The Innovative Agency

The Innovative Agency

The Innovative Agency is a podcast that exists to help marketing agency leaders answer the question: “What’s Next?”. How are agencies staying on the cutting edge of marketing trends? How are they adapting their businesses to meet new business challenges in the agency world? Hosted by marketing law and intellectual property lawyer Sharon Toerek, we’ll talk with agencies who are at the cutting edge of innovation and industry experts who have a front row seat to the practice of innovation in today’s marketing, communications and creative agencies. The goal is to help listeners learn to look around the corner to spot their next opportunity. Sharon will share her expertise along the way about how to legally protect your agency’s assets, and how to turn your agency’s innovation into cash.

Episodes

March 12, 2025 37 mins

Sharon Toerek sits down with Brad Farris, Principal of Anchor Advisors, for a powerful conversation on The Innovative Agency Podcast. This episode tackles a critical yet often overlooked question: What is the real role of a CEO in an agency? 

Brad breaks down the key responsibilities that separate working in the business from working on it—and why that distinction is vital for growth and innovation. Packed...

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Today on the Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek is joined by Hope Horner, Founder and CEO of Lemonlight. In a rapidly changing landscape where video content has become indispensable for brands, Hope shares her expertise on how marketing agencies can capitalize on this trend. This discussion delves into the democratization of video, identifying missed opportunities for brands, and the rise of user-generated conten...

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Today on the Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek is joined by Leah Messina, Founder of Sinuate Media. Leah delves into the dynamic world of user-generated content, shedding light on its evolution from traditional influencer strategies to fostering authentic connections with consumers. 

As agencies grapple with trust and authenticity challenges in today's digital marketplace, Leah provides actionable i...

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In this episode of The Innovative Agency, Sharon Toerek sits down with Tom Schwab, CEO and Founder of Interview Valet, to explore the dynamic world of podcasting as a tool for agency growth. They delve into the benefits and pitfalls of hosting your own podcast, and the powerful impact of being a guest on other shows through structured interview marketing. Tom shares insights on how to effectively use podcast guest appe...

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In this episode of The Innovative Agency podcast, Sharon Toerek sits down with Jarrod Lopiccolo, co-founder of Noble Studios, for a powerful conversation on the game-changing impact of strategic partnerships. 

Jarrod pulls back the curtain on how he forged a thriving joint venture with a UK-based firm, and why building relationships beyond borders is a must for modern agencies. 

Jarrod shares ...

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In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast,  Sharon Toerek delves into the future of AI in marketing agencies with Brandon White, CEO of 3rd Brain Digital. Brandon unveils his powerful 5-level framework for AI integration—breaking down how agencies can harness automation to boost efficiency, profitability, and scalability. 

From streamlining workflows to building a unified data layer, he shares actio...

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On today’s episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Toerek welcomes Max Bidna, a former agency owner and now a thriving media business entrepreneur. Max shares how he strategically scaled and sold his marketing agency, paving the way for exciting new ventures. 

From building systems that make agencies irresistible to buyers, to knowing the right time and reason to sell, Marketing Max delivers action...

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Today on the Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek welcomes April White from Trust Relations, a nationwide strategic communications firm. 

April delves into the timely and crucial topic of building trust within the marketing and communications landscape. As trust becomes increasingly vital for brands navigating a complex media environment, April shares her expertise on establishing authenticity and main...

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January 15, 2025 40 mins

In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Torek welcomes Founder of Cobble Hill Digital, Austin Dandridge. He discusses the essential strategies for adding value in service-based businesses and the unique challenges faced when onboarding new clients. 

Austin outlines the differences in advising small or early-stage startups versus growth-stage businesses and shares his perspective on the impo...

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Today on the Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Toerek welcomes Lydia Martinez, CEO and Founder of Elle Marketing and Events. Lydia delves into the transformative shifts in event planning and marketing brought about by the pandemic, sharing how her team pivoted from in-person to digital events and the lasting effects on attendee preferences. 

 Listen as Lydia offers invaluable insights on leveraging experiential marketin...

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December 18, 2024 28 mins

In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek is joined by Emily Green, Founder of Grace Communications. Emily shares her inspiring journey of starting, growing, and ultimately selling her agency while emphasizing the critical mindset shifts that accompany such a significant transition. 

 

As someone who has navigated the entrepreneurial landscape from inception to exit at a relatively yo...

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In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek is joined by Jennifer Filzen, the dynamic Founder of Rockstar Marketing. They explore the art and science of managing a thriving remote team while building a resilient company culture. 

 

Jennifer reveals her innovative 'PASTA Method'—a game-changing approach to team management—and shares the incredible story of how a single vacation transform...

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In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek welcomes guest Wendy Covey. Wendy is the Co-Founder and CEO of TREW Marketing, and has mastered the craft of using books and research reports to amplify her agency’s authority.  

 

Wendy emphasizes the importance of thought leadership and how her agency turned intellectual property into an authoritative advantage, helping them secure more spea...

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In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, host Sharon Toerek sits down with Jason Kramer, founder of Cultivize, to discuss strategies for reducing client churn in marketing agencies. Jason shares his expertise on how agencies can enhance client retention by improving performance conversations, understanding clients' CRM systems, and building trust through open communication. Tune in to discover how to foster lo...

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In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, host Sharon Toerek speaks with Katie Wagner, CEO and founder of KWSM, a digital agency. They explore the topic of talent recruitment and retention through the unique lens of lead generation. Katie shares her innovative strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, including the use of storytelling, employer branding, and partnership agreements, offering valuable i...

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Intro

 

In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek welcomes back Christian Banach, a seasoned business development expert, to explore the untapped potential of newsletters in agency growth and client engagement. Christian shares his journey in discovering the power of newsletters, initially using them to build his own brand and later recognizing their value as a service for other agenc...

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Intro

 

In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Toerek sits down with Darren Horwitz from TenTen Group to delve into the intricacies of branding and rebranding. Darren shares his expertise on the importance of "brand empathy," taking a consultative approach, and the critical role agencies play in successful brand transformations.

 

Darren shares how marketing agencies can lever...

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Intro

In this episode of The Innovative Agency, Sharon Toerek chats with Brett Banker, founder of X&O, a hybrid agency-consultancy that blends the creative strengths of agencies with the strategic approach of consultancies. Brett shares his transition from traditional agency roles to launching X&O and offers practical insights into the importance of owning and monetizing intellectual capital. The conversat...

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Intro

In this episode of The Innovative Agency, we talk with Davey Jones, CEO of BDOW!, about his transition from running a marketing agency to developing digital products. Davey shares insights into how his experiences co-founding Davey & Krista and Till Agency shaped his journey toward creating tools that help designers and agencies convert clicks into customers. They discuss the importance of testing id...

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Intro

In this episode of The Innovative Agency, we welcome Douglas Bradley, Founder and CEO of Everest Legal Marketing. As we head toward the end of the year, Douglas and Sharon explore the critical conversations agency leaders need to have with clients and prospects. Douglas offers his expertise in setting clear expectations during business discussions, particularly with legal clients, and how doing so ca...

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