Marissa Kos is a futurist and opinion leader in the AI space, and the founder of MxM, an AI-powered marketing and business development platform. She helps business owners and brands optimise marketing, sales, operations and culture through tailored automation systems designed for scalable success.

In this episode of The Agency Podcast, Marissa shares insights on the future of AI in business, the myths that hold companies back, and why integrating AI now is critical for building resilient, future-ready organisations.

Book Rivyl in for a free 30-minute call, here: http://l.rivyl.com/JUPbkj Level up your agency with Wix Studio today: https://www.wix.com/studio

(00:00) Introduction
(07:42) Entering the AI Space
(14:18) The Future of AI in Business
(21:03) Debunking AI Myths
(28:47) AI and Company Culture
(36:19) Building Scalable Systems with AI
(43:52) The Power of Personalisation
(51:05) Overcoming Challenges in Adoption
(58:44) AI as a Growth Multiplier
(01:05:16) The Human Side of AI
(01:12:38) The Future of Work and AI
(01:25:03) Final Reflections on AI’s Potential

Jason Georgatos is the President of Partners for Growth, a global investment firm providing tailored debt financing to high-growth companies. With over 20 years of experience in scaling businesses across the US, Australia, Asia, and Europe, Jason has become a trusted partner to ambitious founders navigating expansion. In todays conversation, he explores the nuances of growth financing, the psychology of entrepreneurs, and the evolving landscape of alternative capital, offering practical advice on building resilient businesses and sustainable partnerships.

Book Rivyl in for a free 30-minute call, here: http://l.rivyl.com/JUPbkj Level up your agency with Wix Studio today: https://www.wix.com/studio

(00:00) Introduction
 (06:58) Early Career and Path to Finance
 (12:43) The Role of Partners for Growth
 (20:31) Lessons from Working with Founders
 (28:10) Alternative Financing vs Venture Capital
 (35:37) Building Trust with Entrepreneurs
 (42:21) Growth Capital in Different Markets
 (50:16) Common Mistakes Founders Make
 (57:39) The Future of Growth Financing
 (01:04:20) Evaluating Risk and Reward
 (01:12:12) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
 (01:18:30) Closing Reflections

Poppy Reid is the Co-Founder and Chief Content Officer of Curious Media, where she has launched and led some of Australia’s most influential entertainment publications, including Rolling Stone and Variety in Australia and New Zealand. A multi-award-winning journalist and presenter, Poppy has become a leading voice in shaping the national music conversation. Today, she discusses the realities of running high-profile media brands, the art of impactful storytelling, and the role of representation in building a more inclusive industry.

Book Rivyl in for a free 30-minute call, here: http://l.rivyl.com/JUPbkj Level up your agency with Wix Studio today: https://www.wix.com/studio

(00:00) Introduction

(07:12) From Journalism Student to Editor

(13:47) Launching Rolling Stone Australia

(21:18) Building Variety's Australian Presence

(28:36) Leading a Creative Media Team

(35:51) Navigating Industry Disruption

(43:27) Championing Diversity and Representation

(50:49) The Business of Media Brands

(58:06) Storytelling that Resonates

(01:04:42) Relationships in the Music Industry

(01:12:09) Staying Relevant in a Fast-Changing World

(01:20:13) Lessons for Emerging Creatives

Sophia Athas is the founder and creative director of Hatrik House, the design studio behind some of Australia’s most distinctive brand identities. She is also the co-founder of ButterBoy, a cult cookie brand known for its bold and retro branding, sell-out drops, and devoted community. We explore the psychology of brand building, the tension between scaling and authenticity, and how Sophia protects creative energy while staying rooted in community.

Book Rivyl in for a free 30-minute call, here: http://l.rivyl.com/JUPbkj Level up your agency with Wix Studio today: https://www.wix.com/studio

(00:00) Introduction

(06:13) Finding Her Creative Calling

(11:32) The Launch of Butterboy

(22:29) Growing a Cult Following

(30:41) Crafting Cultural Relevance

(38:58) Balancing Two Businesses

(45:12) Protecting the Creative Process

(52:07) When to Scale and When to Stop

(01:00:34) Building with Integrity

(01:08:40) Industry Lies and Lessons

(01:15:39) A New Vision for Creativity

(01:22:08) Advice for Emerging Creatives

Chad Cohen is the founder of Fortem Media and Unofficial Run Club, known for building brands with cut-through content and strategically led storytelling. He continues to grow authentic communities and true fans. A seasoned marathon runner who has competed around the world, he brings a unique perspective on what it takes to build trust at scale. We unpack the mechanics of community-led brand building, the storytelling frameworks that drive engagement, and the long-term thinking required to cut through in a saturated digital landscape.

Book Rivyl in for a free 30-minute call, here: http://l.rivyl.com/JUPbkj

Level up your agency with Wix Studio today: https://www.wix.com/studio(00:00) Introduction

(08:57) Building a Life Around Curiosity
(15:42) Escaping the Path of Obligation
(26:04) Challenging the Fear of Failure
(33:28) Redefining Success and Status
(42:16) Breaking Out of Conventional Thinking
(50:29) Turning Insights Into Action
(58:03) The Psychology of Selling Yourself
(01:07:44) Storytelling as a Sales Superpower
(01:16:28) Identity, Ego, and Reinvention
(01:28:57) The Power of Reframing
(01:39:46) Creating a Future with Intention

Gus Balbontin is an international keynote speaker, former Executive Director of Lonely Planet, and an insightful advisor to high-growth startups, joins us to share his extensive experience in guiding organizations through periods of significant change and fostering innovation.

This episode explores critical strategies for navigating evolving market landscapes, embracing discomfort, the importance of adopting new technologies, and the leadership principles essential for cultivating an adaptable and forward-thinking business culture.Book Rivyl in for a free 30-minute call, here: http://l.rivyl.com/JUPbkj Level up your agency with Wix Studio today: https://www.wix.com/studio

(00:00) Introduction Gus Balbontin on Change and Innovation(07:07) Innovation as Problem Solving(14:14) Listening First Testing Fast(21:21) The Value of Time and Curiosity(28:28) Judgment Creativity and Risk(35:35) Why Leaders Resist Change(42:42) The Power of Novelty in Business(49:49) Escaping Business as Usual(56:56) Innovation vs ROI(01:04:03) Balancing Structure and Creativity(01:11:10) Learning From Failure Fast(01:18:17) Lonely Planet Faces Irrelevance and Legacy Momentum

Richmond Dinh, the creator of the 'Tiny Challenges' method and founder of a multi-seven-figure coaching business, shares insights from helping over 1200 coaches build high-performing ventures. Richmond shares the landscape of sales, the enduring value of human connection and experience in an increasingly automated world. Expect to learn the crucial role of storytelling in communication and influence, the importance of niche down, and the psychological impact of various personal pitfalls on entrepreneurial success.

Marty Hungerford is the Chief Innovation Officer and founding partner at BRX, where he is redefining how creative agencies deliver value through technology, insight and craft. With over 25 years of experience building and guiding digital, creative and strategic teams. Marty has helped some of Australia’s most iconic brands, including Optus, Medibank, AGL and Australia Post. In this episode, we explore the future of creativity in the AI era, the power of taste and human instinct, and why embracing these tools is essential for staying relevant.Book Rivyl in for a free 30-minute call, here: http://l.rivyl.com/JUPbkj Level up your agency with Wix Studio today: https://www.wix.com/studio

(00:00) Introduction to AI’s Creative Disruption
 (06:52) Tools vs Taste in Modern Creativity
 (13:31) Unlocking AI as a Creative Superpower
 (20:10) Creativity Meets Commerce
 (26:45) Scaling Ideas with AI Tools
 (33:36) AI in Film, Content & Advertising
 (40:22) Ethics, IP, and Prompt Responsibility
 (47:00) Why AI Is Inevitable for Creatives
 (53:40) Taste Over Tenure in the AI Era
 (01:00:20) How AI Is Creating More Jobs
 (01:07:04) Emotion and the Soul of Creativity
 (01:13:58) The Future of AI-First Agencies

David Parsons is an award-winning expert in customer loyalty and the CEO of Ellipsis, a consultancy helping global brands like Audi, eBay, Visa, and Australia’s major banks drive growth through customer science. In this episode of The Agency Podcast, David breaks down the difference between emotional and behavioural loyalty, reveals why most brands misread what their customers really want, and shares how loyalty programs are evolving into powerful front-line brand strategies. A must-listen for anyone building customer relationships that last.

Book Rivyl in for a free 30-minute call, here: http://l.rivyl.com/JUPbkj Level up your agency with Wix Studio today: https://www.wix.com/studio

(00:00) Introduction
(08:23) Engaging Creatively with Influencers
(13:05) The Importance of Authenticity in Content
(24:29) The Evolution of Influencer Trends
(31:04) Addressing Challenges
(39:00) Building Influencer Networks
(44:19) The Transition to Product-Based Ventures
(50:41) Effective Branding
(53:26) Honesty and Transparency
(01:01:37) Navigating AI's Role
(01:08:06) The Emerging Role of Creativity
(01:12:43) Future Trends in Influencer Marketing

Bonnie Gillies is a seasoned beauty professional with over two decades of experience spanning fashion, film, and digital media. As the founder of the award-winning brand Basic By B, she’s built a loyal following by bridging the gap between expert knowledge and accessible beauty. In this episode, Bonnie reflects on the evolution of the industry, the rise of conscious consumerism, and the nuanced balance between education and influence. A thoughtful conversation on brand building, authenticity, and what it means to lead with substance in a saturated space.

Book Rivyl in for a free 30-minute call, here: http://l.rivyl.com/JUPbkj Level up your agency with Wix Studio today: https://www.wix.com/studio

(00:00) Introduction
(08:14) Engaging Creatively with Influencers
(13:51) The Importance of Authenticity in Content
(24:06) The Evolution of Influencer Trends
(30:15) Addressing Challenges
(36:32) Building Influencer Networks
(43:20) The Transition to Product-Based Ventures
(48:14) Effective Branding
(53:45) Honesty and Transparency
(01:01:01) Navigating AI's Role
(01:08:11) The Emerging Role of Creativity
(01:12:49) Future Trends in Influencer Marketing