Agency Side

🎧 In this episode of the Agency Side Podcast, host Justin Levinson sits down with Bret Werner, President of MWW, to explore his journey in the PR industry and what makes mid-size agencies uniquely powerful in today’s communications landscape.

Bret shares perspective on the value of strong client relationships, the competitive edge of being an independent firm, and how mid-size agencies can balance agility with scale. The conversation also dives into the growing impact of AI on communications and the cultural influence of major moments like the Super Bowl.

From hiring strategies and identifying top agency talent to maintaining balance between work and personal life, Bret offers thoughtful insights on leadership, growth, and building a resilient, high-performing agency. Tune in for a candid conversation about the future of PR and what it really takes to succeed. 🎙️

🎧 In this episode of the Agency Side Podcast, host Justin Levinson sits down with Hillel Hurwitz, founder and CEO of Bald Agency, a creative agency dedicated to building bold, impactful brands. Hillel shares his journey from South Africa to New York, the challenges of launching an agency during a global pandemic, and the lessons he’s learned about assembling a strong, high-performing team.

The conversation dives into Bald’s unique approach, blending strategy, creativity, and marketing, as well as their commitment to remote work and cultivating a vibrant team culture. Hillel also discusses how AI is shaping the agency’s operations and why research and strategy remain central to effective brand development.

Beyond the business side, Hillel reflects on what defines success for him and the critical importance of hiring for cultural fit. Tune in for an insightful conversation about creativity, leadership, and building a modern agency that thrives in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving landscape. 🎙️

🎧 In this episode of the Agency Side Podcast, host Justin Levinson sits down with Laura Macdonald, Chief Growth Officer at Hotwire, to explore her unique path into public relations and how she’s helping shape the future of growth and innovation within a global PR agency.

Laura shares insights into the evolving role of data-driven strategy in communications, the growing influence of AI in modern PR, and how actionable insights power smarter decision-making. She also opens up about navigating high-stakes industry moments and why building authentic, trust-based relationships with media and influencers is more critical than ever.

The conversation dives into the fast-paced, multifaceted nature of her role — from driving business growth to fostering innovation across teams — and what keeps her energized in such a dynamic field.

Beyond the office, Laura talks about her passion for skiing and training for half marathons, reflecting the same focus, endurance, and drive that define her leadership style.

Tune in for a candid conversation about growth, innovation, and what it takes to lead in today’s rapidly evolving PR landscape. 🎙️

🎧 In this episode of the Agency Side Podcast, host Justin Levinson sits down with Mike Caguin, Chief Creative Officer at Betty, to explore his journey into the creative industry and what it truly takes to build strong, high-functioning creative teams.

Mike shares insights on the importance of team chemistry, how creativity in advertising continues to evolve, and the growing role of AI in the creative process. He also opens up about why mental health awareness and compassion are essential to sustaining great work and healthy workplaces.

The conversation goes beyond the office as Mike talks about his personal projects and passions outside of work, highlighting how connection, collaboration, and humanity fuel long-term creative success.

Tune in for an honest look at modern creativity, leadership, and building environments where people — and ideas — can thrive. 🎙️

🎧 In this episode of the Agency Side Podcast, host Justin Levinson sits down with Sabina Gault, Founder & CEO of Konnect Agency, to unpack her inspiring journey from Romania to Los Angeles and her path to building a successful independent PR agency.

Sabina shares how her passion for storytelling shaped her career in public relations and fueled the growth of Konnect. She reflects on the evolution of PR in the digital age, the realities and challenges of agency life, and what it takes to build meaningful client relationships and impactful campaigns.

The conversation also dives into the importance of community, leadership, and finding balance—both in business and in life—as Sabina opens up about her philosophy on work, motherhood, and long-term success.

Tune in for honest insights on modern PR, agency growth, and leading with purpose. 🎙️

🎧 In this episode of the Agency Side Podcast, host Justin Levinson sits down with Nick Cowling, CEO of Citizen Relations, to explore the evolving world of public relations.

Nick shares his journey into the PR industry and how technology and AI are reshaping the field. He breaks down how Citizen is redefining modern PR by combining data-driven insights with creative strategy to build stronger, more authentic connections.

The conversation dives into the importance of reputation management, navigating hybrid work environments, and what’s ahead for PR—including the growing role of influencers and the increasing demand for transparency and trust in communications.

Tune in for thoughtful insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of public relations.

🎧 In this episode of the Agency Side Podcast, host Justin Levinson sits down with Ben Nazario, Chief Growth Officer at MC², to unpack his path into the world of experiential marketing.

Ben shares how he built his career in an industry driven by innovation, relationships, and unforgettable brand moments. He walks through the structure of the MC² team, how collaboration fuels their success, and why strong client partnerships remain the foundation of impactful work.

The conversation touches on evolving trends shaping experiential marketing, the unique challenges of delivering large-scale events, and the sales strategies that keep trust and relationships at the center of every opportunity.

Tune in for an insightful look at leadership, sales enablement, agency dynamics, and the rapidly changing landscape of experiential experiences.

🎧 In this episode of the Agency Side Podcast, host Justin Levinson sits down with Edie Gelardi, Division President at Duggal Visual Solutions, to explore her journey into the world of visual communications.

Edie shares how she moved from marketing into leading large-scale visual projects, highlighting the role creativity plays in building meaningful brand stories. She breaks down the rise of pop-up experiences, the logistics behind executing them well, and why strong client relationships are essential to bringing ideas to life.

The conversation also dives into her approach to hiring and team-building, the inspiration she draws from travel, and how technology—and increasingly AI—is reshaping the future of visual communication and brand experiences.

Tune in for a wide-ranging look at creativity, experiential design, leadership, and the evolving landscape where storytelling and technology meet.

🎧 In this episode of the Agency Side Podcast, host Justin Levinson sits down with Will Trowbridge, CEO and founder of Saylor, to dive into the evolution of a modern creative agency.

Will walks through his journey from Disney and Netflix to launching Saylor, sharing what he learned along the way and what it really takes to build an agency from the ground up. He opens up about the wins and challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of strong client relationships, and how AI is reshaping the future of marketing and creative work.

The conversation also explores Will’s approach to balancing a fast-growing business with family life—highlighting the real, human side of leadership and parenthood.

Tune in for an inspiring look at agency building, creative innovation, and leading with clarity, curiosity, and heart.

🎧 In this episode of the Agency Side Podcast, host Justin Levinson chats with Kat Ott, President of Havas Chicago, about her journey from client-side marketing to leading one of the industry’s most innovative agencies.

Kat shares how she fosters a strong agency culture, empowers teams, and drives groundbreaking campaigns. The conversation explores the creative process, the role of AI in modern marketing, and strategies for attracting and retaining top talent. She also reflects on her personal passions and offers insights into future marketing trends, including influencer marketing and experiential strategies.

Tune in for an inspiring look at how leadership, creativity, and innovation come together to shape the future of marketing.