What does it really take to build an award-winning agency culture in an industry obsessed with clicks and fees?

In this episode, Todd and Kelly talk about why being named an Inc. 500 Best Workplaces 2025 Honoree actually matters, and why it’s more than a vanity metric.

They discuss the invisible ROI of trust, empathy, and collaboration. They explore how low turnover, emotional intelligence, and thoughtful hiring translate into smarter media strategies and lasting client value.

From confronting the paradox of scaling intimacy to battling rising costs in a race-to-the-bottom industry, this candid conversation challenges traditional agency models and offers a fresh look at what truly drives performance.

If you’ve ever wondered how to retain A-level talent, differentiate beyond platforms, or build a workplace where people don’t just stay, but thrive - this one's for you.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Kicking Things Off: The Power of Real Collaboration
• 00:00:59 - Meet Your Hosts: Kelly and Todd in the Spotlight
• 00:01:08 - Big Win Alert: Inc. Best Places to Work Celebration
• 00:02:11 - What a Genuine Work Culture Really Looks Like
• 00:03:14 - Growing Pains: How the Workplace Has Evolved
• 00:07:53 - Trust, Tight Teams, and the Magic of Collaboration
• 00:14:35 - How to Spot, Hire, and Keep A-Players on Your Team
• 00:16:59 - Scaling Smart: Balancing Headcount with Overhead
• 00:24:44 - Parting Thoughts: Gratitude, Growth, and Looking Ahead

Links and Resources:

• Kelly Maguire on LinkedIn
• Todd Juneau on LinkedIn
• Vuja Dé Digital 

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Contrary to Popular Opinion? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!