Today on The Innovative Agency Podcast Sharon Toerek welcomes Louise Oliver, Founder and CEO of Peritus PR, for a story that doesn't get told nearly enough, but every agency owner needs to hear it. Louise discusses the bold and deeply personal decision to hit pause and step away entirely from the business she built.

Not just a vacation. A real, extended break. And what happened next? Transformation for her agency, for her team, and for her as a leader.

In an industry that rarely slows down, the idea of walking away even temporarily feels both daunting and impossible, but Louise reveals how it transformed her agency and her leadership.

If you've ever asked yourself, "What would happen if I stepped away?"— this episode will give you the clarity, courage, and practical tools to start building an agency that doesn't just survive without you, but actually grows too.

What you will learn in this episode:

• The mindset shift necessary for agency owners to confidently step away from their business, especially in turbulent times

• Practical frameworks and processes to ensure team accountability and smooth operation during an extended absence

• How to communicate your absence internally and externally to foster trust and buy-in from your team and clients

• The lifelong value of discomfort and vulnerability in preparing for succession and leadership transitions

• Regular, intentional time away should become a part of agency culture instead of just a rare event

• Why Louise's time off revealed new strengths in her team and led to unexpected business growth opportunities

Bio

Louise Oliver is the CEO and Founder of Peritus PR, one of Alabama's most respected communications firms, known for its innovative approach to public relations and advocacy. Louise has led Peritus PR to become a trusted partner for clients when the stakes are high. Her leadership is driven by a vision to build a firm that transcends traditional agency norms and outlives its founders, fostering a work culture that values purpose over burnout.

Louise's career journey is marked by several unique milestones, including lessons learned from running an Alabama-based company from Italy, culture-building in an industry notorious for burnout, and charting a new path as a young small-business owner dedicated to playing well in the sandbox. Her greatest passion is empowering her team to use their gifts to move the region forward. Outside of work, she is a proud mother of three under five—two boys and a baby girl—and is married to her husband, a former U.S. Air Force dentist who now runs an orthodontic practice in Mobile, Alabama.

Resources:

• Website: www.perituspr.com

• LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisecrowoliver/

• LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/perituspr/

• X: https://x.com/PeritusPR

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeritusPR