Summary:

In this solo episode, I break down why starting a strategic, niche podcast is the highest leverage move any agency owner can make. I share how a podcast I built previously generated over $3M in work, why the value isn’t in content but in relationships, and the exact framework I now use to build authority, create opportunities, and connect with my ICP at scale.

Takeaways:

• A strategic podcast builds relationships, not just content.
  
  
• Inviting only my ICP increases rapport, trust, and opportunities.
  
  
• My previous agency generated millions from podcast-driven relationships.
  
  
• I avoid selling immediately after episodes and focus on value first.
  
  
• Consistent relationship nurturing leads to clients, referrals, and partnerships.
  
  
• I now teach this system in my 4-week Podcast Bootcamp.

I’m running a 4 week bootcamp on how to build your own strategic podcast, just like I did. Learn more at:

PODCAST BOOTCAMP

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Summary:

Justin Vajko, founder of Dialog Video Marketing, shares how he spotted a pattern in client success, turned it into a productized agency model, and now helps founders consistently publish high-impact videos on LinkedIn. He reveals lessons learned from freelancing, building a team, structuring retainers, and using systems to overcome weaknesses. Justin also breaks down how any agency owner can begin creating video content today using only their phone and existing Zoom calls.

Takeaways:

• Showing up on video massively increases content engagement.
  
  
• Retainers solve consistency, one-offs don’t.
  
  
• Productized services scale better than custom projects.
  
  
• Record your sales calls via phone for instant content ideas.
  
  
• Your niche can be defined by your deliverable, not your industry.
  
  
• Hiring requires testing for ownership, not promises.
  
  
• Systems can compensate for missing detail-oriented strengths.

Check out Justin's agency here:

Dialog Video Marketing

Learn the 5 mistakes keeping your agency stuck, and the 5 Custom GPTs that solve them. Free course at https://www.agencyuplift.co/blueprint

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Summary:

In this solo episode, I break down how I’ve been able to double or even triple the effectiveness of my team by introducing simple, targeted AI tools, specifically custom GPTs, into individual steps of our workflows. Instead of waiting for someone to develop years of expertise, I can “loan” them my thinking through AI. I walk through how I apply this inside my podcast operations and how you can replicate it to remove bottlenecks inside your agency.

Takeaways:

• AI can handle the expertise-heavy 80% of a task while your team handles the final polish.
  
  
• Clear SOPs must come first before adding AI support.
  
  
• Most workflows only have one or two steps that truly require expertise.
  
  
• Custom GPTs don’t need to be complex to be effective.
  
  
• One well-equipped team member can perform like three or four.
  
  
• Delegation becomes easier when the expertise gap is closed by AI.
  
  
• Custom GPTs allow me to standardize my thinking across my team.
  
  
• Paying for ChatGPT delivers an insane ROI.

I launched a free 5 day email course for agency owners: The 5 mistakes keeping your agency stuck, and the 5 Custom GPTs that solve them. Get it free at:

THE AGENCY LEVERAGE BLUEPRINT

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Summary:

Roberto Martinez, CEO of Braven Agency, joins Sean Lang to discuss how a mission-first approach and strong team culture helped his agency grow from a small shop into a purpose-driven powerhouse. From navigating tough contracts to embracing AI, Roberto shares what it means to scale an agency that truly serves small businesses and their communities.

Takeaways:

• Mission clarity drives business growth and better partnerships.
  
  
• Saying “no” to the wrong clients protects your culture and your people.
  
  
• Cash flow and contract management are critical for survival.
  
  
• Culture is an “immune system” it sustains the agency when leadership can’t oversee every detail.
  
  
• Hiring slowly and intentionally builds long-term momentum.
  
  
• AI and CRM tools can amplify human centered impact when applied thoughtfully.

Check out Roberto's agency here:

Braven Agency

Learn the 5 mistakes keeping your agency stuck, and the 5 Custom GPTs that solve them. Free course at https://www.agencyuplift.co/blueprint

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Summary:

I reveal a streamlined, AI powered workflow for transforming everyday agency tasks into polished documentation and training. By recording your real processes, feeding transcripts into his SOP Builder GPT, and then importing them into Notebook LM, agencies can quickly build structured SOPs and formal onboarding materials. I lay out each step and shows how small agencies can operate with big-agency clarity and consistency.

Takeaways:

• Create SOPs during real work, don’t set aside extra time.
  
  
• Begin every SOP with a clear expected outcome.
  
  
• AI can generate time stamps, sub-steps, and formatting automatically.
  
  
• Notebook LM expands SOPs into multi format training content.
  
  
• Training validates your hires before they touch client accounts.

LINKS:

• SOP BUILDER
• AGENCY UPLIFT COHORT

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Summary:

Sean Lang interviews Stephanie Zhuang, founder of Tidal Brand Management, about her journey from 15 years in CPG brand management to launching a flexible, AI-powered micro-agency designed for startups. She shares the fears behind taking the leap, how entrepreneurship transformed her identity, and how she built a modern agency model that blends strategy, AI, and on-demand creative talent. Stephanie also breaks down her biggest learnings and a recent client win driven by speed and strategic focus.

Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurship triggered massive personal growth beyond business skills.
  
  
• AI allows solo operators to replicate big-agency strategy work at a fraction of the cost.
  
  
• Startups need bursts of high-level strategy, not expensive retainers.
  
  
• Custom-built creative teams match client budgets and project needs.
  
  
• Relearning hands-on marketing skills after years in management was a major challenge.
  
  
• Speed of execution is now more valuable than ever.

Check out Stephanie's agency here:

Title Brand Management

Learn the 5 mistakes keeping your agency stuck, and the 5 Custom GPTs that solve them. Free course at https://www.agencyuplift.co/blueprint

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Summary

In this solo episode, I break down why most “people problems” inside agencies are actually process or clarity failures. I introduce a four bucket diagnostic framework: Process, Leadership Clarity, People, and Client Fit, to help agency owners understand the true root cause of performance issues before blaming the team member. By applying this method, leaders can reduce churn, prevent misfires, and create more predictable delivery.

Takeaways

• Most performance issues stem from missing or unclear processes.
  
  
• Leadership clarity must come before accountability.
  
  
• True people problems involve repeated mistakes after explicit feedback.
  
  
• Client misalignment can look like employee failure.
  
  
• Diagnose issues using the four-bucket model before making decisions.

Learn the 5 mistakes keeping your agency stuck, and the 5 Custom GPTs that solve them. Free course at https://www.agencyuplift.co/blueprint

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Summary:

Host Sean Lang talks with Joe Romeo, founder of Aperitif Agency and co-founder of Rocket Fuel Agency, about his journey from SEO freelancer to running two thriving agencies. Joe shares the key systems, hiring strategies, and AI-powered processes that have helped him build scalable operations and a motivated team while still balancing life as a new father.

Takeaways:

• Moving from freelancer to agency owner requires process, systems, and delegation.
  
  
• Hire curious, self-driven learners over those with perfect résumés.
  
  
• SOPs and structure are the foundation for scaling sustainably.
  
  
• AI and automation free time for strategy and creativity.
  
  
• Prioritizing family time makes you a more disciplined and focused leader.

Check out Joe's agency here:

Aperitif Agency

Rocket Fuel Agency

Learn the 5 mistakes keeping your agency stuck, and the 5 Custom GPTs that solve them. Free course at https://www.agencyuplift.co/blueprint

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