The Three Pillars of Leading an agency: Communication, Hiring, and Financial Stability

I      recently stumbled upon a podcast titled “A CEO does three things” by Trey Taylor where he spoke about the three crucial goals a CEO      must achieve. This resonated with me deeply, as it's a rare yet vital reminder that leaders need to focus on what truly drives the      company forward. Inspired, I promptly texted my assistant to set a reminder to delve deeper into this matter when my schedule allows.

As the Managing Director of WOOSH, I often find myself entangled in the smallest details of our projects, easily distracted by tasks that shouldn't demand my attention. This tendency stems from my love for building things from scratch and solving problems. However, the essence of effective leadership lies in maintaining focus on the bigger picture.


In my own experience at WOOSH, balancing these three goals has been both challenging and rewarding. By focusing on clear communication, strategic hiring, and financial stewardship, we’ve navigated what growth and evolution looks like for an agency our size. Each of these goals requires constant attention and adjustment, much like steering a ship through the waves and icebergs that crashed the Titanic.

Communicate and Garner Buy-In on Company Goals

Communicating and garnering buy-in on company goals is vital for aligning all stakeholders towards a common vision. One example is the advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy, known for its iconic campaigns. When Wieden+Kennedy was tasked with revitalising Nike’s brand in the 1980s, the agency founder, Dan Wieden, ensured that every team member understood and was passionate about the company's vision of celebrating athletes and the spirit of sports. 
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This clear communication and alignment of goals were instrumental when they created the "Just Do It" campaign. This campaign not only resonated internally but also with Nike’s global audience, propelling the brand to new heights. By creating a sense of ownership and unity within the agency, Wieden+Kennedy was able to deliver a groundbreaking campaign that reinforced their position as a leading creative force in the advertising industry. This example underscores the importance of ensuring that everyone involved understands and supports the company's objectives, which is especially critical in high-stakes engagements where alignment and clarity can make or break a project.
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Hiring the right people and delegating Accordingly

Hiring the right people and delegating effectively are crucial for scaling a business and enhancing operational efficiency. Take the example of Ogilvy & Mather, one of the largest and most renowned advertising agencies in the world. When Shelly Lazarus became CEO, she understood that her strength lay in strategic vision rather than micromanagement. She focused on hiring top talent and empowered her team to take ownership of their projects. For instance, Ogilvy & Mather’s work with IBM in the 1990s required a massive overhaul of IBM’s brand image. By delegating tasks to highly skilled teams and trusting their expertise, the agency successfully launched the "Solutions for a Small Planet" campaign, which repositioned IBM as a global leader in technology solutions. This strategic delegation not only led to a successful campaign but also demonstrated the power of hiring the right people and allowing them to thrive in their roles, significantly boosting the agency's reputation and efficiency.

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