma Gottfried and Flor Leibeschoff of Beautiful Beast. You can find links to their LinkedIn profiles and Beautiful Beast’s website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Shannon LaBare of Purveyor Branding Co., Owns It

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Shannon LaBare of Purveyor Branding Co. She came up through the business as a graphic designer on the brand side of things. She spent time at Bolthouse Farms, then lead a creative team at Campbell’s Soup. She launched Purveyor Branding Co., to help brands create a gravitational pull to customers in 2017.

Since then, she and her agency have worked with brands across agriculture, food and beverage, consumer goods and more. Company culture is a big part of what she focuses on. Purveyor actually has a 30-hour work week.

I love talking to creative people and I loved Shannon’s perspective on the gender gap in our industry.

Enjoy my conversation with Shannon LaBare.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Shannon's LinkedIn profile and Purveyor Branding Co.’s website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Sue Kramer of Connecting Dots Guru, Owns It

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0000

I’m Christy Hiler, owner of Cornett and today, we’re talking to Sue Kramer of Connecting Dots Guru. Sue is a filmmaker and screenwriter who proudly wears the title of creative disruptor. The first part of her career was spent as a successful screenwriter. She also directed the film Gray Matters with A-list stars like Heather Graham, Tom Cavanaugh and Sissy Spacek.

She transitioned to owning an agency after taking time off to raise her daughter. But every time she switched from one hat to another, she had doubters and explained to me that doubt is a gender bias. I love her explanation of that in our conversation.

There’s a lot to dig into here. Sue is also a Latina activist who created the “Be Dope. Vote” campaign and platform in 2020. Voting, you’ll hear, is a major pursuit in her life.

And … she’s a dancer! I told you there was a lot to cover!

Enjoy my conversation with Sue Kramer.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Sue Kramer's LinkedIn profile and Connecting Dots Guru website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Lianne Kim of Mamas & Co., Owns It

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Lianne Kim from Mamas & Co. She is a business coach for Mom entrepreneurs. A big part of her mission and her own business is setting priorities around family and being protective of her time away from work.

There’s so much inspiration and information that pours out when you talk to Lianne. She hosts MamaCon, a conference for moms who run businesses, in Toronto each year. She hosts a successful business podcast. But she also sits around the table with her family each night and shares her day, and checks in with theirs.

As you might imagine, Lianne is excited about exploring the issues we face in closing the gender gap in agency ownership. She talks about her business with her daughters and has some interesting ideas on how we can create more pathways to ownership for little girls and those who are coming next.

Enjoy this conversation with Lianne Kim.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Lianne Kim on LinkedIn and to her firm, Mamas & Co, and her fantastic podcast, The Business of Thinking Big, in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Jaime Ekman of Stoltz Marketing Group, Owns It

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Jaime Ekman of the Stoltz Marketing Group. That agency was started by Ken Stoltz, Jaime’s father. So her path to ownership is a bit different than many agency owners.

But it’s even more complicated than just growing up in the agency world. Mr. Stoltz was diagnosed with brain cancer and Jaime came to the business from working elsewhere out of necessity to help manage the business. I think we can all imagine the difficulty of that transition, but after about six months into her taking over a leadership role, her father passed.

Jaime talks about taking over a team that wasn’t her own, building one that shared her vision and the success she is now experiencing after a five-year journey to reset the agency both differently from, and in honor of, her father.

There are so many incredible lessons in this episode. Jaime is a true leader and inspiration. This is certainly an emotional conversation, but I feel so blessed to have had it. I know you will share in that once you listen.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Jaime's LinkedIn profile and the agency website for the Stoltz Marketing Group in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Kate Wight of Strong Brand Social, Owns It

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0000

I’m Christy Hiler, owner of Cornett and today, we’re talking to Kate Wight of KW Content and Strong Brand Social. Katie’s journey to ownership is as unique as they come. She landed her first job because she was an avid snowboarder and spoke French. She evolved through being a French language rider representative and landed on the marketing team at Burton Snowboards.

She started KW Content and eventually Strong Brand Social to help brands build better content for the ever-growing need for social media. Her firm is just over five years old and growing at a healthy pace.

And listen close for her unique perspective to both work and self-care … Kate actually prefers to work from Europe, though most of her team is in the U.S. Listen for that insight. It’s quite interesting.

Kate’s perspective on the industry and how we can make a difference in closing the gender gap in agency ownership are well worth hearing. I’m glad you’re here to listen.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. Find links to Kate Wight on LinkedIn and Strong Brand Social in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Caitlin Masingill of Full Swing Public Relations, Owns It

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Caitlin Masingill of Full Swing Public Relations. She hails from Boise, Idaho, and wanted to be a broadway actress before she found the wonderful world of agency life.

Now, her agency journey and insights about ownership and the main topic we discuss here of closing the gender gap in agency ownership is well worth hearing. But Caitlin’s path to being ready to own it is both incredible and inspirational.

In 2012, she became the first openly LGBTQ person elected to the Missoula, Montana city council after being frustrated with “no” votes for an anti-discrimination ordinance. That “first” status led to a role in a large public affairs firm.

You just have to hear her tell the story. She is so brilliant and inspiring. I loved this conversation so much. I know you will, too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Caitlin's LinkedIn profile and agency’s website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Ashley Walters of Curiosity, Owns It

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Ashley Walters of Curiosity. She is another owner of a recent Ad Age Small Agency of the Year winner. Curiosity does such great work so I’m very excited to talk to her today.

Ashley and I talk about her journey to ownership, her path through the advertising industry. She was fortunate in her path to work for many great women in leadership positions, which we have discussed as being fundamental in inspiring future leaders.

One interesting story Ashley tells today is her diversion through sales, where at first she wanted little to do with it, but it ultimately led to her owning Curiosity.

It’s so much fun being on this side of the mic learning from amazing women. This episode is certainly a highlight for me.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Ashley Walters of Curiosity. You can find links to her LinkedIn profile and Curiosity’s website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Haley Hunter of Party Land, Owns It

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Haley Hunter of Party Land. Her firm was named the Small Agency of the Year in 2021 by Ad Age and all of us at Cornett love their work.

When Haley was in high school she was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up and her answer was to make ads. She started at a small agency, but shortly after left the business. But the agency life came calling again.

Haley has handled a number of roles and responsibilities at places like Bartle Bogle Hegarty and Fallon. That diversity of experiences helped her see how to run the operations of a business, so she was ready when the opportunity to launch Party Land came to be.

I get energized talking to people with so much knowledge and passion for our business. You will too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links Haley Hunter's LinkedIn profile and the Party Land website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Elena Rivera-Cheek of Copy & Art, Owns It

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Elena Rivera-Cheek of Copy & Art. She came up through the copy side of that equation in the healthcare space thanks to a childhood expectation to become a doctor. But she followed the calling to Own It 11 years ago, and has built an outstanding agency.

Like many women agency owners, Elena’s experience with motherhood influenced her decision to plant her own flag rather than work for someone else.

Another thing I love about Elena is that she spends a lot of time exposing the advertising business to schools and students to ensure the industry reaches young people, particularly in underserved populations.

So inspiring and such a delight to talk to.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Elena's LinkedIn profile and Copy & Art’s website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Zihla Salinas of Conspiracy Theory, Owns It

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Zihla Salinas of Conspiracy Theory. She is a self-proclaimed loud and disruptive personality who lets her full self shine. I love that so much and we talk about what that means.

Zihla started Conspiracy Theory just a little over a year ago. It is a minority-owned and woman-led independent agency network. While that’s a little different perspective than what we normally hear on Own it, as you can imagine, we have a lot in common to talk about.

Zihla spent many years in leadership at a number of great agencies until following her own path to ownership. Her approach to life and work is so inspiring and she shares wisdom we can all learn from.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Zihla Salinas's LinkedIn profile and the Conspiracy Theory website in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, please find it on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Laura Janness of Orchard, Owns It

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Laura Janness of Orchard. She is one of the agency owners that everyone I’ve talked to has said, “You need to have Laura on your show!” Well, today, we do!

Laura looks to art and poetry to inspire her creative side, and she’s in an appropriate place for that. She loves living in and exploring New York City.

Laura worked at some of the biggest and most successful ad agencies in the world. She lists Leo Burnett and Deutsch on her roster. She launched Orchard in 2019 and one year later, was named both the U.S. and Global Agency of the Year by Campaign.

We talk about her journey, the variety of experiences she had and needed to own it, and her take on closing the gender gap in the ad agency business.

This is a good one.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Laura Janness of Orchard in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

If you’re enjoying Own It, we have a slightly different request than normal. Please go to Own It on your favorite podcast app and drop us a rating and review. Those help more people discover the show and join our community.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Sophia Johnson of ABI, Owns It

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Sophia Johnson of Alpha Business Images or ABI. Sophia calls herself a gatherer of people and is very focused on her family. But she extends that definition beyond her husband, children and relatives to the family around her business and clients.

She worked her way up through a financial services company, but was drawn to the marketing side of the business. She wound up managing the agency relationships and learned how to build a brand from that side of the aisle.

I so love Sophia’s story and her family-centric approach to both life and business. I think you’ll see why today on the podcast.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Sophia Johnson of ABI. You can find links to her agency and her LinkedIn profile as well in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Lauren Sweeney of Dotted Line, Owns It

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Lauren Sweeney of Dotted Line. Her path to agency ownership is very different than most of us. She got started simply trying to help people grow their business. Her job before was a project manager at a financial institution. She even admitted she didn’t even know what an agency was, then started one.

Her fresh perspective on marketing has been a boon for clients and those of us who have gotten to know her.

She and I also have a few other things in common … we love the outdoors, are both rooted in our faith and our husbands are also entrepreneurs. As you can imagine, our talk was so wonderful. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Lauren Sweeney of Dotted Line. You can find links to her agency and her LinkedIn profile as well in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at that same address … untilyouownit.com.

How Kate Wadia of Mrs & Mr., Owns It

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Welcome to the OWN IT podcast, where we celebrate the growing number of (women and non-binary) ad agency owners and talk about buying out of the boys’ club of advertising, one agency at a time.

Today, we’re talking to Kate Wadia of Mrs & Mr. Kate found her path to ownership through the creative side of the business. During the 10 years she spent at Arnold, she actually pitched against her husband for a big account. They decided working together would be better, so they started Mrs and Mr. in 2016.

We talked about her background, people and places that inspire her and, of course, the challenge of closing the gender gap in agency ownership.

Kate is such a delight to talk to and her vision and energy is inspiring. I think you’ll agree.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Kate's agency and her LinkedIn profile as well in our show notes at untilyouownit.com.

How Jodi Katz of Base Beauty Creative, Owns It

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Jodi Katz of Base Beauty Creative Agency. Jodi is also the host of the Where Brains Meets Beauty podcast and author of her new book, Facing the Seduction of Success, which is a compilation of some of the best stories and advice from her podcast guests and episodes.

Jodi’s rise to success as an agency owner intertwines with being a content creator. She is a great representation of today’s entrepreneur who grew up in the world of social media and personal branding and she shines in that role. We talked about the fear that drives her success, the fun of leading an agency and, as usual, we dive into how to recruit and support more female agency owners.

She even says, we need to redefine what an agency is.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find links to Jodi, her agency, her podcast and her book in our show notes. We’ll link to her on LinkedIn as well so you can connect with her there.

How Kat Thay of Kat & Carter, Owns It

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Kat Thay of Kat & Carter. You’ll notice right away Kat is British. She has navigated a career path through design, then advertising there. She has been state-side for about five years now, in Austin, Texas, where she and Kat & Carter is based.

Her firm is a hybrid agency and content production house that helps brands create content that builds their brand and sells product. They launched during COVID, so are relatively new to the marketplace.

We talked a bit about her partnership with Carter Pagel, whom she met at a networking event, her career path and the challenges of owning her own firm.

Kat was such a joy to get to know and learn from. I’m sure you’ll feel the same.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. Find Kat Thay and Kat & Carter online at katandcarter.com. You should connect with her on LinkedIn as well. We’ll have those links in our show notes.

How Sophie Ozoux of Kin, Owns It

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Sophie Ozoux from Kin. Sophie brings a diverse worldview to her work. She is French, but spent time in her youth in Africa and Saudi Arabia. She has also lived and worked in Paris, New York and L.A.

Her work has taken her through several large agencies, plus Coca-Cola on the brand side as well.

She co-founded Kin as a creative agency that champions social change through culture. We talk about her evolution to ownership and the purpose behind what Kin does.

It was such a delight to get to know her and learn her perspective on closing the agency gap in the advertising business.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. Find Sophie Ozoux and Kin online at workwithkin.com. You should connect with her on LinkedIn as well. We’ll have those links in our show notes.

How Cindy Gallop of If We Ran The World & Make Love Not Porn, Owns It

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Cindy Gallop from If We Ran The World and Make Love Not Porn. As you might guess from the name of her companies, Cindy is bold, brave and a bull in the China shop. She has deep experience in the advertising business and has been ruffling the feathers of the status quo for a long time.

How Yadira Harrison and Shannon Jones of Verb, Own It

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0000

On this episode, we're talking to two amazing female owners … Yadira Harrison and Shannon Jones of Verb. Both came into the agency world from the entertainment segment. Yadira even worked on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The two met working at an agency on the AirBnB business. We talked about the organic way they evolved to ownership, the early and often challenging conversations about revenue and bootstrapping, and the building blocks of Verb from its launch to now.

One thing that stood out you should listen for is something Yadira said … there’s a difference in working in the business, versus working on the business. So very true.

The energy and chemistry these two bring to the table is enviable. We learned so much. We know you will, too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Yadira Harrison and Shannon Jones of Verb. You can find them online at pickaverb.com. Make sure to connect with both on LinkedIn as well. Those links will be in our show notes.

How Megan Lally of Highdive, Owns It

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Megan Lally of Highdive. She and her partners spun off Highdive after working at big holding company agencies and saw early success. We talked about that success, the challenges and advantages of being in a partnership as an owner.

Megan and I talked a lot about the qualities women bring to the table to make our industry stronger. It was such a good discussion that helps move our approach to closing the gender gap forward.

Learn more about her firm at highdiveus.com. Make sure to connect with Megan on LinkedIn as well.

How Maureen Maldari of The BAM Connection, Owns It

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Maureen Madari of The BAM Connection. I had the good fortune of getting to know Maureen during a recent gathering of female agency owners in NYC and couldn’t wait to introduce her and her experience with all of you.

Maureen grew up the daughter of a boxer and boxing trainer. She explained how her conversations with her dad prepared her to go into the business world. We also talked about how the disparity in male-female pay early in her career re-routed her path and inspired her to level the playing field.

She is such an inspiration for us all.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. Learn more about her firm at thebam.com. Make sure to connect with Maureen on LinkedIn as well.

How Lori Gaffney of Borders Perrin Norrander, Owns It

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Lori Gaffney of Borders Perrin Norrander … BPN. Previously on Own It, we’ve talked to agency owners who came up through strategy or creative. Lori is a bit of a rare breed in that she came up through the media side of the business. But she has been an inspiring and successful leader in the advertising world for 40 years across all aspects of the industry.

Lori talked about an interesting challenge in agency ownership that we all need to think more about, which is pay equity. She also shared her challenges with impostor syndrome … a lot of us fight self-doubt. Lori offered some sage advice to win that battle.

I had so much fun learning form Lori. I know you will, too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. Learn more about Borders Perrin Norrander at bpninc.com. Make sure to connect with Lori on LinkedIn as well.

How Danielle Wiley of Sway Group, Owns It

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Danielle Wiley of Sway Group.

Daneille launched her agency in the middle of the social media and blogging boom of the mid-2000s because she wanted to help fellow bloggers earn more and find better representation in the marketing world. Almost 20 years later, she has one of the most successful and widely recognized influencer marketing firms in the business.

Danielle and I got into lots of interesting topics as we talked about the courage to become an owner, facing the fear and uncertainty of ownership, and the power of mentorship and support for those of us who do own, and those who aspire to.

Yet another amazing female owner to inspire you.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. Learn more about Sway at swaygroup.com. Make sure to connect with Danielle on LinkedIn as well.

How Ruth Bernstein of Yard NYC, Owns It

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Ruth Bernstein of Yard NYC. Ruth came from the brand side of the business before landing one of the most interesting and exciting jobs I can think of … she was the brand guardian for Sundance, working for Robert Redford, who she calls “Bob.” She told us that story and explained how her experiences led to starting Yard NYC with her husband.

Right off the bat, I knew Ruth and I were soul sisters. She’s not only an agency owner who works with her husband. She is a mom and a sister and a soul searcher. As we dove into the issue of the gender gap in agency ownership, she shared some really sound advice for when you take that leap and how to model yourself to ensure others are inspired to.

I’m so excited to share this with you.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Ruth Bernstein of Yard NYC. Learn more about the agency at yardnyc.com. Be sure to connect with Ruth on LinkedIn as well.

How Nasya Kamrat of Faculty, Owns It

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today, we’re talking to Faculty’s co-founder and CEO, Nasya Kamrat. She started her career as a writer and aspiring theatre director, but happened into the advertising business like many of us, thinking it would be a temporary diversion while she worked on her original career path. Twenty years later, she leads one of the most exciting and smart agencies in the business.

As we talked about the lack of female ownership in the advertising business, Nasya opened up some lines of responsibility we haven’t gone deep on yet on the podcast, so you’re in for a treat today. She talks about the responsibility of brands in setting the right environment for women to own it.

There’s so much goodness in this episode. You’ll enjoy it!

Learn more about Faculty at wearefaculty.com. Be sure to connect with Nasya on LinkedIn as well.

How Carol H. Williams of Carol H. Williams Advertising, Owns It

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Learn more about her agency, its purpose and its people at carolhwilliams.com. Be sure to connect with Mrs. Williams on LinkedIn, too.

How Courtney Spritzer of Social Fly and Entreprenista, Owns It

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today I’m talking to Courtney Spritzer of Social Fly and the Entreprenista community. People with a background in insurance and finance don’t typically find themselves starting a marketing agency, but Courtney did. She and her business partner launched Social Fly in the thick of the social media explosion of the early 2000-teens. After several years of entrepreneurship, they launched the Entreprenista podcast, now community, which supports women entrepreneurs.

As you can imagine the overlap in work and interests got me excited to learn more from Courtney. And I did. I’m sure you’ll appreciate the conversations, too.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. To join the league and listen to her podcast, visit entreprenista.com. To find out more about Social Fly, find them online at socialflynyc.com. (Social Fly N-Y-C dot com). You should also connect with Courtney on LinkedIn.

How Katie Klumper of Black Glass Consulting, Owns It

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today I’m talking to Katie Klumper of Black Glass Consulting. After several years on the traditional agency side of the business, then time with Deloitte in the consulting vertical, Katie launched a firm that narrows its focus on helping CMOs be more successful in all walks of their challenges with business. We talked about that approach, but also how aware our clients and brands are of the gender gap in agency ownership, and what are they doing to close it in their efforts to be more inclusive and diverse.

It was yet again another useful conversation with a different perspective about how we can work toward a future with more diversity in agency ownership.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. Learn more about their offerings to help chief marketing officers grow professionally and personally at blackglassco.com. And be sure to connect with Katie on LinkedIn.

How Libby Brockhoff of Odysseus Arms, Owns It

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 13:36:12 -0000

Welcome to the OWN IT podcast, where we celebrate the growing number of (women and non-binary) ad agency owners and talk about buying out of the boys’ club of advertising, one agency at a time.

I’m Christy Hiler, owner of Cornett and today I’m talking to Libby Brockhoff from Odysseus Arms. Her path to ownership is as interesting as they come. She started as an intern for James Patterson when he was still in advertising. She worked at some of the biggest named agencies in the world, and worked around the world. She co-founded Mother, then with her husband and partner, launched Odysseus Arms.

Libby’s agency experience alone is worth an episode of exploration. But she has so much more to tell including her passions for Scouting and NASCAR? Yep … NASCAR. I really enjoyed learning from her and I know you’ll appreciate listening in.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Libby Brockhoff from Odysseus Arms. Find their amazing work online at O hyphen Arms dot com (o-arms.com). And be sure to connect with Libby on LinkedIn.

I’m Christy Hiler. We’ll talk again soon … On Own It!

How Mira Kaddoura of Red & Co., Owns It

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0000

I’m Christy Hiler, owner of Cornett and today I’m talking to Mira Kaddoura, the amazing and inspiring owner of Red & Co. Mira not only has the unique perspective of coming to America as an immigrant from the Arab world, but operating an agency with offices globally. We talk about the differences in how women work and are received both in and outside of the U.S.

Mira also has blazed her path to ownership through the wilderness of freelancing – a path many women follow to ownership.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Mira Kaddoura of Red & Co. Find them online at redandco.com. And be sure to connect with Mira on LinkedIn. Links to her profile and the agency website can be found in our show notes. There, you can also find links to the newsletter and book Mira recommended in the conversation from Mona Eltahawy. The newsletter is The Feminist Giant. The book is The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls.

How Sharon Napier of Partners+Napier, Owns It

Mon, 30 May 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today I’m talking to Sharon Napier of Partners+Napier. She is not only one of the long-standing women owners in the advertising business, but serves as board chair of the 4As, so her take on the issue with a gender gap in agency ownership is one people listen to. Sharon also grew her agency very intentionally away from the big media markets, in Rochester, New York. So her perspective is familiar to me and I know will be valuable for you.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Sharon Napier of Partners+Napier. Find them online at partersandnapier.com … all spelled out. And be sure to connect with Sharon on LinkedIn. Links to her profile and the agency website can be found in our show notes.

How Erica Fite & Katie Keating of Fancy, Own It

Mon, 23 May 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today I’m talking to another dynamic duo in the agency ownership world. Erica Fite and Katie Keating are partners in owning Fancy, an agency they started to make a difference in the world and the world of advertising for women. In fact, both have a directed passion for empowering women in business. We talk about where that mission came from and how they found their path to combine forces to Own it.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Erica Fite and Katie Keating of Fancy. Find more about the agency, its' amazing mission, and see their work at fancynyc.com. And be sure to connect with both Erica and Katie on LinkedIn.

How Madonna Badger of Badger Agency, Owns It

Mon, 16 May 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Welcome to the Own It podcast, where we celebrate the growing number of (women and non-binary) ad agency owners and talk about buying out of the boys’ club of advertising, one agency at a time.

Today I’m talking to a true legend in the business. Madonna Badger is the chief creative officer and founder of Badger Agency, but is responsible for some of the most iconic, world-changing campaigns in advertising history. She was instrumental in Calvin Klein’s shift away from objectification of women in the 1980s. That led her to champion the same movement across the industry and on a global scale.

She also opens different lines of thinking on how to solve the agency ownership gap for women. And points the finger of opportunity at the large holding company segment of the business.

And it’s fair to caution you, Madonna also touches on the personal tragedies she’s endured in her journey through life. I was honored and humbled to have her share those, plus her path to ownership, on Own It.

Thanks for listening to this episode of Own It with Madonna Badger of the Badger Agency. Learn more about her and her work at BadgerAgency.com. Be sure to connect with Madonna on LinkedIn as well.

How Lisa Clunie & Jaime Robinson from Joan Creative, Own It

Mon, 09 May 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Welcome to the OWN IT podcast, where we celebrate the growing number of (women and non-binary) ad agency owners and talk about buying out of the boys’ club of advertising, one agency at a time. Today I’m talking to Jaime Robinson and Lisa Clunie from JOAN. Both are amazing women with impressive industry credentials in their own right. But when they came together and joined forces to create JOAN, magic happened. They share the story of winning seven brands in one of their first pitches.

It’s easy to hear how much fun Jaime and Lisa have working together and owning their agency. You’re going to love what they have to say.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. You can find out more about Jaime and Lisa, their work and their team at joancreative.com. Be sure to connect with Jamie and Lisa on LinkedIn as well.

How Lyn Rundell, Retired CEO of Hero Marketing, Owns It

Mon, 02 May 2022 10:00:00 -0000

I’m Christy Hiler, owner of Cornett and in this episode, I’m talking to Lyn Rundell, the co-founder and retired CEO of HERO Marketing. Lyn not only shares her path to ownership and perspective on helping close the gap for women owners, but shares some amazing wisdom on succession planning for those that are, or will be, agency owners one day.

I was so excited to talk to Lyn. I know you will take away some great learnings. Enjoy my conversation with Lyn Rundell.

Be sure to see the agency’s great work at heromarketing.com and, though she is retired, you should still connect with Lyn on LinkedIn because she is still very active in the industry.

How Britt Fero of PB&, Owns It

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today I’m talking to Britt Fero, founder and principal of PB& in Seattle. Her career path took her through large agencies like Publicis, but she eventually knew she wanted to Own it. And does she ever.

Let’s hear more about her journey to ownership and her thoughts on how we can open more opportunities for more women to follow in her footsteps. This is my conversation with Britt Fero.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. Be sure to see more about Britt Fero and her agency’s great work at pbandseattle.com.

If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe, then rate and share it on your podcast service of choice. Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at untilyouownit.com.

How Terri Meyer and Sandy Greenberg of Terri & Sandy, Own It

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today I’m talking to the highly awarded creative duo Terri Meyer and Sandy Greenberg, Terri & Sandy as most know them. These women rose to the top of several of the largest agencies when there were very few women up there. Their agency, Terri & Sandy, of course, has been named Small Agency of the Year by AdAge, an A-list Standout and #1 Most Effective Indy Agency by the Effie’s.

It’s always a thrill to learn from industry pioneers.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT. Be sure to see Terri & Sandy's work at terrisandy.com. And connect with both on LinkedIn (Terry Meyer on LinkedIn; Sandy Greenberg on Linkedin).

Also, if you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe, then rate and share it on your podcast service of choice. Also, if you’re a female or non-binary agency owner, or you want to own an agency someday, join our growing community at untilyouownit.com.

How Kim Lawton of purpose-driven Enthuse Marketing Group, Owns It

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Today I’m talking to Kim Lawton, Founder and CEO of Enthuse Marketing Group, an experiential agency with a foundation attached to it. Enthuse Foundation is a non-profit organization investing in a new generation of female entrepreneurs and cultivating the next generation of business leaders. Entrepreneurship and mentorship are huge passions for Kim.

And my talk with her was so inspiring.

Thanks for listening to this episode of OWN IT with Kim Lawton. Be sure to check out Enthuse Foundation and connect with Kim on LinkedIn.

How Valerie Moizel, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of The Woo and host of She Dynasty, Owns It

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0000

Today I’m talking to Valerie Moizel, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of The Woo, a creative agency based in Los Angeles, California. Valerie is also founder of She Dynasty, an inspiring podcast and supportive community of ambitious women from different fields, backgrounds and passions turning their visions into realities.

We are of like mind. And learning from her was an honor. Enjoy my conversation with Valerie Moizel.

Connect with her on LinkedIn and check out her podcast She Dynasty.

How Nancy Hill, one of AdAge's 100 Most Influential Women in Advertising History, Owns It

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 16:25:00 -0000

Today I’m talking to Nancy Hill, the former President and CEO of the 4A’s and current Agency Sherpa. Nancy has been named one of Advertising Age’s 100 Most Influential Women in Advertising History. She has also been recognized by She Runs It, the 3% Conference, the Arthritis Foundation and Girl Scouts of America for championing and giving back to other women.

How can you not relish in the opportunity to sit and learn from a legend? Today, we all get that privilege. Here’s my recent talk with Nancy Hill.

How Kat Gordon of the 3% Movement Owns It

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 16:20:00 -0000

On this episode of Own It, Christy Hiler talks to Kat Gordon, founder of The 3% Movement. She has spent the last 10 years championing female creative talent and leadership. She’s been called a triple threat; entrepreneur, ad woman and marketing to women expert.

We encourage you to connect with Kat on LinkedIn and follow the great work of the 3% Movement.

Also, join us in our celebration of women and non-binary ad agency owners by rating and sharing this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Audible, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. And if you or someone you know is a badass female or non-binary agency owner, we want to know about them. Just drop their information off at our website at untilyouownit.com.

How Susan Lee Colby & Kathy Sjogren, Co-Owners of Grace Creative, Own It

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 16:15:00 -0000

In this episode of Own It, Christy Hiler talks to Susan Lee Colby and Kathy Sjogren, co-owners of Grace Creative in Los Angeles. It is the only women-owned marketing and advertising agency focused on women over 50.

We encourage you to connect with both of these incredible owners on LinkedIn and check out the some of the brilliant work their agency Grace Creative has done. Especially their Girls Gone 50 blog, It is so good.

Also, join us in our celebration of women and non-binary ad agency owners by rating and sharing this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Audible, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you or someone you know is a badass female or non-binary agency owner, we want to know about them. Just drop their information off at our website at untilyouownit.com.

How Asmirh Davis, founding partner and chief strategy officer of Majority, Owns It

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 16:10:00 -0000

Today I’m talking to Asmirh Davis founding partner and chief strategy officer of Majority in Atlanta, Georgia. Majority is an agency for the culture, built upon a diversity-led talent model. Majority is not a company with a mission. It is a mission with a company – to accelerate the normalization of diverse faces powering the best creative companies in the world. They are just one year in and are doing really remarkable work! As you’ll hear Asmirh say, she is building an army to tear down the old ways of this business and build a better industry.

I can’t think of anyone better to lead that charge. Here’s my recent talk with Asmirh Davis.

How Jean Freeman, Owner and CEO of Zambezi Owns It

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 16:05:00 -0000

On the first episode of Own It, Christy Hiler talks to Jean Freeman, the owner and CEO of Zambezi, the largest female-owned full service agency in America. We encourage you to connect with Jean on LinkedIn and go check out the some of the really incredible work her agency Zambezi has created, our favorite is Rotten Apples.

Also, join us in our celebration of women and non-binary ad agency owners by rating and sharing this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Audible, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you or someone you know is a badass female or non-binary agency owner, we want to know about them. Just drop their information at our website at untilyouownit.com.