Across the industry, many agencies are feeling the same pressure: longer sales cycles, smaller briefs, heightened scrutiny, and unpredictable buying patterns. But the underlying reasons go much deeper than market noise. During a recent roundtable discussion between myself, Carey Evans, and Crispin Reed, we explored what’s truly behind the shifts happening in client–agency relationships and why even well-run agencies are finding it harder to maintain momentum. What emerged was a clear message:...

Inside many agencies, there’s an invisible line dividing two crucial teams, Client Services  and Strategy . One side is close to the client, managing relationships and keeping projects on track. The other shapes the thinking and ensures the work ladders up to something meaningful. Both are essential. But too often, they operate in silos and that’s where the cracks begin. If you’re noticing any of this…you’re not alone. Across agencies of every size, the same symptoms appear again and again:...

Too many agencies think the client experience starts when the work is won and ends when the contract finishes. But that’s a dangerously...