Welcome to our podcast Subject to Approval, where we cut through the noise and explore the realities of today’s agency and business world. No fluff, no jargon—just fearless conversations.

In this insightful episode, Rebecca and Steve tackle a critical issue in the agency landscape: the vanishing act of strategists from agency networks—and the consequences of their absence. As quality declines and client dissatisfaction rises, the industry is realizing what it lost. But is simply bringing strategists back the answer?

Together, they explore:

• The reasons strategy roles were removed in the first place
• The ripple effects on creative quality, client relationships, and project thinking
• Why “strategy” has become a misunderstood, sometimes feared term
• The difference between having a strategist and fostering a strategic culture
• Practical ways agencies can embed strategic thinking without a full strategy department
• How to empower client services, creatives, and leadership teams to think more strategically

Whether you're a network agency leader, an indie founder, or a strategist yourself, this episode offers clarity, direction, and real-world solutions to a challenge facing many teams today.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategy isn't a role—it’s a way of working.
• Agencies downsized strategy, then scrambled to re-hire it when quality slipped.
• Strategic thinking doesn’t belong to one person—it's a shared mindset.
• Giving teams permission, confidence, and process is key to embedding strategy.
• A well-executed strategy doesn't need mystique—just clarity and alignment.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Telling people to ‘be more strategic’ isn’t helpful—it’s like telling a cycling team to just pedal faster.” — Steven McGinnes
• “Strategy disappeared because it was seen as a luxury. But thinking is not a luxury.” — Steven McGinnes
• “You don’t replace a CSO—you empower them with a cast of thousands.” — Steven McGinnes

Who Should Listen:

• Agency leaders and founders
• Strategy directors and CSOs
• Client service and account teams
• Creatives who want to think more commercially
• Anyone tasked with driving better thinking in their teams

Want Support?

If you're struggling to embed strategic culture in your agency—or just want a smart second opinion—reach out. Coaching, workshops, or tailored tools, we’re here to help.

📧Contact us at: [email protected]

🌐Visit: ArtemisAPAC.com