#33: Building a Social-First Ad Agency — Movement Strategy CEO Jason Mitchell

Welcome to Agency Business.This week Jason Mitchell, CEO of Movement Strategy, joins us to discuss how a social‑first shop scales from a college startup into a 180‑person creative agency. He explains why early pricing was a competitive advantage, how Movement Strategy grew from social AOR work into 360 creative projects, and why creator marketing works best when platform tools are paired with real relationships. Jason also breaks down the agency’s pod-based reorg for speed, its investment in a proprietary AI stack, and a partner-led approach to international expansion—plus where media buying fits alongside creative without trying to be a full-service media AOR.Plus, in this week’s news recap:WPP’s earnings show a 5.8% organic decline and broad regional weakness.Omnicom–Interpublic move closer to closing with U.K. clearance, raising questions about client and talent shifts.Marketers continue exploring in-housing: Georgia-Pacific’s programmatic example prompts a wider look at what’s realistic to bring inside—creative vs. media.Subscribe to the Agency Business newsletter for episode notes and industry analysis. It's free and comes out every Monday.Reach OutAgency Business features agency CEOs and financial decision-makers alongside third party experts including agency pitch consultants. We are always accepting pitches, and are particularly interested in hearing from women and leaders of color.Email us!📩 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's Jessie Holder explore how brands are shaping Hollywood.