On this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Leeann Leahy of The VIA Agency.
She hails from Portland, Maine where VIA does outstanding work and is an outstanding place to work. They were Ad Age’s Best Agency Culture winner in 2022.
Leeann’s history of work is impressive. She’s been with big and small agencies through the years. She admits she had to learn how to play politics at the big agencies but enjoyed carving her own way at smaller shops.
She actually started in Advertising at six months old. She was an Ivory Snow Baby and modeled through her childhood.
Leeann likes to entertain friends and family in her spare time. And as you can probably imagine, an agency owner does that very well.
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Success doesn't follow a straight line; it's multifaceted. While it's possible to "have it all," it's not always at the same time. Women should be encouraged to view their career trajectory as non-linear, making choices about where to invest their energy at different life stages without feeling like they're falling behind or hitting a wall. This flexible mindset, especially in leadership, allows for a more fulfilling and sustainable career.
Independent agencies, particularly those with creative ownership models like an ESOP, offer more freedom to make bold decisions, take risks, and define success on their own terms, leading to more thrilling and rewarding outcomes. This contrasts with the often stifling environment of larger holding companies, where creativity and individuality can be compromised.
Fun and joy are not just perks but strategic investments in a creative industry. Leeann emphasizes that the most impactful communications and creative solutions often emerge from an environment where people are happy and having fun. Prioritizing joy fosters creativity and makes the work more fulfilling, benefiting both employees and clients.
The advertising industry has a problem with treating its employees poorly, failing to reward, grow, and inspire them. This mindset of "getting away with" cutting benefits or making decisions that negatively impact staff erodes trust and leads to a brain drain. Agencies should prioritize investing in talent through fair compensation, growth opportunities, and a supportive environment, especially during challenging times, to retain valuable employees.
Curiosity is fundamental for innovation and continuous improvement. By questioning everything and assuming there's always a different or better way, agencies can adapt, experiment with new approaches, and avoid stagnation. This mindset encourages a willingness to try new things, accept failure as a learning opportunity, and ultimately prevents boredom, leading to ongoing growth and discovery.
