Being full-service almost broke her. Specializing gave her agency new life.

For over 16 years, Arleigh Vasconcellos said yes.
Yes to growth.
Yes to more services.
Yes to building a full-service agency that could handle it all.

She grew her team, expanded her client base, and became known for delivering results across everything from PR to websites to events.

But behind the scenes, she was on a treadmill she couldn’t get off.
Burnout crept in. Boundaries blurred. And the joy that once fueled her work? Gone.

In this powerful conversation, Arleigh shares how she unraveled the full-service model she built and why specializing in demand generation PR wasn’t just a strategic move, but a personal lifeline.

We talk about:

• The moment she realized she was “a victim of her own success”
• The emotional and operational cost of scaling without intention
• Why letting go of services, clients, and even team members was necessary
• The internal shifts that helped her reclaim her spark and build a business aligned with who she is today

Whether you're at a pivot point or simply questioning if the agency you built is the one you still want , his episode offers clarity, courage, and a path to realignment.

🎧 Tune in and hear how Arleigh rebuilt her agency for clarity, joy, and impact.

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Arleigh: Arleigh Vasconcellos on LinkedIn
• Roar & Whisper (Arleigh’s agency): roarwhisper.com
• Agency Together – The trusted community for Small But Mighty Agency owners. Arleigh is a member, and this episode includes insights from inside our sneak peek strategy sessions.
  👉 Join Agency Together or learn more here

Want to Build an Agency That Attracts the Right Clients Before the Pitch?
Smart agencies don’t chase leads—they build trust that attracts them

👉 Get the free Trust Equity Mini-Course
Learn the 4 trust-building systems that help Small But Mighty Agencies grow through authority, referrals, and strategic partnerships—so you can get chosen before the sales call even happens.

Hey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. And I’ll see you on the next one.

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep129

Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Curious about adding a course to your agency model—but not sure if it’s worth it?

As agency owners, we’re always looking for smarter ways to scale.
Products. Templates. Digital assets.

The idea is simple: take what you know, turn it into something scalable, and earn while you sleep.

But here’s the nuance we don’t talk about enough:

Courses don’t remove complexity.
They shift it—from service delivery to audience building, funnel building, and volume marketing.

That’s what I explored with Kwadwo Sampany-Kessie,—agency owner, course creator, and host of the popular Art of Online Business podcast on this week’s Small But Mighty Agency podcast.

We unpack:

• Why he created a course for an audience his agency couldn’t serve
• How he validated the offer before building it
• The honest truth about course revenue and time savings
• Why low-ticket offers need high-volume marketing
• The double-strategy it takes to grow two different offers
  
  

🎧 Tune in if you're considering a digital product—and want the full picture of what it takes to do it well.

Resources & Links:

• Follow Kwadwo (pronounced QUĀY.jo) on Instagram: @quayjo
• Listen to The Art of Online Business podcast

Want to Build an Agency That Attracts the Right Clients Before the Pitch?
Smart agencies don’t chase leads—they build trust that attracts them

👉 Get the free Trust Equity Mini-Course
Learn the 4 trust-building systems that help Small But Mighty Agencies grow through authority, referrals, and strategic partnerships—so you can get chosen before the sales call even happens.

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep128

Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

If you’ve ever wondered whether building your personal brand is worth the time or struggled to show up online in a way that feels real and strategic—this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Small But Mighty Agency, I sit down with Lauren Shirreffs, founder of Two Social and social media strategist to 250+ brands, to help you rethink how you show up online.

Lauren’s personal brand has become a magnet for opportunities, and today, she’s sharing how you can build one that attracts right-fit clients, top talent, and powerful collaborations.

You’ll hear what’s working for her personal brand on social media, how to take creative risks without losing your voice, and what it really takes to build a personal brand that grows your agency.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• Why your personal voice matters more than your agency page
• What kind of content is resonating right now
• How to build trust by sharing not just wins—but lessons from mistakes
• Why your team’s presence online can boost your brand more than you think
• How to define your boundaries so showing up feels aligned, not performative

Whether you’re just getting started or refining what’s already working, this episode will help you show up more confidently and consistently.

Resource and Links:

-Instagram: @laurenmarias

-Agency IG: @2_social

-LinkedIn: Lauren Shirreffs

Want to Build an Agency That Attracts the Right Clients Before the Pitch?
Smart agencies don’t chase leads—they build trust that attracts them

👉 Get the free Trust Equity Mini-Course
Learn the 4 trust-building systems that help Small But Mighty Agencies grow through authority, referrals, and strategic partnerships—so you can get chosen before the sales call even happens.

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep127

Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

If you’re stuck in execution mode—constantly delivering but not getting paid for the strategic value you bring —it might be time to rethink how your agency is positioned.

In this episode of Small But Mighty Agency, I’m joined by Sara Nay, CEO of Duct Tape Marketing, to talk about how agencies can shift from being seen as vendors to being valued as strategic partners who lead the marketing—not just execute it.

We dig into what it really looks like to lead with strategy, how to price and package that value, and how to start getting paid for the thinking you’re already doing.

Here’s what you’ll take away from the conversation:

• Why strategy is your agency’s biggest growth lever
• How to position strategic services so clients understand (and pay for) the value
• The signs it’s time to add Fractional CMO services to your model
• What to do if you're worried about falling into another time-for-money trap
• How to structure your team to scale strategy without burning out

This conversation will help you build a business model rooted in long-term relationships, recurring revenue, and sustainable growth—all while keeping your execution services in play.

Resources & Links:

Explore Duct Tape Marketing: ducttapemarketing.com
Connect with Sara Nay: Sara Nay on LinkedIn

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep126

Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Let’s talk about referrals—not as a bonus, but as a strategy.

If you’ve been growing your agency through great work and word of mouth, but you’re starting to realize that waiting for referrals isn’t the same as designing for them… this episode is for you.

Because the most successful Small But Mighty agencies don’t leave referrals to chance. They build referral-ready relationships and strategic partnerships—on purpose.

Today, I’m breaking down what trust really looks like in action—and how certain behaviors, often overlooked, are what turn casual connections into consistent opportunities.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why referrals are a strategy—not something to leave to luck
• The 8 real-world habits of referral-ready agency owners
• How clarity in your niche makes you more referable
• What real trust looks like in referral-ready relationships
• How strategic partnerships can grow your agency without cold outreach

It’s not just a mindset—it’s a method. These habits make you easy to refer, easy to collaborate with, and easy to trust.

And I’ll share real examples from inside Agency Together where agency owners are doing exactly this—building a system for generosity, connection, and strategic growth.

Resources & Links:

Agency Together – The referral-ready membership community for Small But Mighty agency owners, learn more here.

Strategic Partnership Mixer – Join us at the next free Agency Together Strategic Partnership Mixer, RSVP here.

Hey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. ANd I’ll See you on the next one.

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep125

Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

When I helped sell and exit a niche agency in the orthodontic space, one thing became crystal clear: we didn’t grow by chasing everything.

We grew by staying focused, building trust, and saying no to the wrong opportunities — even when it felt risky.

It wasn’t loud, but it was strategic, and it worked.

And that approach?

It’s not just relevant — it’s exactly what works in today’s skeptical market.

Clients are more cautious. Referral partners are more selective. And hustle-heavy growth tactics? They’re falling flat.

What I’m seeing across the agencies I work with — and inside Agency Together — is a shift:

🚫 Less “do more.”
✅ More “do what matters”

In this episode of the Small But Mighty Agency Podcast, I’m breaking down five growth habits that help small agencies scale without the grind while still building serious momentum.

Here’s what I cover:

• How saying no creates space for stronger positioning
• The most underused (and most profitable) part of your growth strategy
• Why your so-called “competitors” might be your best growth partners
• Content alone isn’t cutting it — here’s what to build instead
• The power of staying small, agile, and wildly efficient

If staying relevant without selling your soul is your priority, this episode is for you

Resources & Links:

Get the Trust Equity Scorecard – My free tool to help you measure how well your agency is building trust at scale — and where to focus next to grow through retainment, referrals, partnerships, and positioning.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Don’t forget the free Agency Together Newsletter and access our free mini-course on building Trust Equity to help you be a thought leader agency.

Hey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. ANd I’ll See you on the next one.

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep124

Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

Presenting with confidence and clarity isn’t just about public speaking—it’s about winning more business.

Whether you’re pitching to a potential client or leading a workshop, your ability to deliver a compelling presentation can make or break the deal.

In this episode, Laurie-Ann Murabito, an award-winning professional speaker, shares how agencies can craft client presentations that captivate, establish authority, and drive results.

She breaks down a simple yet powerful presentation framework, highlights common pitfalls to avoid, and reveals how storytelling can transform your sales approach.

Tune in to discover how to:

✔ Structure your presentations for maximum impact
✔ Avoid common mistakes that undermine your message
✔ Establish authority early so clients listen and trust you
✔ Keep your audience engaged (and not overwhelmed)
✔ Use storytelling to handle objections and convert prospects
✔ Build confidence in public speaking—even if you’re shy

This episode is packed with actionable insights—perfect for agency owners looking to refine their presentation skills and close more deals with confidence!

• Get Laurie-Ann’s Free Guide: speakandstandout.com/guide
• Listen to Laurie-Ann’s Podcast: Be In Demand Podcast

Resources & Links:

Find me on LinkedIn

Don’t forget the free Agency Together Newsletter and free mini-course today to grow your agency.

Join hundreds of agency owners receiving insights about growing and leading a small but mighty agency. As a bonus, get our free mini-course on building a Trust Equity Ecosystem, so you're not chasing clients and commanding premium rates.

Get the free newsletter and bonus free mini-course today.

Hey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. And I’ll see you on the next one.

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep123

Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis

If you've ever caught yourself thinking, “My team should just know what to do” or “Why can’t my team read my mind?”—this episode is for you.

The truth is, unspoken expectations lead to missed deadlines, miscommunication, and frustration on all sides. But there’s a better way to make your expectations so crystal clear that your team knows exactly what needs to be done—without the guesswork?

Today, I’m joined by Kendra Johnson, leadership development specialist and founder of The Venned Group to noodle on one of my favourite topics, communication and leadership.

We’re going to break down why unclear expectations hold teams back—and how to fix it.

In this episode, we’re diving into:

• The biggest mistakes leaders make when setting expectations (and how to avoid them)
• How to create alignment so your team understands exactly what success looks like
• The difference between expectations and benchmarks—and why both matter
• Practical strategies to communicate expectations clearly and get your team fully bought in

If you want to spend less time micromanaging and more time seeing your team thrive, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Let’s get into it!

Connect with Kendra

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kendrajeanjohnson

Website: vennedgroup.com

Resources & Links:

Find me on LinkedIn

Don’t forget our free build your Trust Equity Ecosystem mini-course today to grow your agency.

Join hundreds of agency owners receiving insights about growing and leading a small but mighty agency. As a bonus, get our free mini-course on building a Trust Equity Ecosystem, so you're not chasing clients and commanding premium rates.

Get the free newsletter and bonus free mini-course today.

Hey thank for hanging out with me at the Small But Mighty Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode it would mean the world to me if you hit the follow or subscribe button in your podcast app and share it with a friend. And I’ll see you on the next one.

Get the full show notes and more information here: https://audreyjoykwan.com/podcast/ep122

Podcast Edits by Lindsay Curtis