On this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Louise Rengozzi and Jess Hickman from The Cusp. This dynamic duo has worked together in various stops along their journey, but joined forces to found The Cusp earlier this year. So we’re catching them on the very beginning of their journey as owners.
Louise and Jess are based in Whales in the United Kingdom. We talked about their decision to launch The Cusp, the thinking behind their firm and of course, the challenges we face as female owners in a male dominated industry. It’s always great to get new perspectives on Owning It.
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Louise, the visionary, initiated the agency with a clear brand and concept. Jess, who excels in detail and execution, joined later and helped refine the vision. Their success stems from their complementary personalities and skills—Louise's big-picture thinking combined with Jess's focus on finishing and data—all while sharing the same core values.
When transitioning from a large company to starting their own agency, Louise and Jess felt exposed without the security of an established brand. They discovered the immense power of community, realizing that people they had helped in their careers returned to support them. Building and leveraging this network, even from years ago, proved crucial for early wins and navigating the new venture.
The conversation in the industry often stops at leadership as the pinnacle for women, but Louise and Jess emphasize pushing for ownership. They argue that true impact comes from control and ownership, which allows for defining success on one's own terms and building a company that reflects personal values. They aim to inspire other women by showcasing ownership as an achievable goal.
Success in the modern agency world is shifting from aggressive, decisive leadership to one that values community, connections, and support. Louise and Jess advocate for staying true to one's authentic self, even if that means being "nice." They believe that operating with kindness and a helpful attitude can lead to significant business wins and build a positive agency culture.
Starting an agency is challenging, even with prior success. It requires giving oneself time and leeway to adapt to a different working style. Failures and pushbacks are inevitable, but they are crucial learning opportunities. The key is to bounce back, maintain a positive outlook, and view setbacks as lessons rather than definitive failures.
