In this episode of Build a Better Agency, Drew McLellan emphasizes the game-changing impact of one-on-one meetings and why agency owners should make them a non-negotiable part of their leadership strategy. Drawing from real-world agency experiences, Drew shares why these meetings serve as an "early warning radar system," helping leaders stay connected to their teams, strengthen workplace culture, and proactively address challenges before they escalate.
Drew outlines a structured yet simple framework for these biweekly, 30-minute meetings, highlighting that they are employee-driven—meaning the team member schedules the meeting, completes a structured form in advance, and leads the conversation. He breaks down the essential components of the form, including personal and professional check-ins, growth goal tracking, and opportunities for employees to share concerns, request support, and flag internal or client-related issues. By consistently implementing these meetings, agency owners can reduce day-to-day interruptions, foster deeper engagement, and cultivate a team that is both personally and professionally invested in the agency’s success.
If you’re struggling with employee engagement, culture-building, or leadership visibility, this episode provides a straightforward yet highly effective solution. Tune in to learn how to implement one-on-one meetings, access Drew’s updated meeting template, and start seeing immediate benefits in your agency.
A big thank you to our podcast’s presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They’re an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- The value of one-on-one meetings for agency growth and employee development
- Setting professional and agency-focused growth goals for employees
- Encouraging accountability and preparation among team members
- Building deeper connections through personal and professional check-ins
- Enhancing employee support and addressing key issues effectively
- The importance of employees driving their own career discussions
- Leveraging one-on-one meetings to spot potential client or internal issues early
In this episode of Build a Better Agency, Drew McLellan sits down with leadership and workplace culture expert Sarah Noll Wilson to unpack one of the biggest challenges agency owners face today—building real culture and connection in a rapidly changing workplace.
Drew and Sarah explore how generational shifts, post-pandemic workplace dynamics, and evolving expectations have reshaped the employer-employee relationship. They discuss why traditional leadership approaches—like assuming loyalty comes from salary or benefits alone—no longer work and how agency owners can foster genuine commitment and engagement. Sarah shares eye-opening insights on the importance of psychological safety, trust, and open communication, explaining why employees today expect to be seen, valued, and respected in ways that differ from the past.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by shifting workforce expectations, struggled to retain top talent, or wondered how to get your team to care as much as you do about the business, this conversation is a must-listen. Tune in to gain practical strategies for fostering a workplace culture that works—not just for you, but for your employees and the success of your agency.
A big thank you to our podcast’s presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They’re an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- Understanding the generational shift in workplace dynamics
- Navigating emotional engagement in leadership roles
- The importance of aligning agency culture with values
- Rethinking how to build trust and commitment
- Addressing the challenges of hybrid and remote work environments
- Experimenting with new strategies for relationship-building
- Embracing intellectual humility to foster collaboration
Welcome to the latest episode of Build a Better Agency! In this episode, host Drew McLellan dives into a fascinating yet often overlooked topic that will have you rethinking how you present yourself professionally. Joined by expert guest Morgan Wider, Drew explores the powerful impact of wardrobe choices on your personal and professional brand.
Morgan, a seasoned wardrobe stylist with a decade of corporate retail experience, shares invaluable insights on how to ensure your exterior appearance aligns with the professional image you want to project. Whether you’ve been dressing the same way for years or are looking to make a change, Morgan’s advice on intentional dressing and wardrobe curation will make you reconsider your daily attire.
They’ll discuss practical tips on evaluating your current wardrobe, making intentional color choices, and infusing your outfits with personality through accessories. You'll also hear about common wardrobe mistakes and the small tweaks that can make a big difference in how you’re perceived by others.
Don’t miss this episode if you're ready to take actionable steps towards enhancing your executive presence, boosting your confidence, and standing out in your field in the most authentic way. Trust us—by the end, you'll be walking into your closet with a whole new perspective.
Let’s get started!
A big thank you to our podcast’s presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They’re an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- The importance of intentionality in how we dress to convey our professional message
- Understanding the alignment of personal authenticity with professional attire
- How our wardrobe choices influence both self-perception and external perception
- The significance of avoiding the default "should" outfits to stand out while respecting professional norms
- Practical tips for refining wardrobe choices to maintain authenticity and professionalism
- Utilizing accessories and small details to add personality and create conversation starters
- The value of an external perspective to reassess and enhance your professional wardrobe choices
In this episode of Build a Better Agency Drew McLellan talks with Tessa White, also known as the Job Doctor. Tessa has a rich background with 25 years in HR and a fascinating journey that saw her pivot from corporate life to empower individuals in the workforce, all during the turbulent times of late 2020. What started as a simple endeavor on TikTok quickly transformed into a massive platform with millions of followers and a compelling new book, “The Unspoken Truths for Career Success.”
We explore the evolving dynamics of employer-employee relationships, the importance of effective communication, and how generational perspectives are reshaping the workplace. Tessa offers eye-opening strategies for building loyalty, beyond merely providing great benefits or flexible work conditions.
Whether you’re an agency owner struggling with the concept of loyalty in the modern workforce or looking for innovative ways to connect with your team, this episode is packed with transformative insights. Join us as Tessa White breaks down what employees really crave in their careers and how business owners can adapt to these changing demands. Grab your notepad; you won’t want to miss this!
A big thank you to our podcast’s presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They’re an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- Understanding the disconnect between employers and employees
- How to foster employee loyalty in a changing workforce
- The importance of career pathing from day one
- Rethinking compensation and rewards
- The power of customization in the workplace
- How to build stronger relationships in hybrid and remote environments
- Adapting to the future of work