“Just don’t be a dick” is easy enough and potentially one of our favourite lines in this podcast, shortly followed by “we're actually two 80-year-old women" we can’t confirm or deny.

Here’s to another episode of Agency Intensive. It’s number 21 and Richard Hill sits down with Matt and Russell, co-founders of Rusty Monkey, an agency that’s been thriving for over two decades in the ever-changing world of digital services.

Together, they reflect on over 25 years of navigating recessions, technology shifts, evolving client demands, the pandemic and now the rise of AI “It can be a gaslighting jerk”. They manage all this while staying true to the kind of business and culture they want to build.

Tune in as the conversation dives deep into the real keys behind sustainable agency growth: building resilient, profitable and enjoyable businesses that last, without getting caught up in vanity metrics or relentless headcount expansion.

If you’re looking to understand how to adapt, price creatively, build enduring client relationships, leverage events for business development and have a laugh, this episode is for you.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Sustainable agency growth tips

05:13 Balancing different services for stability

07:38 Balancing multiple services in agencies

11:33 Setting up project-based work

14:15 Discussing Budget Estimation Strategies

17:17 Sponsor message from Aristo Sourcing

22:02 Rethinking company structure

23:31 Finding our minimum viable audience

28:16 Challenges of Scaling a Business

31:16 Running events to win business

32:26 Growing the event's audience

38:33 Networking at events

42:41 AI impact on small businesses

44:53 Using AI for user experience

48:41 Casual and earnest AI users

51:33 Challenges in SEO and Digital PR

53:29 Changes in SEO and consumer behavior

57:52 Derek Thompson's book and TED Talk

Welcome back to Agency Intensive, hosted by Richard Hill, where we dive into the realities of running and scaling successful agencies. In this episode, Joshua Grant, Managing Director of Absolute Design, offers a candid, insightful look at how the agency landscape has evolved over the past 18 months. Together, they explore how agencies can thrive in times of market uncertainty, win client trust, and find opportunities amidst economic pressures.

You'll hear discussion on the rising importance of simplifying tech stacks, identifying and eliminating wasted spend and maximising value from the tools you’re already paying for. They dig into the practical ways agencies are leveraging AI for operations and reporting, while recognising its limits, and reveal how to truly become a trusted advisor to your clients.

Whether you’re looking to tighten operations, deepen client relationships, or future-proof your agency in a noisy market, this episode is packed with relatable stories, actionable insights, and the latest trends straight from the agency frontline.

“Ego Is the Enemy”

Welcome to another episode of eCom@One with Richard Hill! In today’s conversation, Richard Hill sits down with Anthony Barone, co-founder of Studio Hawk and the driving force behind their UK expansion. Anthony Barone shares the remarkable journey of going from a career in hospitality to scaling Studio Hawk from a small Australian team into an international SEO powerhouse with offices in Melbourne, Sydney, London, and Atlanta.

You’ll hear candid stories about rapid growth, building a company culture across continents, and why niche focus has been their biggest lever in sales and partnerships. Anthony Barone also opens up about the role of AI and large language models in the changing SEO landscape—and why mastering the fundamentals is now more important than ever.

Whether you’re running an agency, building your own team, or just curious about the intersection of search, growth, and technology, this episode is packed with hard-won lessons, real-world advice, and a glimpse into what’s next for Studio Hawk. Let’s dive in!

00:00 "Falling Into SEO Career"

05:23 "Building Studiohawk From Scratch"

09:26 Scaling Sales for SEO Success

11:48 "Power of Specialism in Events"

14:03 Shoreditch Cool Commerce Event

17:45 "Building Networks Through Events"

23:12 "Advice for UK Agencies Expanding"

23:55 "Preparation for US Expansion"

26:56 "Planning International Business Expansion"

30:12 "Follow Core Values Intentionally"

35:25 "SEO Opportunities in the AI Era"

38:26 Navigating Marketing Challenges Efficiently

39:55 Shopify, Universal Protocol, Ads Update

43:22 "Ego Is the Enemy" Recommendation