Episode 523 Creating a Future-Ready Agency with Rishad Tobaccowala

In this episode of the "Build a Better Agency" podcast, Drew McLellan interviews Rishad Tobaccowala, author of "Rethinking Work," about the changing landscape of work, especially for small to medium-sized agencies. They discuss how COVID-19 accelerated existing trends like remote work and the rise of freelance marketplaces. Rishad argues that power is shifting from large corporations to smaller companies and from capital to talent. He emphasizes the importance of in-person interaction but advocates for flexible work models tailored to individual needs. The conversation covers the concept of "de-bossification," where leaders inspire rather than micromanage, and the need for agencies to adapt their organizational structures to incorporate fractionalized employees and AI agents. Rishad provides actionable advice for agency owners, including exercises to spark innovation and a mindset shift towards thinking like an immigrant in the future of work.