Agency Balance Podcast: Recent Episodes
David Snyder
The agency balance is a podcast created to share knowledge around marketing, technology, business best practices, real life self improvements and talking about things that make you happy.
Lisa and Dave reflect on Season 2. Join us as we revisit the highlights with our incredible guests and dive into the whirlwind of the past year—covering everything from AI and privacy to content creation, travel, storytelling, and the art of hiring top talent. Don’t miss our farewell to Season 2 and get ready for the excitement of Season 3, now in the works!
Todd Kunsman, Head of Marketing at Jetpack Workflow, shares his social media tips, emphasizing authenticity and finding one's voice. Lisa and Todd discuss the evolving SEO landscape, continuous learning, the use of AI tools for content creation, and the importance of platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, and podcasting for audience engagement. They stress creating quality content, repurposing it across channels, and staying adaptable in digital marketing. The conversation also covers balancing side hustles with full-time roles.
Josh Liegel, CEO of EIC Solutions, fulfilled a long-held dream by traveling to Entebbe and Mukono, Uganda, spurred by his daughter's mission trip and an opportunity through his church. Despite uncertainties, he made a leap of faith, preparing his business and personal life while relying on others to manage things back home.
His journey was marked by embracing the unknown and relinquishing control, leading to personal growth. In the conversation with David, Josh emphasized the value of stepping out of comfort zones and serving others for personal growth.
David and Lisa discuss the decision to reopen their office space after two years of remote work due to COVID-19. They emphasize the office as a tool rather than a requirement, highlighting benefits like collaboration, productivity, and maintaining company culture. They also discuss challenges and advantages of remote work, focusing on adapting to different environments and the value of in-person interactions for creativity and connection. They explore AI adoption, discussing integration, impact on marketing and sales, and the balance between AI and human connection. They also discuss the things that energize them. They stress identifying energizing factors that can lead to peak performance.
Erika Butler, Founder and CEO of Higher International Human Resources, joins Lisa in discussion on various aspects of leadership, team management, work-life balance, and the integration of family into professional life.
They emphasize the importance of effective communication, recognition, career development, and accountability in fostering a positive work environment. Erika shares insights from her experience and recommends focusing on key areas to drive employee engagement and satisfaction. Erika also provides practical tips for finding balance personally. Throughout the discussion, they underscore the value of continuous learning, mentorship, and personal growth as leaders.
Jack Skeels author of his new book 'Unmanaged: Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations' joins Dave and shares insights on the challenges and pitfalls of Agile transformations, the importance of measuring success, and the inevitability of project failures.
They discuss the concept of staying in one's lane versus diversification in service offerings for agencies, emphasizing the need to balance innovation and client needs. They also explore the concept of the "manager tax", improving productivity, agile methodology, utilization and working together as a team.
Jeff has spent his more than 30-year career in high tech product management and product marketing, the last decade or so in cybersecurity. Jeff joins Lisa and talks about his approach to building a successful marketing team involves recognizing and leveraging strengths while acknowledging and addressing weaknesses.
He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, both within the team and when working with external agencies. Jeff believes in hiring expertise for specific tactical areas, such as SEO, digital ads, and social media. He values the diversity of skills within a team to create a well-rounded and adaptable marketing approach. Jeff's practical mindset is grounded in the reality of small startups, where the focus is on tangible results and efficiency rather than getting lost in perfection or trying to excel in every aspect. Learning from others' mistakes and being transparent about challenges are key principles in his approach to marketing.
Dive into the dynamic world of digital media and sports photography with Jeff Atkinson, founder of Freedom Digital Media and resident director of photography for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens. In this engaging conversation with host David Snyder, explore the impact of AI on the industry and the ever-evolving technology landscape. Jeff shares insights into his 24 years of experience, from the transition from film to the latest innovations in content creation. Discover the challenges and intricacies of shooting sports events, the art of storytelling in unscripted moments, and the behind-the-scenes logistics of a bustling production crew. Join us for a deep dive into the fast-paced world of capturing iconic moments and the constant pursuit of innovation in digital media. Plus, learn about Jeff's fitness routine and how staying fit plays a crucial role in his demanding profession. Don't miss this captivating episode that unveils the secrets of success in the world of digital media and sports photography.
Lisa Zwikl and Natalie Kelly discuss the importance of a people-first mindset in the context of a service business. Highlighting how investing in employees and building a strong company culture is essential for success. Natalie shares her career journey, including her realization that employee satisfaction and culture improvements can positively impact business results. She also stresses the importance of self-awareness and knowing one's limits as a leader.
Sharon Mostyn joins the podcast and shares her over 3 decades of experience as both in-house and agency-side marketers. We dig into the ins and outs of managing a marketing budget in order to provide the best ROI across all channels. Sharon also shares he viewpoint on ChatGPT and AI and how best to use.
Lisa Zwikl joins Dave as the new Co-Host of the Agency Balance podcast. Lisa and Dave talk about what they have seen so far in 2023 with inbound and outbound sales, what clients look for in hiring and agency. They also share what guests we will be having on season 2.
On the final episode of Season 1 of the Agency Balance podcast, Lisa Zwikl Chief Strategy Officer at SmartAcre joins Dave to reflect back on 2022. We call back some great points shared from our guests along with Lisa shares some strategies on what to keep going into 2023 and what to throw into the fire.
Listen to Jeff Johns a people-focused Engineer & Product leader with over 20 years of experience as a software engineer and leader. We talk about being a remote work enthusiast brings better work-life balance and enables you to find the best talent. We also share the importance of passions in our daily lives. Including pretending to know what to do with automobiles.
Josh joins Dave and talks about the parallels between being in a large family and running a company. He also shares how do you keep your team engaged and motivated to produce a product. Josh Liegel is the President and CEO of EIC Solutions, Inc, an electronics manufacturer that focuses on thermoelectric, solid state cooling systems. With nearly two decades of electronics-protection-industry experience under his belt, Josh seeks to lead EIC to new heights and break the barriers of solid state cooling application. This can only be done by fostering an inclusive culture of excellence, problem solving and creativity.
Jackie joins Dave to talk about putting her team first, starting with the goal in mind, pros of being in the agency world vs. client side. Jackie Voutsinas is a Director of Accounts at SmartAcre, specializing in marketing strategy, marketing technology, and client relationships. She shares what she is doing different this go round being a boomerang employee and how to show up for your team.
Denis joins Dave on the podcast and talks about some big time learnings after 26+ years in agency life. Everything from leadership training, investing in your culture and brand promise. As the President and Co-founder at Imaginasium Denis's mission is to help manufacturers clarify their message, build a culture that believes in the company’s vision, and create marketing that drives customers to action.
Jay joins Dave on the podcast and shares some strategies and tactics around agency coaching, mindfulness and being present. Jay has over fifteen years experience helping agency owners create positive learning cultures, while helping individual employees access their most authentic power. Listen to the end to receive a copy of Jay's audio book.
Roy shares his journey with Dave from growing and leading and agency, battles with addiction to now helping many with coaching and recovery. Roy has over 25 years of experience leading and advising mid-market C-suite executives and entrepreneurs. He has facilitated over 100 strategic planning sessions for companies focused on financial services, healthcare, higher education, and marketing communications. He successfully founded and served as CEO of a leading marketing communications firm specializing in community-based financial services. His company realized an average of 33% year-over-year growth for over a decade, leveraging Rhythm Systems philosophy. He is experienced at enhancing enterprise value in preparation for market sales transactions, comprehensive mergers and acquisition planning, and go-to-market strategies. He has participated as a co-founder or partner in four successful enterprises during his career.
Finding a hobby is super important to give you balance. Kevin Marshall joins Dave on the podcast where they talk about the love for sports card and memorabilia collecting. Kevin Marshall is the President at Marshall Advertising a full-service Media Buying company specializing in media planning/strategy, traditional and digital media buying, negotiating and managing sports sponsorships, and more.
As Co-Founder of TheMarketingHelp.co, Erik is passionate about offering mentorship, coaching and making connections that enable success for the next generation of marketers and marketing talent.
He has been building marketing teams, strategies, and solutions for over 25 years in agency, SaaS, tech and academic environments. He has held several leadership roles with award-winning agencies, such as Harmelin Media, 22Squared, 360i, and eBay.
Over his career, Erik has amassed a well-developed, active network with leading agency, brand, ad tech, marketing tech, start up, entrepreneurial and academic communities.
His marketing career learnings, experiences, and extensive network, are available to all marketers that are part of TheMarketingHelp.co community and mentorship programs.
Get some great inspirational ideas from Lisa on this episode. Lisa talks about making a choice being a working mom vs. staying home with her kids. Lisa has developed award-winning marketing programs to strategically planning activities for two (two and under!) boys, Lisa Zwikl is a strategist at heart. As SmartAcre's Chief Strategy Officer, Lisa empowers teams to listen to clients, understand goals, and bring campaigns to life, using the right mix of data and passion to drive decisions.
Finding balance…isn't that what we all are searching for? Work life balance. To be able to do the things we love and still be able to have a growing successful life and career.
On this episode I want to dig into this topic and share some of the tactics I found that help me find balance.
1. Do the things you love every single day
2. If it takes 2 mins or less just do it
3. Make a list of 3 todos each day
Get to know Dave with his first episode: I am a Father, Husband, CEO in that order.
Finding balance isn’t that what we all are striving for?
Let me share a secret. Stop trying to find the perfect balance. It’s not gonna happen.
Hi there and thank you so much for joining me to listen to my podcast, Agency Balance. My name is David Snyder (Dave). I am a marketer, tech n3rd, and a collector of anything collectible. A Pennsylvanian who has spent the last two decades as an agency leader who has found his balance.