CEOs are workaholics as a rule, but we're also human—and our bodies can give out on us if we're not looking out for the warning signs. In this piece I recently contributed to ChiefExecutive.net, I discuss what burnout looks like and how to avoid it.

By establishing your thought leadership, you’re not only helping to educate your customers on important topics, but you’re also positioning yourself as an expert in your industry. That rapport and top-of-mind position will help you maintain a steady flow of new business over time. And it’s why failing to position yourself as a thought leader [...]

Too many CEOs have normalized the idea of hunkering down and seeking shelter—but they don't realize the gathering ice can become a death trap. In this piece I recently contributed to ChiefExecutive.com, I discuss how even with all the risks associated with putting yourself “out there” after so much uncertainty, you’ll be positioning your company [...]

Agency life. It’s something I’ve been immersed in for more than 25 years. I’ve experienced a variety of ups and downs, including the rise of the internet bubble and the Great Recession of 2008. Little surprises me anymore. That being said, the industry trends I’ve seen throughout 2022 have been truly eclectic. They reveal the [...]

Constantly scrambling to put out fires means clients have all the power, creatives don't have the time to do their best work, and no one can enjoy a more balanced life. In this piece I recently contributed to MediaPost.com, I discuss how some agencies are moving past the pedal-to-the-metal mindset and opting for a six-week [...]

Early in my life as an agency owner, I was convinced I could do it all. And I was equally convinced that the fewer people we paid to do things, the better. I was handling clients during the day and doing my owner work at night.  Oh yeah, and I was doing all of the [...]

In the agency marketing world, the caliber of everything we produce is based on the caliber of the people who work for us. The only way to knock every project out of the ballpark is to hire 5-star employees. In this piece I recently contributed to SpinSucks.com, I discuss how to identify top talent and [...]

Most people think that once you "niche down," you're stuck. It's not true. When you run a successful niche business, you can speak to an incredibly specific audience on topics they care deeply about. That kind of personalization is increasingly sought these days, as 71% of consumers say they crave individualization from their brand interactions. In this piece I recently contributed [...]

Sometimes, being the leader isn’t the only role you want to have in your agency or organization. Maybe you’re interested in being the creative director, the chief copywriter, or the guru of account services. That’s not unusual. Most leaders have other talents that give them enjoyment. The freedom to play any role in your organization is [...]

The bottom line is that you can’t achieve success if you don’t foster a high-trust team. When people work in environments where they mistrust or fear leaders, they react based on the possibility of punishment. They’re stifled, not motivated. Over time, their commitment and enthusiasm will wane. If you want to retain high performers amid [...]