Get an inside look at what it really takes to build an authentic, purpose-driven PR and branding agency in this episode of Marketing Agency Power Hour with Laura Henson, Founder and CEO of HVM Communications. From her beginnings in luxury fashion to leading a values-based communications firm, Laura shares how narrowing her focus to women-led and mission-driven organizations became a catalyst for growth, not a limitation.

Laura breaks down what modern PR actually requires today: intentional audience targeting, human-first storytelling in an AI-driven world, and the courage to align business practices with personal values. This conversation dives into the realities of agency ownership, from financial growing pains to preserving culture at scale, and why purpose and profitability can, and should, coexist.

Takeaways

• Be intentional with audience targeting. Effective PR isn’t about mass pitching, it’s about reaching the right audience and media outlets that drive real business impact.
• Use AI as a tool, not a replacement. AI can improve efficiency, but authentic, human-driven messaging is what earns trust from editors and audiences.
• Specialization fuels growth. Focusing on women-led, purpose-driven organizations led to stronger relationships, more referrals, and clearer positioning.
• Align values with action. Authenticity matters more than ever, leaders must consistently “walk the walk” to build credibility and trust.
• Delegate outside your strengths. Outsourcing financial management allows creative leaders to avoid costly mistakes and stay focused on what they do best.

Connect with Laura:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahensonhvm/
• HCM Communication’s Website: https://www.hvmcommunications.com/
• How Women Lead Website: https://www.howwomenlead.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://marketingagencypowerhour.com/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19ECltpQuJWu6rfXlx98wT
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/marketing-agency-power-hour/id1809205281
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/344bea8c-7897-4dfc-8cdc-f31a92514243
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-marketing-agency-power-hou-272863996/
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/marketing-agency-power-hour-6067409
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingAgencyPowerHour

Get an inside look at what truly drives a successful marketing agency in this episode of the Marketing Agency Power Hour with Zontee Hou, Founder & President at Media Volery. From choosing the right clients and building long-term partnerships to leveraging data, AI, and customer insights, Zontee reveals what it takes to run a sustainable, high-performing agency in today’s landscape.

Through her experience advising global brands and growing her own agency, Zontee shares what leaders often overlook: work-life balance, honest communication, and the power of client retention over constant churn. Get ready to rethink how you select clients, measure impact, and use data-driven personalization to deepen customer loyalty and fuel sustainable growth.

Takeaways

• Prioritize client fit and long-term relationships. Selective, value-aligned clients create better outcomes, healthier teams, and more stable growth.
• Focus on customer lifetime value, not just quick wins. Retention and referrals often outperform constant acquisition in both cost and impact.
• Use segmentation and data-driven personalization to maximize marketing effectiveness. Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative insights and AI tools for a deeper customer understanding.
• Measure the metrics that truly matter. Beyond leads and conversions, track brand perception, satisfaction, and likelihood to refer.
• Build a sustainable, people-first agency. Foster a positive culture, maintain honest communication, manage cash flow wisely, and regularly audit tools to avoid redundancy.

Connect with Zontee:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zonteehou/
• Media Volery’s Website: https://www.mediavolery.com/
• Personal Website: https://zonteehou.com/
• Data-Driven Personalization: How to Use Consumer Insights to Generate Customer Loyalty book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1398614602/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_3KBTM6A819HMQA4SH61H?linkCode=ml1&tag=zonteecom-20
• Social Pros Podcast: https://www.convinceandconvert.com/podcasts/shows/social-pros-podcast/

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://marketingagencypowerhour.com/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19ECltpQuJWu6rfXlx98wT
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/marketing-agency-power-hour/id1809205281
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/344bea8c-7897-4dfc-8cdc-f31a92514243
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-marketing-agency-power-hou-272863996/
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/marketing-agency-power-hour-6067409
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingAgencyPowerHour

Discover the hidden strategy, creativity, and rigor behind world-class brand naming in this episode of the Marketing Agency Power Hour. Host Cal Wilder sits down with Scott Milano, founder and managing director of Tanj, to unpack what it really takes to build a specialist agency that serves global brands with names that stand the test of time.

From navigating complex renaming projects and leading a naming only agency, to building a personal brand and adapting to an AI-driven discovery landscape, Scott shares the lessons that shaped his 15 year journey. Get ready to rethink how you position your expertise, evolve your visibility, and create brand names that truly mean something in a rapidly shifting world.

Takeaways

• Lean into specialization to build credibility and attract higher-quality clients. Owning a clear niche helps you stand out in a crowded market and positions your agency as the obvious expert when stakes are high.
• Create a rigorous, repeatable process for your core service. Blend research, creative exploration, and legal/linguistic vetting to deliver work that holds up globally and earns stakeholder alignment.
• Invest in both your agency brand and your personal brand. People connect with people, consistent content and visible leadership can strengthen trust, expand reach, and open new opportunities.
• Let AI support ideation and research, while relying on human judgment for the nuance, creativity, and cultural awareness major decisions require.
• Continually update your content, processes, and positioning so you remain discoverable, relevant, and resilient in a shifting industry.

Connect with Scott:

• Scott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmilano/
• Tanj’s Company Website: https://tanj.co/
• The Word Blog via Tanj: https://www.tanj.co/blog

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://marketingagencypowerhour.com/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/19ECltpQuJWu6rfXlx98wT
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/marketing-agency-power-hour/id1809205281
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/344bea8c-7897-4dfc-8cdc-f31a92514243
• iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-marketing-agency-power-hou-272863996/
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/marketing-agency-power-hour-6067409
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingAgencyPowerHour