23rd July 2024

The secrets of successful client relationships

Alex Lubar on agency culture and creating genuine client partnerships

Episode 11

Alex Lubar

Global CEO, DDB

When it comes to advertising agencies, they don’t come much more prestigious than Omnicom’s DDB. Whenever any of us needs a quote of substance, Bill Bernbach – the B in DDB – is always a rich source of wisdom. 

So what a treat to sit down with their global CEO, Alex Lubar, to find out what makes DDB successful. Alex speaks to what he sees as the two driving forces of agency culture – momentum and optimism – and how they’re an essential foundation for innovation. 

We also cover how quality drives differentiation in a marketplace that’s often seen as oversupplied. And Alex shares his perspective on creating shared goals with clients, as well as how to maintain the trust and transparency required to ensure success. 

Alex has an ease in the way he approaches his work, whether that’s dealing with difficult clients or handling the natural ups and downs of agency life. So regardless of whether you’re also in a big global role, this conversation is a valuable masterclass in optimism and positivity. 

Highlights:  

[04.07] The two driving forces of agency culture.

[05.39] How supportive environments help solve problems.

[07.07] Maintaining the highest standard of behaviour in the workplace. 

[09.57] Talent management and self-improvement.

[15.16] Insights from younger generations. 

[19.45] Trends in client behaviour. 

[22.30] Building an honest relationship between clients and your team. 

[29.00] Perceived oversupply in the agency market.

[30.25] Differentiation comes through the lens of quality. 

[32.48] How clients choose agencies.

Previous episodes

A Human-first future for agencies

Episode 29

Holly Maguire

Global Chief Growth Officer, Design Bridge & Partners

Leading with culture

Episode 28

Michael Lebowitz

Founder & Executive Chairman, SPCSHP

A unique perspective on agencies

Episode 27

Marla Kaplowitz

CEO, 4A's

Challenging the global market

Episode 26

James Townsend

CEO, Stagwell EMEA

Every moment is a chance

Episode 25

Nils Leonard

Co-Founder, Uncommon Creative Studio

Making a promise to the market

Episode 24

Conrad Persons

President, Grey London

Nurturing creative cultures

Episode 23

Toby Southgate

Global CEO, We Are Social

Breaking the burnout cycle

Episode 22

Bianca Best

Global Growth Officer, Performics

How audacious ideas get made

Episode 21

Trevor Guthrie

Co-founder, Giant Spoon

The quest for agency simplification

Episode 20

Ruud Wanck

CEO, Candid

From phoney to fearless: building an agency ‘for the culture’

Episode 19

Omid Farhang

Founder & CEO, Majority

Honest leadership in times of change

Episode 18

Josh Krichefski

CEO, GroupM EMEA

The risks of malicious obedience

Episode 17

Greg Hahn

Co-founder, Mischief

Why creativity relies on diversity

Episode 16

Jo Wallace

Global ECD, Jellyfish

The business case for differentiation

Episode 15

Anthony Freedman

CEO, Common Interest

When change becomes transformation

Episode 14

Neil Perkin

Founder, Only Dead Fish

How to maintain entrepreneurialism at scale

Episode 13

Tim Ringel

CEO, Meet The People

How AI is changing the agency business model

Episode 12

Chris Johnson

CEO, TomorrowToday

The recipe for agency swagger

Episode 10

Natalie Graeme

Founder, Uncommon Creative Studio

Building careers in a changing world

Episode 9

Sue Unerman

Chief Transformation Officer, EssenceMediacomX

The profound impact of being yourself

Episode 8

Harjot Singh

Global Chief Strategy Officer, McCann & McCann Worldgroup

How to create healthy growth

Episode 7

Katie Lee

Chief Operating Officer, Wavemaker

A global perspective on creativity and innovation

Episode 6

Ruth Mortimer

Global President, Advertising Week

Fighting for diversity is not enough

Episode 5

Rob Campbell

Chief Strategy Officer, Colenso BBDO

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