In this episode, Blaise Grimes-Viort interviews Molly Baker, founder and CEO of Indy Consulting. They discuss Molly's transition from agency to brand side, her motivations for founding Indie, and the unique approach her agency takes towards client services. The conversation explores the importance of flexibility in client relationships, building a diverse team, and the impact of purpose-driven marketing. They also touch on the challenges of digital transformation in various industries and the future of agency operations in a rapidly changing landscape.

Molly's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-baker-68688546/

Indie Consulting website: https://www.indie-consulting.com/

Molly launched Indie in 2019 after more than a decade in Digital Marketing and Media. Under Molly’s leadership, Indie has grown to a 30-person team with offices in Raleigh and New York City, serving clients primarily in the CPG and health sectors. The agency’s approach is rooted in the belief that true impact comes from client partnership and understanding. 

Before founding Indie, Molly led Global Digital Marketing at Ben & Jerry’s and managed campaigns for Fortune 500 brands as a Media Manager at 360i in New York. She is also the host of Name Drop, a podcast where she sits down with marketing industry thought-leaders to explore their career journeys, insights, hot takes, and more!

In this episode, host Blaise Grimes-Viort speaks with Pete Heslop, founder of Steadfast Collective, about the journey of building a community-focused digital agency. They discuss the importance of understanding client needs, the impact of location on agency growth, and the value of networking through community dinners. Pete shares insights on the development process, the use of technology for remote collaboration, and the metrics that drive agency success.

We also discuss how leadership development is essential for agency growth and sustainability, and ways creating a strong leadership team can ensure business continuity.

Pete's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pwheslop/

Steadfast Collective website: https://steadfastcollective.com/

Pete Heslop is an award-winning, 10+ year digital expert, having led digital agencies for over ten years. Over those ten years, Pete and his team have built platforms used by millions of people worldwide.
Pete believes that community is foundational for regenerative business growth. Alongside leading Steadfast Collective through year-on-year growth, he is passionate about educating UK founders, CEOs and CMOs about community-led marketing through his various content streams.

In this episode, Blaise Grimes-Viort interviews Jonny Popper, Chief Executive of LCA, discussing the evolution of the agency since its founding in 1999. They explore the agency's growth, client engagement strategies, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, and the recent rebranding of LCA. Jonny shares insights on maintaining company culture, adapting to industry changes, and the importance of employee ownership in fostering a motivated workforce.

Jonny's LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jonnypopper

LCA website: https://thisislca.com/

Jonny Popper is co-founder and Chief Executive of LCA, the integrated communications agency for the built environment.  Jonny has worked on some of London’s largest and most complex projects, for the public and private sectors, helping them through community engagement and planning.  His clients include Quintain, Tottenham Hotspur FC, the Parliamentary Estate, HB Reavis, Argent, Enfield Council and Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

In this episode of Leaders in Motion, host Blaise Grimes-Viort speaks with Vincent Boon, co-founder of Standing on Giants, about the evolution of agency leadership and the importance of online communities in driving business growth. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from a corporate environment to an independent agency, the significance of selecting the right clients, and the impact of B Corp certification on business practices. Vincent shares insights on agency leadership, online community management, and the future of online interactions.

Vincent also talks about how his advisory roles provide valuable insights and broaden perspectives in his approach to his agency.

Vincent's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentbooncommunitymanagement/

Standing on Giants website: https://www.standingongiants.com/

Vincent Boon was instrumental in building out PlayStation’s first online community in 2006 with his work being regarded as pioneering in the field of online communities. As part of the start-up team at giffgaff, Vincent demonstrated what an online community could do and brought these learnings to community after community, pioneering a new methodology for community management. He is co-founder at community management agency Standing on Giants working with clients such as Heineken, Airbnb and Lenovo. Today he uses his extensive knowledge to advise companies when designing products, services and community-driven business models.

In this episode of Leaders in Motion, host Blaise Grimes-Viort speaks with Adrian Strittmatter, Founder and CEO of agency Saentys, about his journey in building a global creative agency. They discuss the importance of service in agency work, the challenges of leading a diverse team, and the need for adaptability in a changing market. Adrian shares insights on his daily routine, the philosophy behind his agency, and how they ensure consistency across different offices while fostering collaboration. We explore how the hybrid work model has changed workplace dynamics and the importance of in-person interactions for fostering a strong company culture.

Adrian also shares insights on expanding into new markets and the pivotal leadership decisions that have contributed to the success of his agency, emphasising the value of authenticity and kindness in leadership.

Adrian's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-strittmatter-b151443/

Saentys website: https://saentys.com/

Adrian Strittmatter is the CEO and founder of Saentys Communication Ltd, the international creative consultancy specializing in the real estate and hospitality sectors since 2008. Under Adrian’s leadership Saentys has grown to over 50 employees, 6 studios and active in over 35 countries.

Adrian is a passionate entrepreneur, leader and public speaker who has in depth and long-standing expertise in the fields of business development, brand strategy, branding, real estate sales and marketing. He holds Masters in both Political Science and Media and Communications.

In this episode of Leaders in Motion, host Blaise Grimes-Viort speaks with Kian Bakhtiari, founder of The People, about the importance of diversity in marketing, the unique challenges faced by Gen Z, and the innovative approaches to agency work and consultancy. Kian shares insights on building a network of young voices, the benefits of a distributed work model, and the core services offered by his consultancy. The conversation also touches on the impact of marketing for social change and the reflections on writing Kian's new book.

We also discuss the keys to client acquisition, including clear positioning and timing, and how marketing can be a powerful tool for social change.

Finally we dive into the role of writing a book as a catalyst for industry-wide conversations.

Kian's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kianbakhtiari

The People website: https://www.thepeople.work/

Marketing for Social Change: https://amzn.to/42BoJBD

Kian is the Founder of The People, a Gen-Z consultancy powered by a global community of young changemakers on a mission to amplify the voices of young people and future-proof companies. He is listed as one of the Top 50 Future Leaders by the Financial Times and is the author of the newly published book Marketing for Social Change.

Kian is also a TEDx Speaker and regularly writes about Gen-Z marketing and social impact for Forbes CMO Network. Kian is passionate about using the power of creativity for good.