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Episode 3 | Season 3

Is the agency model broken?

Sabrina Chevannes questions whether the traditional agency model is broken and why so many agency owners are struggling to keep up with industry shifts. She explores the growing divide between agencies and consultancies, the impact of AI and automation, and why talent retention has become a major challenge.


Sabrina Chevannes is the founder of N0BS, a members’ club for ambitious entrepreneurs that also houses the No Bullsh*t Agency, a full-service creative agency. With over a decade of experience leading her agency, she has worked with major clients like NATO, Sony, and the NHS .

Sabrina’s career is packed with accolades, including being named one of the British Interactive Media Association’s Top 100 Creatives to Watch for two consecutive years . Beyond the agency world, she’s an International Chess Master, a competitive international poker player, and has played chess for England in multiple Chess Olympiads .

She’s also the force behind TEDxShoreditch, an international public speaker who has taken the stage in 12 countries, and a self-development leader at Forbes. On top of that, she’s a bestselling author, a podcaster, and an MBA lecturer.

When she’s not leading her businesses or speaking on stage, you’ll find her spending time with her Chow Chow, Bella.

This episode covers:
Why so many agency owners are struggling – and what they’re doing about it.
How AI and automation are reshaping the agency space.
The growing divide between agencies and consultancies – and which model is winning.
The hidden problem of talent retention and why great creatives are walking away from agencies.
Why bigger isn’t always better – and how Sabrina pivoted her business to be more profitable and enjoyable.

What you’ll learn:
The real reason many agency owners no longer want to run an agency.
How client expectations have shifted – and why agencies must adapt or fail.
The biggest mistake agencies make when trying to scale.
Why niching and authenticity matter more than ever in a crowded market.

Links & resources:
Sabrina’s agency & members’ club: N0BS
Follow Sabrina on social media: @SabrinaChevannes
Learn more about TEDxShoreditch: TEDxShoreditch

This episode is a must-listen for agency owners, creatives, and entrepreneurs looking to navigate the changing landscape and build a business they actually enjoy running.

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