Agency Alchemy

In this episode of Agency Alchemy, we speak with Sam Piliero, founder of The Moonlighters, a fast-growing performance marketing agency built for the $1–$10M e-commerce brand. From scaling BarkBox through an IPO to launching his own agency, Sam shares how he’s rewriting the rules of media buying—eschewing bloated teams, cutting wasted ad spend, and proving that founder-led content can outpace traditional agency marketing.

Sam digs into the challenges small but ambitious DTC brands face, why Facebook and Google’s “easy mode” can cripple growth, and how The Moonlighters’ one-to-one senior talent model is changing client relationships. Sam also offers candid thoughts on AI’s potential in media buying, the power of giving away the “secret sauce” on YouTube, and his vision for sustainable agency growth.

On this episode of Agency Alchemy, we sit down with Adam Biddle, CEO of GH05T, to explore how a career that started in music marketing—working with legends like Black Sabbath—evolved into leading one of the most forward-thinking social-first agencies in the corporate space. Adam shares how GH05T helps highly regulated industries like finance and insurance embrace creativity within strict boundaries, why honesty is the only way to set expectations with brands, and how his team is using AI through their proprietary tool, Ghostwriter, to scale community management without losing the human touch.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Harriet Knight and Hannah Penn, co-Managing Directors of award-winning independent agency Pablo. Together, they unpack what it truly means to lead with humility, structure an agency for speed and soul, and why sharing a leadership role has been their secret weapon.

From creative duos to dual timelines, retail roots to pro bono triumphs, they reveal how Pablo’s flat hierarchy, performance culture, and deeply human values are reshaping the future of creative agencies. Plus, hear how personal health journeys, CPR mannequins modeled on Netflix stars, and UV-sensitive hi-vis vests are all part of the Pablo playbook.

In this episode, we sit down with James Trowman, Partner and General Manager at The Frameworks, a specialist B2B marketing agency recently crowned with six Telly Awards and proud new status as an employee-owned business. James shares how imagination and creativity drive real business transformation—from branding and content strategy to AI-powered tools. He explores the four pillars of imaginative organizations, how B2B marketers can humanize complex offerings, and why risk-taking, collaboration, and leadership buy-in are key to future-proofing your business.

Plus, hear how The Frameworks is leveraging AI not just to boost creative output, but to build smarter, more personalized client experiences. If you’re a business leader ready to think beyond the now, this one’s for you.

This episode of Agency Alchemy features a wide-ranging and eye-opening conversation with Paul Woolmington, CEO of Canvas Worldwide. As the agency celebrates its 10th anniversary, Woolmington dives deep into the evolving media landscape where sports, culture, and technology collide. From the global growth of women’s sports to the streaming revolution reshaping fan access, Woolmington shares insights on how sport has become the new religion—and a powerhouse platform for brands. Discover why Formula One exploded in the U.S., how cricket shocked the world in Dallas, and what the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 LA Olympics mean for marketers. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a data-driven strategist, this episode explores why sports are no longer just entertainment—they’re an economic and cultural force.

The rise of AI is reshaping the creative industry—so where does that leave agencies, content creators, and marketers? In this episode of Agency Alchemy, Fergus Dyer-Smith, CEO of Wooshii, dives into the evolving role of AI in creative workflows, the future of video content, and how agencies can stay ahead in an increasingly automated world. We explore the impact of AI agents, the surprising evolution of short-form and vertical video, and whether AI policing AI is the answer to ethical concerns. Plus, Fergus shares his insights on how brands should approach video in an era of mass content generation. Tune in for a forward-thinking discussion on the challenges and opportunities ahead!

In this episode of Agency Alchemy, we sit down with Richard Robinson, Executive Director of Ingenuity+, to unpack the evolving landscape of brand-agency relationships. With UK marketing budgets surpassing £40 billion and digital ad spend hitting new highs, agencies and brands must be “Pitch Perfect” to stay ahead. Richard shares insights on why 2025 will be a transformative year for agencies, the growing workload for marketing directors, and how AI is reshaping the industry. Plus, we explore the resurgence of local hero brands and why creativity is more important than ever.

In this debut episode of Agency Alchemy, Chris Pearce, Managing Director at Green Park, takes us on a journey through his dynamic career in advertising, from jumping ship from banking to leading global agencies. He shares insights on balancing creativity and data, navigating different ownership structures, and fostering a culture of optimism in agencies. Plus, we dive into the evolving role of AI in content creation, leadership strategies for transformation, and what the future holds for agencies of all sizes. Tune in for a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and the intersection of art and science in marketing!