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

Unlock the real-world strategies behind running a flexible, resilient, and client-focused marketing agency in this episode of Marketing Agency Power Hour! Host Cal Wilder sits down with Kate Terricciano, President of Image Marketing Consultants and Principal of C2 Marketing, to explore her 20-year journey growing a specialized agency in the evolving world of retail real estate.

From adapting to industry shifts and diversifying services to building a strong team culture and leading as a female entrepreneur, Kate breaks down the mindset and methods that have helped her thrive. Get ready to rethink how you position your agency, manage growth, and create sustainable success in a rapidly changing marketing landscape.

Takeaways:

• Agencies should regularly review their processes, be open to course corrections, and normalize transparent communication with clients when something isn’t working.
• Own your niche, but stay alert to changing market demands. Expanding into adjacent verticals helps future-proof your agency without diluting your expertise.
• Focusing on partnership-driven client relationships leads to more stable revenue and a healthier work environment. Invest in a supportive, balanced team culture that reduces burnout and strengthens retention.
• Implement time tracking and financial analysis to understand project profitability, staffing needs, and pricing accuracy. Strong data habits allow agencies to scale sustainably and avoid costly guesswork.
• Communication, adaptability, and relationship-building are just as essential as technical marketing skills. Leaders should cultivate continuous learning and encourage their teams to do the same.

Connect with Kate:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-terricciano-6403206/
• Image Marketing Consultant’s Website: https://www.imagemarketingconsultants.com/
• Image Marketing Consultant’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imagemarketingconsultants/?hl=en
• C2 Marketing’s Website: https://c2-marketing.com/
• Kate’s email: kate@imagemarketingconsultants.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

Host Cal Wilder sits down with Veronica Clerkin, Managing Partner of AMZG Agency, to unpack what it really takes to lead a modern, values-driven marketing agency in a world shaped by constant change. With over two decades of experience spanning entertainment, B2B, and Fortune 500 brands, Veronica reveals how transparency, clear communication, and staying true to your core strengths can transform your client relationships and your business.

From navigating misconceptions about AI to building a fully remote team that actually thrives, Veronica shares the mindset shifts and leadership strategies that have fueled her agency’s growth, powered almost entirely by referrals. She also opens up about entrepreneurship as a mother, choosing the right clients, and building a culture where honesty, boundaries, and human connection come first. Get ready to rethink how you lead, collaborate, and grow in today’s evolving marketing landscape.

Takeaways:

• Set expectations clearly from the start and address tough conversations early. Honesty, especially when it’s uncomfortable, builds trust faster than any marketing tactic.
• Identify your strongest offerings and double down on them. Saying “no” to misaligned projects protects your time, improves outcomes, and strengthens your brand positioning.
• Prioritize delivering exceptional value so clients naturally become advocates. Consistent communication, reliability, and integrity turn referrals into your most powerful lead source.
• Remote work can unlock flexibility and attract top talent, but culture won’t build itself. Create clear processes, maintain regular communication, and hire people who align with your values, not just their skillset.
• Choose clients and partnerships that support your mission and protect your team’s well-being. A clear policy keeps your agency focused, motivated, and enjoyable to lead.

Connect with Veronica:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicaclerkin/
• AMZG Agency’s Company Website: https://amzg-media.com/
• AMZG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amzg.agency/

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

Host Cal Wilder sits down with Juda Engelmayer, CEO/President of HeraldPR, to explore the evolving world of public relations, ethics, and reputation management in the digital age. From handling high-profile crises to teaching the next generation of PR pros how to build genuine human connections, Juda reveals what it really takes to thrive in an industry where integrity and trust are everything.

With decades of experience navigating sensitive client situations, from political controversies to major media storms, Juda shares how he balances the “court of public opinion” with the court of law, why personal relationships still beat digital shortcuts, and how ethical decision-making shapes every successful PR strategy. Get ready to rethink how you communicate, lead, and protect your reputation in today’s fast-moving media landscape.

Takeaways:

• No amount of digital efficiency replaces the power of real human relationships. Face-to-face and voice-to-voice interactions build trust that can’t be replicated through email or social media and they remain the foundation of great PR.
• Many younger professionals shy away from direct interaction, but success in PR depends on it. Leaders must actively coach teams to engage personally, fostering confidence, empathy, and lasting professional relationships.
• In moments of crisis, credibility is your most valuable asset. For successes in PR, here are some values to keep in mind: never mislead, never fabricate, and never sacrifice transparency for short-term gain.
• Not every client deserves your endorsement. Upholding personal ethics protects your reputation and strengthens long-term trust with clients and media alike.
• The rise of digital and independent outlets means one-size-fits-all PR is obsolete. Tailor every campaign to its audience, blending traditional and online strategies while repurposing coverage for maximum impact.

Connect with Juda:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jengelmayer/
• Herald PR’s Website: https://heraldpr.com/
• Emerald Digital’s Website: https://emerald.digital/

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

Unlock the secrets to running a thriving PR and marketing agency in this episode of Marketing Agency Power Hour! Host Cal Wilder sits down with Ethan Rasiel, co-founder and CEO of Lightspeed PR & Marketing, to uncover what it takes to build lasting client relationships, manage crises with confidence, and grow a global agency with integrity.

From mastering client communication to building resilient teams and responsibly integrating AI, Ethan shares his hard-earned lessons from decades in both agency and in-house roles, including at Edelman and Samsung. Get ready to rethink how you communicate your value, train your clients, and lead your team toward sustainable success in today’s fast-paced marketing world.

Takeaways:

• Don’t assume clients know what happens behind the scenes. By proactively communicating wins and processes, agencies reinforce their value and strengthen client trust.
• Many clients don’t naturally know how to collaborate effectively with agencies. Honest, “tough love” feedback builds healthier, more successful long-term relationships.
• The best agencies tell clients what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear. Protecting your team from toxic clients ensures your culture and productivity thrive.
• Agency success depends on empowering teams to operate independently. By promoting flexibility, work-life balance, and accountability, leaders can prevent burnout and create an agency that runs smoothly, even without the founder’s constant involvement.
• AI can streamline research and drafting, but human oversight is essential for quality and authenticity. Specialization in emerging fields can position an agency as an industry leader while maintaining trust and precision.

Connect with Ethan:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-rasiel-03998/
• Lightspeed PR & Marketing’s Website: https://lightspeedpr.com/
• Email: ethan@lightspeedpr.com
• PR Confidential: Unlocking the Secrets to Creating a Powerful Public Image book - https://www.amazon.com/PR-Confidential-Unlocking-Creating-Powerful-ebook/dp/B0CBCKYGMP

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

Take your marketing agency to the next level with powerful insights on AI, automation, and how to scale your business efficiently. It’s time to streamline your operations, boost client results, and build a global team that runs like a well-oiled machine. And who better to guide you than serial entrepreneur, founder, and CEO of Robert Gerov Media, Robert Gerov.

You’ll learn how to leverage AI tools to automate onboarding, content creation, and project management while keeping the human touch that ensures top-notch quality. Gain confidence in building scalable systems through solid Standard Operating Procedures, and discover how to measure real success using metrics that matter, like revenue growth, lead quality, and client retention.

Takeaways:

• Learn how AI and automation can supercharge your agency’s efficiency and results.
• Discover the power of well-documented SOPs for scaling operations and maintaining quality.
• Master the art of parallel workflows to eliminate bottlenecks and speed up delivery.
• Measure success with metrics that truly matter; revenue, lead quality, and client retention.
• Build a diversified global team to enhance flexibility, resilience, and creativity.
• Prioritize employee happiness and flexibility for long-term engagement and performance.

Connect with Robert:

• Robert’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgerov/
• Robert Gerov Media’s Company Website: https://robertgerov.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