SPCSHP's Founder & Executive Chairman: Leading with culture - Michael Lebowitz

Today’s guest is Michael Lebowitz, Founder and Executive Chairman of SPCSHP – an agency that’s defied trends and labels for 25 years, and been a Harvard Business School case study not once, but twice. Using the metaphor of a living, breathing organism, Michael describes SPCSHP as a creative canvas, where culture and imagination are more important than rigid labels or passing trends. We also unpack why values aren’t just something to stick in a creds deck, but a powerful filter for the right clients and talent. And he explains how rituals (even playful ones) reveal more about team health than KPIs ever could.From resisting the lure of being a ‘hot shop’, to navigating a people-first acquisition by MSQ, this is a masterclass in leading with personal conviction – and playing the long game.HIGHLIGHTS[02:05] Before digital was a thing[04:26] The agency as an organism[08:27] Leading with values[11:07] Becoming a solo founder[15:43] Cultural health is success[20:01] How values keep you grounded[24:52] Breadth of creative perspective[28:11] Being featured by Harvard Business School[33:29] Why MSQ felt like homeMORE ABOUT MICHAEL:Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/mikespcshpWebsite: spcshp.comHARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL CASE STUDIES:Big Spaceship: Ready to Go Big?Big Spaceship: The Evolving AgencyHOST SOCIALS:Linkedin:  linkedin.com/in/robinbonnTwitter: twitter.com/robonnMORE ABOUT CO:DEFINERY:codefinery.com