In this episode of Build a Better Agency, Drew McLellan sits down with leadership and workplace culture expert Sarah Noll Wilson to unpack one of the biggest challenges agency owners face today—building real culture and connection in a rapidly changing workplace.

Drew and Sarah explore how generational shifts, post-pandemic workplace dynamics, and evolving expectations have reshaped the employer-employee relationship. They discuss why traditional leadership approaches—like assuming loyalty comes from salary or benefits alone—no longer work and how agency owners can foster genuine commitment and engagement. Sarah shares eye-opening insights on the importance of psychological safety, trust, and open communication, explaining why employees today expect to be seen, valued, and respected in ways that differ from the past.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by shifting workforce expectations, struggled to retain top talent, or wondered how to get your team to care as much as you do about the business, this conversation is a must-listen. Tune in to gain practical strategies for fostering a workplace culture that works—not just for you, but for your employees and the success of your agency.

A big thank you to our podcast’s presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They’re an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

Understanding the generational shift in workplace dynamics
Navigating emotional engagement in leadership roles
The importance of aligning agency culture with values
Rethinking how to build trust and commitment
Addressing the challenges of hybrid and remote work environments
Experimenting with new strategies for relationship-building
Embracing intellectual humility to foster collaboration

Ep 489: Improving the Culture in Modern Agencies with Sarah Noll Wilson

Build a Better Agency Podcast

Ep 489: Improving the Culture in Modern Agencies with Sarah Noll Wilson