294. Smarter Video for Modern Agencies, with Patrick Taggart
The Innovative Agency
Today The Innovative Agency Podcast welcomes Patrick Taggart, Chief Creative Officer of SkyBlue Creative, for a candid conversation about the power and challenges of video in modern brand storytelling. As agencies face questions about authenticity, AI, and the pressure to “go big” with video content, Patrick explores his approach to unscripted, conversational video that brings out the genuine stories behind brands. He shares how agency leaders can confidently guide clients through the video creation process, avoid common pitfalls, and utilize video as a tool for both growth and...
info_outline
293. The Niche Blueprint, with Erik Olson
The Innovative Agency
In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek sits down with serial entrepreneur Erik Olson, CEO of several thriving digital marketing agencies. Erik pulls back the curtain on his journey from running a single agency to building a powerful network under a holding company model. Erik shares the bold choices behind specialization versus diversification, and how each path impacts growth, scalability, and long-term sustainability for agencies. His entrepreneurial insights offer both a blueprint and a forecast for agency leaders eager to explore new frontiers. What you will learn...
info_outline
292. The AI Advantage, with Mike Todasco
The Innovative Agency
On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek explores the game-changing impact of AI in marketing agencies with guest Mike Todasco—former VP of Innovation at PayPal and now a professor at San Diego State University. This episode tackles the big questions: How can AI elevate agency-client relationships? Where do the biggest opportunities (and risks) lie? Mike shares how to cut through the hype to uncover practical, real-world strategies agencies can use to stay ahead, adapt, and harness AI for greater innovation and profitability. What you will learn in this...
info_outline
291. Buyer Psychology Meets AI, with Rai Cornell
The Innovative Agency
On this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek explores the fascinating intersection of buyer psychology and AI-driven marketing with Rai Cornell, Founder of Cornell Content Marketing. With a background in psychology, Rai brings a unique perspective on how human behavior shapes effective content strategies. She unpacks the role of human insight in modern marketing, revealing how agencies can seamlessly blend AI technology with traditional, human-led approaches to build trust, create deeper connections, and craft high-impact marketing funnels. What you will learn in this...
info_outline
290. AI: Opportunity vs. Risk, with Adam Nathan
The Innovative Agency
In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Adam Nathan of Blaze AI joins Sharon Toerek to discuss the integration of AI into agencies, exploring both the opportunities it presents and the fears it evokes. Adam shares insights into how agencies can leverage AI to enhance their operations and outlines strategies for agency leaders to position themselves for future success. Discover how forward-thinking agencies are using AI to not only maintain but also enhance their value to clients. What you will learn in this episode: How agencies can leverage AI tools like to...
info_outline
289. Turn Niche into Revenue, with Tom Conlon
The Innovative Agency
In this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek sits down with Tom Conlon, Founder of North Street, a branding-focused agency based in New York. Tom made a bold strategic move, doubling down on a niche, and that led to the launch of his new venture, Circulent. He was able to harness his team’s existing skills to turn specific expertise into a standalone revenue stream. Tom provides insights on how to innovate within your agency to create new revenue streams while maintaining the vitality of your core business. This conversation explores the power of niching down and...
info_outline
288. CEO Essentials, with Brad Farris
The Innovative Agency
Sharon Toerek sits down with Brad Farris, Principal of Anchor Advisors, for a powerful conversation on The Innovative Agency Podcast. This episode tackles a critical yet often overlooked question: What is the real role of a CEO in an agency? Brad breaks down the key responsibilities that separate working in the business from working on it—and why that distinction is vital for growth and innovation. Packed with practical strategies, this discussion is a must-listen for agency leaders ready to elevate their leadership and scale with intention. What you will learn in this episode: ...
info_outline
287. Video's Transformative Role in Agencies, with Hope Horner
The Innovative Agency
Today on the Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek is joined by Hope Horner, Founder and CEO of Lemonlight. In a rapidly changing landscape where video content has become indispensable for brands, Hope shares her expertise on how marketing agencies can capitalize on this trend. This discussion delves into the democratization of video, identifying missed opportunities for brands, and the rise of user-generated content. Hope also provides insights into collaborating successfully with video production firms while navigating the complexities of the digital landscape. Listen in to discover...
info_outline
286. User-Generated Content Trends, with Leah Messina
The Innovative Agency
Today on the Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek is joined by Leah Messina, Founder of Sinuate Media. Leah delves into the dynamic world of user-generated content, shedding light on its evolution from traditional influencer strategies to fostering authentic connections with consumers. As agencies grapple with trust and authenticity challenges in today's digital marketplace, Leah provides actionable insights on how to harness the power of genuine consumer interaction and innovate agency practices. Whether it's understanding the intricacies of community management or navigating...
info_outline
285. Podcast Marketing Secrets, with Tom Schwab
The Innovative Agency
In this episode of The Innovative Agency, Sharon Toerek sits down with Tom Schwab, CEO and Founder of Interview Valet, to explore the dynamic world of podcasting as a tool for agency growth. They delve into the benefits and pitfalls of hosting your own podcast, and the powerful impact of being a guest on other shows through structured interview marketing. Tom shares insights on how to effectively use podcast guest appearances to reach the right audience and generate impactful results, while also highlighting how to leverage this content for maximum brand exposure and client acquisition. What...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Innovative Agency Podcast, Sharon Toerek sits down with Tom Conlon, Founder of North Street, a branding-focused agency based in New York.
Tom made a bold strategic move, doubling down on a niche, and that led to the launch of his new venture, Circulent. He was able to harness his team’s existing skills to turn specific expertise into a standalone revenue stream.
Tom provides insights on how to innovate within your agency to create new revenue streams while maintaining the vitality of your core business. This conversation explores the power of niching down and transforming agency expertise into new opportunities.
What you will learn in this episode:
-
The strategic power of doubling down on a niche in your agency and how it can transform your business trajectory.
-
How agency owners can identify unique skill sets within their teams to create new revenue streams.
-
How to balance and grow both a new startup initiative and an established agency without compromising either.
-
Strategies for setting up symbiotic relationships with other agencies as a distribution channel for specialized services.
-
Practical advice on developing a separate pricing and business model for a new offering while managing client expectations.
Bio
Tom Conlon is the Founder of North Street, an independent branding, strategy, and design agency. With over 20 years of experience in design, web programming, copywriting, operations, and people management, Tom has a diverse background that includes working as a web designer, developer, writer, and editor for top media outlets like Wired, Men’s Journal, AOL, and Popular Science.
He earned a degree in Communications with a minor in History from Fordham University and is an active member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization in New York City. Tom is passionate about helping organizations succeed during moments of evolutionary change and has a particular interest in entrepreneurship, branding, and the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
Resources:
-
Website: https://northstreetcreative.com/
-
LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-conlon/
-
LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-street/