Emma Kelly is the Global Head of Consulting at Verity RI, a consultancy dedicated to unlocking the commercial power of relationships. With over 20 years of client satisfaction data and a global team of consultants, Emma works with agencies and brands to turn feedback into action, helping organisations grow through stronger, smarter partnerships.

In this episode of The Space Between, Emma joins Debbie Richardson and Seth Hawthorne to explore how agency–client relationships have shifted since Covid, why “transactional drag” is quietly undermining strategic partnerships, and what separates relationships that are fit for today from those built for tomorrow. From juniorisation and psychological safety to future fitness, talent experience, and relational intelligence in an AI-driven world, this is a candid look at how agencies can balance product innovation with human connection to unlock sustainable growth.