30th September 2025
John Harris on collaboration at scale, local knowledge and the rise of the CMO
Episode 47
John Harris
President & CEO, Worldwide Partners Inc.
Today’s guest is John Harris, President & CEO of Worldwide Partners Inc. With nearly a decade leading the world’s most collaborative network of independent agencies – and a prior career inside holding companies – he brings a rare balance to one of the industry’s most polarised debates.
John explains indies’ undoubted ‘moment’, but also recognises the unique strengths of the holding company model. From global media buying muscle to the power of local market fluency, John unpacks where each approach adds value to clients.
Along the way, he shares how CMOs are regaining influence in the boardroom, why collaboration can’t be mandated and how AI is reshaping agency models. Optimistic, practical and refreshingly honest, John offers genuine insight for agencies of all sizes.
HIGHLIGHTS:
[02:17] Why ‘indies vs. HoldCo.s’ isn’t helpful
[06:29] The impact of local knowledge
[10:46] Combining access, flexibility and partnership
[17:31] Proof points over promises
[19:27] From a moment to a movement
[22:32] Collaboration over scale
[27:47] Don’t mess with culture
[30:00] Disrupting production and pricing
[33:49] Rise of the CMO
[36:30] What clients rarely admit
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