#14: Navigating Media’s Pricing Dilemmas With Kate O’Brien

Kate O’Brien, founder of Powers of Reasoning and former executive at Omnicom Media Group agencies such as Hearts & Science and Resolution Agency, joins co-hosts Olivia Morley and Brian Wieser to discuss evolving compensation models, balancing senior talent with efficiency, and the future of media agency leadership.​Drawing from her extensive experience leading media strategy for global brands, Kate shares insights into launching her own consultancy and advising clients on media strategy, pricing models, and managing economic uncertainty. The conversation explores the tension between principal-based buying and transparent partnerships, as well as how agencies can deliver value while navigating client demands for efficiency and growth.​Plus, Olivia, Brian, and Kate talk recent leadership changes at GroupM, trends in agency compensation, and the ongoing debate over performance-based models.Subscribe to the Agency Business newsletter.Reach OutAgency Business works with sponsors, but it’s not pay-to-play. We consider guests who are decision-makers at the highest level of their agencies. We’d love to feature more women and leaders of color—if that's you or someone you know, please reach out:📩 Brian at [email protected]📩 Olivia at [email protected] Madison and Wall and FusionFront Media on LinkedIn for updates.Explore Our Other Podcasts:📊 The Madison and Wall Podcast – Brian opens up about his latest work—plus crucial economic, financial, and industry trends.🎬 Screen & Sponsor – Olivia & VaynerMedia media manager Jessie Holder explore how brands are shaping Hollywood.A Note From Our SponsorThis episode is sponsored by Ebiquity. Picture this: complete confidence that every dollar of your media budget is working as hard as possible. That's what Ebiquity delivers. They are the world's leading media investment analysts, helping global brands turn media complexity into competitive advantage. Through independent, data-driven analysis, they identify inefficiencies, create transparency, and unlock hidden value in your media investments. Over 80 of the world's largest advertisers trust Ebiquity for a reason. Visit ebiquity.com today and discover how they can help your brand.