#95: Why Clients Don’t Want Collaborators | Michael Palma, Founder of The Palma Group
Failed to add items
Sorry, we are unable to add the item because your shopping cart is already at capacity.
Add to basket failed.
Please try again later
Add to Wish List failed.
Please try again later
Remove from Wish List failed.
Please try again later
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
#95: Why Clients Don’t Want Collaborators | Michael Palma, Founder of The Palma Group
-
Narrated by:
-
By:
About this listen
From being a Parade All-American athlete to coaching under Jim Valvano, Michael Palma pivoted into advertising recruitment—eventually placing more than 1,300 top talents and helping agencies win over $400 million in revenue. Today, as founder of The Palma Group, he manages reviews for global brands like Coca-Cola, Heineken, Peugeot, and Zaxby’s.
In this episode of Soul & Science, Jason Harris sits down with Michael to unpack what makes partnerships last, how to spot red flags before they sink a pitch, and why true leaders walk with a “humble swagger.”
Key Takeaways:
✅ Clients don’t want collaborators—they want leadership that listens
✅ There’s no “perfect” agency, only the ideal fit for the moment
✅ Good agencies get comfortable; great ones never stop bringing ideas
✅ A pitch is won or lost in the first five minutes of emotional connection
✅ Agency culture—not case studies—ultimately drives client choice
Memorable Moments:
💡 “Clients want leadership that listens. They don’t want collaborators.”
💡 “If you’re gonna lose, lose as you. Don’t lose pretending to be someone else.”
💡 “There is no perfect agency—only the best possible fit.”
💡 “The mortal enemy of good agencies is efficiency. Great ones never stop caring.”
Brought to you by Mekanism.
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.