
S6 Ep 11 | The Founder Whisperer: Ivan Fernandes on Why Marketing Agencies Thrive, And Others Don’t.
Beyond Marketing - The Podcast.Show Notes
Why do some marketing agencies thrive while others struggle to survive? In this episode of Beyond Marketing, Maira Genovese sits down with agency growth advisor and expert Ivan Fernandes to unpack the realities of building, scaling and reinventing independent agencies in today’s rapidly changing industry. Drawing on more than two decades of experience across global agency groups, challenger networks and independents, Ivan shares why the traditional agency model is under pressure, what clients are really looking for from their partners, and why the future may belong to smaller, more focused and founder-led businesses. Together, they explore the emotional realities of entrepreneurship, the hidden challenges of growth and M&A, why money can fundamentally change a business, and why insight, creativity and human connection remain the true competitive advantage in the age of AI. A must-listen for agency founders, leaders and marketers navigating their next chapter.
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