Who’s on your A-Team?

Success comes from surrounding yourself with the right people 

Vera Wang is one of my favourite fashion designers, not just for her stunning wedding dresses but for her remarkable journey. At 40, she embarked on her own path, launching what would become a global fashion empire. While Wang's talent was clear, her breakthrough came only when she assembled an exceptional team. From master seamstresses to sharp business strategists, it was this combination of her vision and her team's expertise that turned her boutique into a fashion powerhouse.

Her story underscores a crucial lesson as you grow your agency … 

Building a strong team is essential to realizing your vision and elevating your leadership.

If your business journey started with you wearing every hat—visionary, strategist, account manager, and operations director—you’re not alone. Many agency founders begin as solo pioneers. To scale beyond a one-person show, you must surround yourself with a team you trust that can support and elevate your business.

This is your A-Team.

So, how do you build your agency’s A-Team, that group of highly skilled, motivated professionals who excel in their craft and share your vision?

Working with my client who runs a digital marketing agency we started by identifying the gaps in their own skill set. For you, ask yourself: Are you a creative genius but find operations challenging? Or perhaps you excel at client relationships but struggle with back-end processes? 

Recognizing your gaps isn’t about judging yourself, it simply directs your search toward experts who complement your strengths and address your agency’s needs.

Another key step I emphasize with my clients is hiring for genius, not comfort. For instance, one client was set on hiring a friend who had the time but lacked the necessary expertise.

It’s tempting to hire someone you know and like, but it's crucial to bring in people who are passionate about their craft and excel in their fields. 

Your A-team must include specialists—designers, strategists, and project managers—who fit your culture, bring valuable new strengths and ultimately advance your agency.

By now you may be thinking about money.  There’s no doubt hiring involves money moving out of your cash flow.  As your agency evolves, it's easy to see new hires as a cost rather than a strategic investment. 

Consider each new hire a valuable asset contributing to your agency’s success. Their expertise can streamline processes, boost creativity, and improve client satisfaction, ultimately leading to increased revenue and business expansion.

So my friend, just as Vera Wang surrounded herself with top-tier professionals who helped her build a renowned brand, you too can elevate your agency and leadership by assembling your A-Team. 

The result? A thriving business that allows you the space to lead with clarity, creativity, and freedom.