This week on Own It, we’re talking to Hope Farley from Adolescent Content. She and her partner Ramaa Mosley founded Adolescent in 2013 with a mission to help talented creative individuals from underrepresented backgrounds found paths to exposure. Think of it as part creative agency, part talent agency and all amazing.
We talked about her path to ownership, the agency and its focus, and of course, her take on solving the gender gap problem in agency ownership.
Hope was so fun to talk with. We know you’ll enjoy this episode.
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Hope learned that if you passionately believe in your vision, you can convince others to believe in it too. This was exemplified when an advertising agency executive, influenced by their conviction, believed they worked with five-year-old directors, even though they didn't. This highlights the power of conviction in inspiring confidence and acceptance from others, even for unconventional ideas.
Hope emphasizes the critical importance of being willing to evolve and pivot as an entrepreneur. In the early days, she struggled to see how young people could produce content on smaller budgets compared to traditional large-scale productions. However, by listening to young people and understanding the changing digital landscape, she realized there are multiple ways to achieve goals. This adaptability and willingness to change course are crucial for survival and growth, especially in a rapidly evolving industry.
The lack of female agency owners is partly attributed to a lack of representation. When women don't see other women in leadership or ownership roles within the industry, it's less likely for them to consider that path for themselves. Hope believes that increased visibility of women in these positions will inspire more women to pursue ownership and leadership, fostering a more diverse and equitable industry.
While challenging, the journey of agency ownership is incredibly rewarding. Hope highlights that the rewards extend beyond personal gain to include creating a more representative industry, providing job opportunities, guiding industry direction, and setting an example for future generations, like her daughter. This holistic view of success underscores the impact an owner can have on their community and the industry.
