The Immortal Life of Agencies
Episodes
Simbioniq's Co-Founder: Thriving in the AI industrial revolution – Justin Billingsley
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Justin Billingsley, Co-Founder of Symbioniq and former CMO of Publicis Groupe. With his prior client-side career with the likes of ...
MSQ's Executive Director: Growth in the ‘Goldilocks’ zone – Ben Rudman
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Ben Rudman, Executive Director at MSQ, one of the fastest growing, private equity backed marketing services groups, positioning its...
M+C Saatchi Group's Global CEO: When a client CMO leads an agency – Zaid Al-Qassab
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Zaid Al-Qassab, Global CEO of M+C Saatchi Group. Fascinatingly, having been client-side CMO with the likes of P&G, BT and Chann...
Code and Theory's CCO: Raising the bar for customer experience – Craig Elimeliah
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is Craig Elimeliah, Chief Creative Officer at Code and Theory, sharing his passion for why technology and creativity must go hand in han...
Rethink’s Global Chief Strategy Officer: Showing up with a point of view – Sean McDonald
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode features Sean McDonald, Global CSO and Partner at Rethink, exploring the power of belief.Sean’s built a reputation for candour, co...
Toptal’s Practice Director, Advertising & Brand Marketing: Redefining on-demand talent – Christine Olivas
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Christine Olivas – Practice Director, Advertising & Brand Marketing at Toptal, the world's largest, fully remote workforce.Ch...
Acadia's CEO & Co-Founder: How principles are good for business – Jared Belsky
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Jared Belsky, Co-Founder and CEO of Acadia – the hugely successful digital marketing and analytics agency. This is a masterclass ...
Dentsu North America’s CEO: Why Dentsu believes in agency brands – Beth Ann Kaminkow
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Ann Kaminkow is CEO of Dentsu North America. She brings a rare candour about why so many agency groups struggle to articulate their strengths, an...
Bodacious' Founder: A life more curious – Zoe Scaman
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Zoe Scaman, founder of Bodacious – and one of our industry's most original and outspoken thinkers. She’s built her career by fo...
SILVERSIDE AI's Co-Founders: Inside Coke’s AI-powered Christmas campaign – PJ Pereira and Andrew O'Dell
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guests are PJ Pereira and Andrew O’Dell, co-founders of renowned creative agency Pereira O’Dell as well as their AI venture SILVERSIDE–...
Agency Business' Co-Hosts: Going deep on decision-making – Olivia Morley & Brian Wieser
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guests are Brian Wieser and Olivia Morley – not only the co-hosts of the fantastic ‘Agency Business’ podcast, but Brian is also a seas...
MIRIMAR's CEO: Making it ‘worth it’ – Luke McKelvey
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Luke McKelvey, Co-Founder and CEO of MIRIMAR – the creative company helping brands achieve cultural significance in a world where...
Saatchi & Saatchi’s former Chief Strategy Officer: A rallying cry for brilliance – Richard Huntington
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Richard Huntington – former Chief Strategy Officer and Chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi. He brings a rare blend of honesty, affe...
Cornett's CEO: Why female ownership matters – Christy Hiler
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Christy Hiler, owner of Cornett – the Lexington-based creative agency – and one of our industry’s leading voices for women-ow...
FCB's Global CEO: Excellence as usual – Tyler Turnbull
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Tyler Turnbull, Global CEO of Interpublic’s FCB – remarkably, the winner of Cannes Lions’ North American Network of the Year ...
Yes&'s CEO: What’s in a name? – Zihla Salinas
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Zihla Salinas, CEO of a 40-year-old indie that rebranded as ‘Yes&’. She shares the story behind the name, including how the...
UEG's Global CEO: Culture, entertainment and commerce – Jarrod Moses
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Jarrod Moses, Founder and Global CEO of United Entertainment Group (UEG) – part of Edelman.Jarrod unpacks how brands, creators, s...
Publicis Groupe's Global CSO: Unpacking the ‘Power of One’ – Loren Grossman
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Loren Grossman, Global Chief Strategy Officer of the ‘Solutions Group’ within Publicis Groupe – so he’s right at the centre...
Party Land's Co-Founder: Comedy’s greatest ad agency – Haley Hunter
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest – for our 50th episode! – is Haley Hunter, Co-Founder of Party Land – proudly known as comedy’s greatest ad agency. In this li...
JOAN's co-founders: Building modern legends – Jaime Robinson & Lisa Clunie
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a first for the show, today we have not one but two guests – Jaime Robinson and Lisa Clunie, co-founders of the creative agency JOAN, born in NYC...
ITG’s CEO: The AI-enabled creative renaissance – Andrew Swinand
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Andrew Swinand, CEO of Inspired Thinking Group, a PE-backed and AI-enabled content business that is scaling faster than most in our...
Worldwide Partners' President & CEO: A balanced take on indies vs HoldCo.s – John Harris
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is John Harris, President & CEO of Worldwide Partners Inc. With nearly a decade leading the world’s most collaborative network o...
BBH’s CEO: Bringing contagious positivity - Karen Martin
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is the incomparable Karen Martin, CEO of BBH London and Dublin, and President of the IPA. Known for her infectious optimism, Karen bri...
AnalogFolk Group's Global CEO: Evolving the business of creativity – Guy Wieynk
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Guy Wieynk, Global CEO of AnalogFolk Group. This conversation is a masterclass in the business of creativity. With 17 years at AKQA...
Dept's CEO: Scaling culture at pace – Dimi Albers
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Dimi Albers, CEO of Dept – one of the new breed of fast-growth PE-backed agency groups. And if you think rapid scaling comes at t...
FIG’s Founder: Retaining the soul of creativity – Mark Figliulo
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Mark Figliulo, Founder and Creative Chairman at FIG – and if you’re worried about AI’s impact on creativity, then you’ll en...
Quiet Storm's CEO: The power of ownership – Rania Robinson
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is an atypical champion of agency independence – Rania Robinson, CEO of Quiet Storm.Rania takes us behind the scenes of Quiet Storm’...
Croud's CEO: Pioneering a new agency model – Luke Smith
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is Luke Smith, the founder and global CEO of Croud – the digital media agency with a pioneering crowdsourcing model. Luke shares ...
IPG Mediabrands' CEO, UK and EMEA: The alchemy of modern media agencies – Richard Morris
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Richard Morris, CEO for UK & EMEA at IPG Mediabrands. He’s seen the industry evolve from the high-reach, low-cost media buys ...
AKQA's CEO, The Americas: Standing up for the next generation – Tesa Aragones
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Tesa Aragones, AKQA’s CEO for the Americas – one of few agency CEOs who have also succeeded at the highest level on the client-...
LinkedIn’s VP Global Head of Agency Development and Marketer Education: The hidden goldmine of B2B – Valerie Beauchamp
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Valerie Beauchamp, VP Global Head of Agency Development and Marketer Education at LinkedIn. And if you’ve ever written off B2B as...
Mojo Supermarket’s President: Reinventing your passion – Armando Turco
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Mojo Supermarket’s President, Armando Turco – talking about reinventing his passion for agency life. After a standout care...
Co:definery’s CEO: Building a Market of One – Robin Bonn
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate the launch of Robin’s book, Market of One, this special episode features a Freaky Friday-style role reversal, with IPA Director of Effe...
Strong Training & Coaching's Lead Coach & Trainer: Coaching for commercial growth – Maureen Falvey
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Maureen Falvey. Formerly a senior exec at Grey, Saatchis and McGarryBowen, she’s now a professional coach and trainer. Maure...
Metaforce's Co-Founder: Differentiating your client experience - Allen Adamson
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is the renowned author, branding expert and industry commentator Allen Adamson - co-founder of Metaforce, adjunct professor at NYU Stern...
Huge’s EVP: leading the next phase of digital - Michael Olaye
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Michael Olaye, EVP at Huge - one of the world’s most respected digital agencies - and newly independent after their exit from Int...
WPP Open's President: AI and the pursuit of happiness – Matt McNeany
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Matt McNeany, President of WPP Open. Drawing on two decades of experience helping the world’s biggest brands and agencies navigat...
AAR President: Knowing the people behind the creds - Lisa Colantuono
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Lisa Colantuono, President of search consultancy, AAR Partners. With decades of experience and zero time for fluff, Lisa lays bare ...
Forsman & Bodenfors’ Global MD: Creativity as a process - Eric Zuncic
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Eric Zuncic, Global Managing Director and Chief Product Officer at Stagwell’s creative collective, Forsman & Bodenfors. And h...
Design Bridge & Partners' Global Chief Growth Officer: A Human-First Future for Agencies - Holly Maguire
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is the highly experienced Holly Maguire, Global Chief Growth Officer at Design Bridge and Partners. She shares her unique perspective ...
SPCSHP's Founder & Executive Chairman: Leading with culture - Michael Lebowitz
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Michael Lebowitz, Founder and Executive Chairman of SPCSHP – an agency that’s defied trends and labels for 25 years, and been a...
4As’ CEO: A unique perspective on agencies - Marla Kaplowitz
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is a true agency advocate – Marla Kaplowitz, Chief Executive Officer of the 4A’s.As her 8-year tenure draws to a close, Marla spea...
Stagwell EMEA’s CEO: Challenging the global market - James Townsend
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is James Townsend — CEO EMEA at Stagwell and also CEO of their Brand Performance Network. Stagwell is now a multi-billion dollar cha...
Uncommon’s Co-Founder: Every moment is a chance - Nils Leonard
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features Nils Leonard, Co-Founder of Uncommon Creative Studio – one of the world’s most influential creative forces right now.It’s ...
Grey London's President: Making a promise to the market - Conrad Persons
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From President to Presidency, Conrad shares his journey - from chasing Barack Obama around Virginia, to taking the reins at Grey London. He descr...
We Are Social’s Global CEO: Nurturing creative cultures - Toby Southgate
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Toby Southgate, newly appointed Global CEO of We Are Social, and this episode is a real treat. Few leaders advocate so vocally for ...
Performics’ Global Growth Officer: Breaking the burnout cycle - Bianca Best
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Burnout is everywhere. And let’s be honest – agency life isn’t helping. The pressure’s relentless, deadlines never stop and somehow you're jus...
Giant Spoon’s Co-founder: How audacious ideas get made - Trevor Guthrie
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever attached a 270-foot dragon to the top of the Empire State Building? No, me neither. And how do your most audacious ideas make it in...
Candid’s CEO: The quest for agency simplification - Ruud Wanck
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Ruud Wanck, CEO of Candid - who describe themselves as ‘next generation holding company’. Candid’s offering has been specific...
Majority's Founder & CEO: From phoney to fearless: building an agency ‘for the culture’ - Omid Farhang
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features Omid Farhang, co-founder and CEO of Majority - Adweek's newly crowned Multicultural Agency of the Year. This is a fascinating in...
GroupM’s CEO: Honest leadership in times of change - Josh Krichefski
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“Running an agency is like doing a jigsaw with some of the pieces missing.”How’s that for candour from GroupM’s EMEA’s CEO Josh Krichefski? ...
Mischief’s Co-founder: The risks of malicious obedience - Greg Hahn
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“The best way to win the game is by not playing the game.” How’s that for a hot take on the agency business? It’s from Mischief’s ...
Jellyfish’s Global ECD: Why creativity relies on diversity - Jo Wallace
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“Creativity is our ‘special sauce’”. Really, though - is it? This is the episode I’ve wanted to record for ages. I finally get to addre...
Common Interest’s CEO: The business case for differentiation - Anthony Freedman
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Just over a year ago, Common Interest burst onto the scene with the acquisition of former Coke and Airbnb CMO Jonathan Mildenhall’s fabled branding ...
Only Dead Fish's Founder: When change becomes transformation – Neil Perkin
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
DESCRIPTIONFor all the talk in agencies about change, transformation and - kill me now - ‘agility’, what exactly do these words mean in practice? ...
Meet The People’s CEO: How to maintain entrepreneurialism at scale - Tim Ringel
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
More and more ‘mini-networks’ are seeking to beat the holding companies at their own game.These often PE-backed groups of agencies can play the ag...
TomorrowToday’s CEO: How AI is changing the agency business model - Chris Johnson
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Having touched on the omnipresent topic that is AI in pretty much every episode, this time we dive right in. Our guest is Chris Johnson, Founder and C...
DDB’s Global CEO: Secrets of successful client relationships - Alex Lubar
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to advertising agencies, they don’t come much more prestigious than Omnicom’s DDB. Whenever any of us needs a quote of substance, Bi...
Uncommon Creative Studio's Founder: The recipe for agency swagger - Natalie Graeme
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In seven short years, Uncommon Creative Studio has gone from launch to the very top of the advertising world. Alongside the reputation, the awards and...
EssenceMediacomX Chief Transformation Officer on building careers in a changing world - Sue Unerman
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sue Unerman is the Chief Transformation Officer of EssenceMediacomX. And having spent 34 years with Mediacom in its various incarnations, it’s fair ...
McCann Chief Strategy Officer on the profound impact of being yourself - Harjot Singh
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our guest today is the wonderful Harjot Singh - Global Chief Strategy Officer at McCann & McCann Worldgroup. This is a rich and personal conversat...
Katie Lee: How to Create Healthy Growth
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features Katie Lee - former CEO of Lucky Generals and now Chief Operating Officer of Wavemaker, the WPP media agency. Together, we explor...
Ruth Mortimer: A global perspective on creativity and innovation
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ruth Mortimer is the Global President of Advertising Week, so it’s fair to say that she has an unusually broad perspective on our industry, on clien...
Rob Campbell: Fighting for diversity is not enough
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode is powerful. It's a conversation with Rob Campbell, Chief Strategy Officer at Colenso BBDO in Auckland. The topic is diversity in ag...
David Meikle: Meeting the needs of modern clients
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How clear are you on what clients REALLY want from agencies? And what if you could ask someone with a unique perspective on how agencies do great work...
Michael Farmer: A new game plan for agencies
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Robin chats with Michael Farmer - Chairman and CEO of Michael Farmer and Co. and an influential author on agency transformation. They...
Faris Yakob: How agency CEOs must compete with people’s need for freedom
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Robin is joined by author, thinker and Genius Steals Co-Founder, Faris Yakob. Famed for his ‘digital nomad’ lifestyle as much as ...
Rory Sutherland: Where does innovation really come from?
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Robin is joined by acclaimed advertising guru Rory Sutherland. Known for his innovative thinking, particularly in applying principles...