Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! Host Drew McLellan is joined by agency owner and automation enthusiast Caitlin Studdy for a deep dive into the world of AI-driven automations—an essential, but often underutilized, tool for agencies looking to boost efficiency, profitability, and team satisfaction.

In this episode, Caitlin Studdy recounts her journey from agency founder to automation "nerd," sharing how necessity and a passion for problem-solving led her to streamline countless repetitive tasks using tools like Zapier, ChatGPT, and more. Whether she's automating social posts, onboarding clients, or implementing AI-powered hiring bots, Caitlin Studdy reveals how each automation not only saves time, but also reclaims valuable brain space for higher-level creative and strategic work.

The conversation is packed with actionable insights—from identifying automation opportunities in everyday agency operations to building simple "grilled cheese" workflows that anyone can try. Drew McLellan and Caitlin Studdy also explore the evolving landscape of AI technology, discussing how new capabilities are opening doors previously closed to small and mid-sized agencies.

If you're ready to tackle inefficiency head-on, empower your team to work smarter (not harder), and get inspired by real-world examples of automation in action, this episode is a must-listen. By the end, you'll view your agency's processes with a fresh perspective—and be eager to experiment with automations that can transform your business for good.

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.

• How to identify which repetitive tasks in your agency are prime candidates for automation
• The step-by-step process for building your first agency automations using beginner-friendly tools like Zapier
• Why starting with simple two-step automations leads to better long-term success than complex workflows
• How AI integration has expanded automation possibilities beyond basic task scheduling to intelligent decision-making
• The communication strategies needed to get team buy-in when implementing automated systems
• Which types of agency tasks should remain human-driven versus automated for optimal results
• How to build automated hiring systems that score candidates and send follow-up questionnaires
• The surprising ways agency automations improve client service and reduce dropped balls
• Real examples from 500+ automations including client meeting prep, social media management, and billing workflows

Welcome to another episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan sits down with virtual event expert Kevin Sanderson to unravel the secrets behind leveraging online summits to grow your agency—and your client's business. With over 30 virtual summits under his belt, Kevin Sanderson brings his firsthand knowledge of creating, marketing, and monetizing virtual events, making this episode a must-listen for agency owners seeking innovative ways to expand their reach.

Kevin Sanderson walks listeners through the different types of online events, from single-presenter webinars and dynamic panels to robust, multi-day virtual summits. He reveals how bringing together subject matter experts not only delivers value-packed content for attendees, but also allows hosts to tap into new audiences by leveraging each speaker's network. Along the way, Drew McLellan and Kevin Sanderson dig into practical event logistics, the importance of aligning with the right speakers, and strategies for ensuring that your virtual events rise above the saturated online landscape.

The conversation doesn't stop at planning. Kevin Sanderson shares actionable insights about various revenue models, from free registration with VIP upgrades to boosting value through digital bonuses, and the critical role of post-event nurturing in building long-term relationships and clients. You'll also hear guidance on pricing these services for your agency or clients, plus essential lessons learned so you can sidestep the common pitfalls of virtual event planning.

If you're looking for creative ways to build authority, grow a targeted list, or even add new service offerings for your agency clients, this episode is packed with real-world tactics and inspiration. By the end, you'll be ready to rethink how virtual events can become a high-impact tool in your agency's growth arsenal.

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.

• How to structure virtual summits with 15-20 speakers for maximum impact and manageable coordination
• Why email promotion from speakers dramatically outperforms social media for driving event registrations
• The revenue model that combines free registration with strategic upsells to VIP access passes
• How charging even a nominal fee ($5-$10) increases attendee engagement by 2.5-3x compared to free events
• The follow-up system that generated $99,000 in monthly recurring revenue through strategic webinar funnels
• Why virtual summits open more collaboration doors than traditional networking approaches
• How to leverage speaker partnerships to access audiences you couldn't reach through paid advertising
• The key criteria for selecting speakers who will both deliver value and actively promote your event
• How agencies can package virtual summit services for clients in specific industries or niches

Welcome to a new episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, Drew McLellan invites Yoni Kozminski, CEO and co-founder of Escala, for a candid and transparent discussion that takes you behind the scenes of agency operations, scalability, and owner independence. Drew opens up about AMI's own journey towards better systems and processes, and together, they explore what it really takes to future-proof an agency so it can thrive through to 2030 and beyond.

In this episode, you'll hear Yoni Kozminski break down why most agency owners unintentionally become the biggest bottleneck in their own business. He shares his perspective as a "recovering agency guy" and reveals Escala's proven framework for assessing agency maturity and organizational health. Drew and Yoni walk listeners through the critical stages Escala uses to help agencies transform: assessment, design, and implementation, all aimed at making your agency less dependent on you—and more profitable.

The pair dig deep into the practical realities of creating lasting change, from tackling tribal knowledge and heroics to putting real systems in place that reduce owner burnout. They'll discuss concrete strategies for documenting processes, measuring owner involvement, and empowering team members at every level. Plus, Drew shares firsthand what it's like to face a "ruthless assessment" of your agency's internal operations—and how that clarity is a gamechanger for growth.
If you're ready to move past hustle and improvisation toward an agency that runs smoothly without you, this episode is your roadmap. Don't miss the honest conversation and actionable takeaways, along with special resources designed to help you start your own agency self-diagnosis. Dive in and start building a business that lets you make a bigger impact—without being trapped in the day-to-day.

• How to assess your agency's true dependence on you using the 1-5 maturity scale
• Why the Build-Manage-Execute index reveals where owners get stuck in the wrong activities
• The top-down methodology for creating systems that actually scale your operations
• How to identify and eliminate tribal knowledge that creates operational bottlenecks
• Why validation sessions with cross-functional teams reveal hidden process breakdowns
• The framework for transitioning from heroic execution to strategic visioning
• How to build offshore capabilities that multiply your onshore team's effectiveness
• Why agencies must shift from owner-centric to metrics-driven decision making
• The assessment process that reveals exactly where your scaling gaps exist