Build a Better Agency Podcast · 2026-05-31 · 53 min
Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This time, host Drew McLellan teams up once again with research partner Susan Baier from Audience Audit to unpack the findings from the highly anticipated 2026 Agency EDGE study. Together, they examine how AI is impacting agencies and, more importantly, the shifting expectations and priorities of agency clients in this rapidly changing landscape. Drew and Susan discuss how clients' attitudes toward AI have evolved dramatically over the past year. Gone are the days of uncertainty and secrecy - now, clients expect agencies to be transparent about their use of AI and, even more significantly, to serve as strategic guides and governance partners in the age of automation. The conversation explores three core client segments that have emerged: strategic stewards prioritizing brand protection, adaptive accelerators seeking innovation at speed, and performance pragmatists laser-focused on measurable outcomes. You'll hear why differentiation is more important than ever for agencies, especially as client expectations for sophisticated strategy, proactive guidance, and data-driven decision-making continue to rise.
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