To kick off 2024 on OWN IT, we’re talking to Christine Olivas of No Single Individual. Her firm bolts on strategy to other agencies, but she has a wealth of experience across nearly every vertical you can think of. She’s also a 2023 Stevie Award winner which is an award for women in business.
We talked about her journey, her experiences working at and with agencies, and of course, we heard her perspective on closing the gender gap in agency ownership in our industry.
I so enjoy hearing the perspectives from super smart leaders out there like Christine. I think you’ll enjoy hers today.
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A diverse professional background, encompassing various industries and roles, can initially seem like a liability but ultimately becomes a significant asset. It provides a unique perspective and a broad skill set, making an individual highly adaptable and capable of tackling diverse challenges, which is particularly valuable when running an agency that services many different clients.
Unconditional belief from a mentor or manager is crucial for an individual's professional growth and confidence. This support, especially when it involves advocating for career advancement despite traditional expectations (like years of experience), can be a powerful catalyst for taking on leadership roles and achieving significant career milestones.
Traditional agency models, with rigid talent acquisition and management practices (e.g., "freelance freezes" or strict subcontracting rules), limit flexibility, overstretch teams, and hinder diversity. Embracing more versatile and agile models, like those seen in independent agencies or collectives, allows for drawing diverse talent from various backgrounds, perspectives, and demographics, which ultimately benefits the quality of work and client satisfaction.
Women often face systemic challenges in the agency world, such as pay disparity and workplace harassment, which can lead to self-doubt and question their belonging or capability to lead. Overcoming these internal narratives and external obstacles requires actively addressing them, building confidence, and recognizing that these issues are often systemic rather than personal failings. This self-reassurance is critical for women to pursue and succeed in agency ownership.
New agency owners often underestimate the importance of meticulous financial and legal planning. While client acquisition and operational details are important, neglecting areas like tax obligations, legal threats, and financial oversight can lead to significant and costly issues. Prioritizing these "potholes" and proactively planning for potential problems is crucial to avoid reactive, expensive fixes and ensure the long-term stability and growth of the agency.
