Marcelo Russo is an Argentine-born visionary dedicated to helping people and ideas find each other — blending technology, empathy, and strategy to make others smarter and more connected.

He is the Co-founder of Fri3nds Agency.

Find Marcelo:

Website: www.fri3nds.com

Instagram: @themarcerusso

X: @themarcerusso

LinkedIn: Marcelo Alejandro Russo

Affiliate Links:

Webflow: https://try.webflow.com/1p91anb2byd3

Bloom: https://bloom.cello.so/hXX9A7c0zQc

Chapters:

00:00 Admiring Brilliance: A Conversation About Leadership

05:21 From Tech to Creativity: Marcelo's Journey

10:25 Building a Creative Agency: The Friends Agency

15:14 Navigating Growth: From 17 to 4

20:33 The Challenge of Scaling: Retaining Talent

29:45 Navigating the Challenges of Agency Management

35:30 Establishing Guiding Principles for Team Dynamics

42:25 The Role of Organizational Health in Business Success

52:57 Learning from Past Mistakes: Growth and Adaptation

01:01:19 Ego and Opportunity: Expanding Business Verticals

01:07:44 The Importance of Cohesion in Teams

01:13:40 Navigating Client Engagements

01:20:23 Creating Productive Friction

01:28:21 Transformative Relationships and Personal Growth

01:39:18 Dog Tales and Personal Connections

01:46:25 Networking Adventures in New York

01:50:53 The Value of Authentic Connections

01:58:50 Breaking the Ice: Vulnerability in Conversations

02:06:01 The Nature of Conversations

02:11:15 The Role of Hobbies in Life

02:19:58 The Pressure of Monetizing Hobbies

02:26:49 Finding Joy in the Process

Takeaways:

• The importance of networking and relationship building in business.

• The significance of protecting and supporting your team as a leader.

• The balance between technology and creativity in agency work.

• The transition from a large team to a smaller, more efficient core team.

• The importance of trust and transparency in team dynamics.

• Navigating challenges during downsizing and maintaining growth.

• The role of accountability in business relationships.

• Hiring principles that prioritize cultural fit and friendship.

• The value of building personal relationships in business.

• The significance of organizational health in team success.

• The intersection of business strategy and creativity in agency work.

• The importance of open communication with clients.

• Learning from mistakes and viewing them as growth opportunities.

• The need for strategic thinking in client engagement.

• The balance of creativity and operations in agency work.

• The importance of client retention and relationship management.

• Overcoming the fear of public speaking can lead to new opportunities.

• Networking can be transformational and energizing.

• Community connections can provide endless optimism for the future.

• It's important to focus on personal connections rather than just business.

• Balancing creativity with business demands is crucial for satisfaction.

• Hobbies should be pursued for joy, not just as potential businesses.

• Finding the right partners can enhance personal and professional growth.

• Your network can significantly impact your success and happiness.

• Pursuing passions can lead to unexpected opportunities and connections.