EP 88: How I Built a PR Agency from Zero During COVID - Darryl Sparey episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 4, 2025 · 48 MIN

EP 88: How I Built a PR Agency from Zero During COVID - Darryl Sparey

from Embracing Marketing Mistakes · host Prohibition PR

 What happens when you leave a top PR agency to launch your own business, only for the world to shut down weeks later? Darryl Sparey, co-founder of Hard Numbers and former Hotwire leader, shares how he built an agency focused on proving marketing impact through data. In this episode, Darryl explains how marketers can move beyond vanity metrics and start connecting PR and SEO performance to measurable ROI.You’ll learn why access to GA4, Looker Studio, Search Console and CRM data changes everything, and how brands like Reddit, The FT and the BBC are shaping authority in the age of ChatGPT and Gemini. We also unpack what generative engine optimisation means for the future of earned media and how to future-proof your marketing results in 2026. If you care about clear metrics, credible reporting and meaningful outcomes, this conversation is for you. Send us Fan Mail Is your strategy still right in 2026? Book a free 15-min no obligation discovery call with our host: 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈Subscribe to our newsletter👉 Subscribe to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube Instagram

What happens when you leave a top PR agency to launch your own business, only for the world to shut down weeks later? Darryl Sparey, co-founder of Hard Numbers and former Hotwire leader, shares how he built an agency focused on proving marketing impact through data. In this episode, Darryl explains how marketers can move beyond vanity metrics and start connecting PR and SEO performance to measurable ROI. You’ll learn why access to GA4, Looker Studio, Search Console and CRM data changes ...

NOW PLAYING

EP 88: How I Built a PR Agency from Zero During COVID - Darryl Sparey

0:00 48:59

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

TCAST: The Future of Data & AI TARTLE The Data Intelligence Podcast (TCAST) explores the intersection of AI, data privacy, and ethical technology. Join Alexander McCaig and Jason Rigby as they decode the future of data ownership, artificial intelligence, and digital privacy with industry leaders, researchers, and innovators.Each episode delivers actionable insights on:AI and machine learning developmentsData privacy and ownership strategiesEthical technology implementationReal-world applications of data intelligenceFuture trends in digital identity and data marketplacesPerfect for tech leaders, data scientists, privacy advocates, and forward-thinking professionals looking to understand and shape the future of data and AI.Presented by TARTLE, pioneers in ethical data exchange and AI enhancement. New episodes every week.The show is hosted by Co-Founder and Source Data Pioneer Alexander McCaig and Head of Conscious Marketing Jason Rigby.What's your data worth? Find out at (https://tartle.co/)Watch the podcast on Yo Explicit The New Marketing Show Trinity Web Media The New Marketing Show by Trinity Web Media discusses how we as marketers are problem solvers. No one cares about what tools you use to get the job done as long as the job gets done. Explicit Billy Gene Is Marketing Offends The Internet Billy Gene Is Marketing Offensive. Racist. Sexist. Trending. Inappropriate. Brutally honest business advice delivered to you every morning. So, basically the exact opposite of every single business podcast on the planet. Explicit Time To Show Up Nathalie Nahai and Dr Aaron Balick Welcome to Time To Show Up, a unique podcast and video series that ventures behind the scenes of professional success, to explore how we can deploy our deepest values into our professional lives.Hosted by best-selling author, Nathalie Nahai, and renowned Psychotherapist, Dr Aaron Balick, we interview professionals from the worlds of music, marketing, literature and beyond, to investigate how they have manifested their visions at work and overcome significant obstacles to craft a life they love.We also take a deep dive with Hotseat interviews, a series of sessions in which we share practical insights with courageous folks who are daring to take the next step towards transforming their careers and personal lives.From these conversations, we draw out the best theories, practices, and models from psychology, behavioural science and more, to offer tangible ways in which our listeners can apply these tools in their own lives.Alongside this series, we're also launching an exciting new Explicit

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Embracing Marketing Mistakes?

This episode is 48 minutes long.

When was this Embracing Marketing Mistakes episode published?

This episode was published on November 4, 2025.

What is this episode about?

 What happens when you leave a top PR agency to launch your own business, only for the world to shut down weeks later? Darryl Sparey, co-founder of Hard Numbers and former Hotwire leader, shares how he built an agency focused on proving marketing...

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

Can I download this Embracing Marketing Mistakes episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!