This week on OWN IT, we’re talking to Lyndsey Corona of Slap Global. She has just been an owner for about a year, so that piece of her journey is new. But her path to that point has a lot of lessons for us all.
First of all, Lyndsey is a boxer. She says it’s shaped her approach to business and ownership. She has certainly come into ownership swinging and I must say those punches are landing. She and Slap Global are winning a lot.
But she has a lot of experience she and her partners are bringing to their agency. She’s spent time at McCann, TBWA/Chiat/Day, Saatchi and Saachi and others.
Now she’s taking that big shop and boxing toughness to ownership, so our conversation was quite different and incredibly enlightening.
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Boxing teaches courage, discipline, and self-control, which are all crucial for success in business. It requires strategic thinking and maintaining composure under pressure, similar to navigating challenges in ownership. The camaraderie and respect within the boxing community also mirror the importance of strong, supportive relationships in professional life.
Creativity should be at the core of an agency's foundation. While data and performance marketing are important, they are not as impactful without truly brilliant creative ideas. Creativity is a business accelerator, leading to innovation, new revenue streams, and improved overall business performance.
Instead of focusing excessively on profile and press, an agency's success should be primarily driven by the quality of its work. A small, experienced team with no egos, focused on getting the work done quickly and effectively, can achieve results far beyond its size. Being selective about clients and upholding core values also contributes to strong, impactful work.
The advertising industry should foster more community and support among agencies rather than viewing each other as competitors. There is ample opportunity for everyone, and genuinely believing in one's own capabilities negates the need for worry about others' successes. This collaborative approach can elevate the entire industry, moving it away from being perceived as a mere service business or commodity.
When considering ownership, it's beneficial to create a pros and cons list. Often, a significant percentage of the "cons" are within one's control to change or act differently. If you realize you have control over these potential downsides, and you're willing to bet on yourself and your partners, then pursuing ownership is a worthwhile and fulfilling challenge.
