If AI can handle more of the work agencies have traditionally been paid to do, what makes an agency valuable?

In this episode of Agency Download, "Beyond Execution: How AI Is Changing the Value of Agencies," Raj Iyer and I discuss how AI is reshaping the advertising industry and challenging agencies to rethink how they operate, compete, and deliver value. We explore why the traditional agency model needs to evolve and why simply adopting AI isn't enough to stay ahead.

Drawing on more than 25 years of agency experience, Raj shares his perspective on the growing importance of strategic thinking in an AI-driven industry. We talk about moving beyond hourly billing, finding a clear niche, and using AI to improve decision-making and make deeper strategic expertise more accessible. Raj also introduces Nave Origyn and its approach to bringing strategic intelligence and technology together, helping agencies move beyond routine execution and deliver greater value to clients.

In this episode:

• Why the traditional agency business model needs to change

• How AI is reshaping agency operations and client expectations

• Why access to AI doesn't automatically translate into better results

• The importance of training teams to use AI effectively

• Why agencies need to find their niche instead of trying to do everything

• How AI can become an extension of an agency team

• Why AI is an organizational technology, not just another tool

• How Nave Origyn is using strategic intelligence to improve business decision-making

• How AI can make high-value strategic thinking more accessible

• Why agencies need to connect strategy with business models and client outcomes

• The difference between market share and share of market

• Why measurement and long-term planning matter in brand strategy

• What aspiring strategists can learn from curiosity, observation, and taking informed risks

• Why embracing AI and continuing to learn are essential for the future of agencies

Connect with the Host: James Williams

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Connect with the Guest: Raj Iyer

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Most agencies start with a service and build from there. Yellow Dog Creative started with a plumbing company.

This week on Agency Download, James Williams sits down with Drew VanDrese, president of Yellow Dog Creative, to unpack how the agency grew from a small media operation serving the trades into a full-service creative agency. Drew shares what they learned from years of working in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical, why adjacent industries became the next step for growth, and how the team expanded without trying to become everything for everyone.

We also get into private equity in the trades, why authentic content beats stock imagery, where AI fits into creative work, and how Yellow Dog builds a culture that keeps its team connected.

If you're an agency owner thinking about how to grow without losing your edge, or a marketer trying to figure out where authenticity fits in an increasingly AI-driven world, this one's worth a listen.

In this episode:

• How Yellow Dog grew from an in-house media operation at a plumbing company into an independent agency
• Why promoting from within can strengthen culture and develop future leaders
• How to expand into adjacent industries without abandoning your core expertise
• Why adding more services isn't always the right way to grow an agency
• Using strategic partners instead of building departments for services outside your core
• How private equity is changing the trades
• Why real photos and videos of your team can outperform stock imagery
• Where AI creates opportunities and where it can undermine brand authenticity
• Building agency culture through everyday rituals, community, and connection
• Drew's advice on leadership, compassion, and doing the right thing

Connect with the Host: James Williams

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Connect with the Guest: Drew VanDrese

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James sits down with Jade Scherr, Founder and CEO of HexaHive, to discuss her journey from aspiring lawyer to agency owner and the lessons that shaped her approach to business. She shares why building with purpose and making intentional decisions creates a stronger foundation for long-term success.

Together, they explore how trust, clear communication, and solving the right problems help agencies build lasting client relationships instead of chasing quick wins. Jade also explains how refining services, embracing specialization, and focusing on the right partnerships can lead to healthier, more sustainable growth.

The conversation also looks at AI and how agencies can use it to streamline repetitive work while keeping creativity and strategic thinking at the center. If you're an agency owner, marketer, or entrepreneur looking to grow with intention, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply to your own business.

In this episode:

• Jade's journey from law school to founding HexaHive
• Why intentional growth leads to a more sustainable agency
• Building stronger client relationships through trust and communication
• Knowing when to specialize and when to outsource
• Transitioning from project work to long-term partnerships
• Positioning your agency to attract the right clients
• Solving business challenges at the root instead of treating symptoms
• Using AI to support productivity without replacing human expertise
• The importance of mentorship, curiosity, and trusting your instincts as a leader

Connect with the Host: James Williams

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Connect with the Guest: Jade Scherr

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Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit Website⁠