This week on Own It we’re talking to Leah Lane from Strong Brew. Leah came to ownership through the entertainment industry as a television producer. But building shows is just as good a training ground for building teams, businesses and agencies.
Strong Brew challenges traditional agency models by placing empathy and collaboration at the core to combat the often chaotic and ego-driven world entertainment presents.
Her background and ideas are so powerful and unique. We loved learning that side of the industry from her. And we loved her thoughts on closing the gap in agency ownership. You will too!
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There isn't a single blueprint for entrepreneurship or agency ownership. Everyone's path is unique, and it often stems from following individual passions rather than a predefined model. Leah's family history of pursuing passions and eventually running their own ventures inspired her fearless approach to entrepreneurship.
Women in leadership and ownership roles need to actively support each other, even if it's behind the scenes. This support can involve referring each other for opportunities, speaking highly of one another in important rooms, and fostering non-competitive networks. This collaborative approach helps overcome the challenges of a male-dominated industry.
Agency owners, especially women-led agencies, should be selective about the clients they pursue. Instead of constantly chasing opportunities that might be token gestures for diversity, focus on clients who genuinely value and are committed to diversity and equality internally. Clients who are serious about working with diverse agencies will proactively seek them out.
For those aspiring to ownership, it's crucial to understand that there is no single model to follow. Don't look for an exact blueprint, as your journey will be unique. Focus on your passion, be resourceful in making it happen, and don't be afraid to ask for help or admit when you don't know something. Learning from failures is part of the process.
Building genuine, non-transactional connections is a powerful asset. Move beyond interactions solely focused on immediate gain or job opportunities. A strong network rooted in support, knowledge sharing, and mutual upliftment, rather than competition, becomes a collective superpower that helps everyone grow.
