How Sharon Napier of Partners+Napier, Owns It
Hi and welcome to the OWN IT podcast, where we celebrate the growing number of (women and non-binary) ad agency owners and talk about buying out of the boys’ club of advertising, one agency at a time.
Today I’m talking to Sharon Napier of Partners+Napier. She is not only one of the long-standing women owners in the advertising business, but serves as board chair of the 4As, so her take on the issue with a gender gap in agency ownership is one people listen to. Sharon also grew her agency very intentionally away from the big media markets, in Rochester, New York. So her perspective is familiar to me and I know will be valuable for you.
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Key Takeaways
EPISODE: Sharon Napier of Partners+Napier
1. Build an agency with purpose and foster a strong senior management team. | 00:12:01
Sharon emphasizes that while initial growth might be organic, intentional growth requires a clear purpose for the agency and the recruitment of highly skilled leaders who are "better than you" and can build strong disciplines within the organization. Developing a robust senior management team that thinks broadly about the agency and brings diverse expertise is crucial for sustained growth and navigating challenges.
2. Embrace adaptability and resilience in the face of business challenges. | 00:13:06
Ownership comes with unexpected hurdles, such as a major client going bankrupt or employees leaving to start their own ventures. Sharon highlights the importance of being adaptable, having contingency plans (Plan A, B, and C), and not taking things too personally. This mindset of resilience allows owners to navigate setbacks and keep the business moving forward.
3. Make business personal to foster deeper connections and commitment. | 00:15:04
While she advises not to take business *too* personally in the negative sense, Sharon strongly believes that making it personal, finding passion in your work and clients, leads to greater care and better outcomes. Building genuine connections with people, both clients and colleagues, creates a network of support that proves invaluable during unexpected times.
4. Create opportunities for growth and ownership within the agency to retain talent. | 00:19:09
Recognizing that it's challenging for individuals to start their own agencies today, Sharon emphasizes the importance of making room for talented employees to grow and potentially "own" a part of the agency's success. This includes appointing new leadership, rewarding growth, and having "stay interviews" to understand and fulfill employees' aspirations for ownership, whether through equity or leading new departments.
5. Prioritize continuous learning, connection, and self-care for long-term success. | 00:31:36
Sharon advises aspiring leaders to always be curious and engage in continuous learning. Additionally, she stresses the importance of being a "connector" by opening up networks and fostering mentorship. Finally, she highlights the often-overlooked aspect of self-care, encouraging individuals to create space for thinking and downtime, as taking care of oneself ultimately benefits everyone around them.
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