Lessons from the Trenches: Joanna Sharma on Agency Pivots, Team Building, and Tough Calls

Ever wondered what it’s really like to run a digital agency from the ground up—while juggling family, shifting markets, and the daily chaos that comes with building something new? This episode peels back the curtain with Joanna Sharma, founder of Drum Digital, who joins me for a genuinely raw and inspiring chat about the tough stuff most entrepreneurs only whisper about.Joanna’s journey is packed with turning points, from launching her agency while on maternity leave to scaling a team in the midst of “two under two” madness. She shares how every stage brought its own drama—growing too fast, feeling the sting of cash flow crunches, and facing up to those gut-wrenching moments when you have to say goodbye to someone who’s been with you since the start. Her honesty is a breath of fresh air for anyone wrestling with the realities of growing a business—and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it.We dive into the nitty-gritty: why systemising your operations can save your sanity, how mentorship and partnerships can lift you out of tough spots, and the importance of flexibility—especially when your life outside work is just as hectic. Joanna reveals the digital tools she relies on (HubSpot for sales, ClickUp for project management), and explains how a bit of NLP coaching helped smash down the limiting beliefs keeping her from leveling up.There’s loads here for anyone chasing sustainable growth or just wanting to know they’re not alone. Expect honest stories, practical takeaways, and the kind of conversation you’d have with a mate over coffee—no fluff, no sugar-coating.Connect with Joanna SharmaCompany Website: https://www.drumdigital.com.au/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannasharma/?originalSubdomain=auConnect with us. 👇Evolve To Grow: https://m.mtrbio.com/evolve-to-grow