Podcast
Agency Operators Podcast
Hosted by Pasha Knish · EN
Welcome to Agency Operators Podcast, your refuge from the industry buzz! Join us as we spotlight genuine experts in the agency and e-commerce service provider realm, providing a clear path through the clutter of fake gurus. Hear real stories, connect with your community, and showcase your authentic expertise. A place where agency owners share their stories and nuggets of gold they've attained through the challenges of growing brands and operating teams. Welcome to the Agency Operators Podcast!
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How to Navigate Acquisitions Without Breaking Your Business – Jessica Wright on the Agency Operators Podcast Ep 82
2w ago00:21:22Tap to summarizeWhat makes some acquisitions actually work… while others fall apart after the deal is signed?Most teams obsess over strategy.Very few are prepared for the operational reality that follows.In this episode, Jessica Wright — CEO of AO2 — shares what it really takes to navigate acquisitions successfully after going through two in just two years.We cover:Why execution—not strategy—determines acquisition successHow culture influences decisions more than most leaders expectWhat it takes to maintain client continuity during transitionsThe operational blind spots that quietly derail growthPacked with real-world lessons and practical insights—this is a conversation for anyone thinking about scaling through acquisition.About Jessica Wright:Jessica Wright is the CEO of AO2, a full-service Amazon agency helping brands grow profitably while protecting long-term value. With nearly two decades of experience across brand leadership, partnerships, and agency operations, she brings a grounded, operator-first perspective to eCommerce.Connect with Jessica Wright:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-rene-wright/Key Discussion Topics • Why acquisitions succeed or fail in operations—not strategy• The role of culture in post-acquisition decisions• How to maintain client trust and continuity• Lessons from navigating two acquisitions in two yearsWhy You Should Tune InIf you’re considering an acquisition—or currently in the middle of one—this episode gives you a clearer picture of what actually drives success after the deal closes. Jessica breaks down the operational realities most teams overlook, from aligning culture to protecting client relationships. You’ll walk away with practical insights you can apply immediately, whether you’re scaling an agency or managing complex transitions.This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.
Transcribe →The Hidden Operational Gaps Quietly Slowing Your Agency Down – Tiara Tragas on the Agency Operators Podcast Ep 81
3w ago00:21:10Tap to summarizeWhat’s actually slowing your agency down—and why can’t you spot it?Many agency owners assume growth problems come from weak sales or inconsistent marketing. But more often, the real issue sits inside operations—hidden in unclear systems, broken processes, and blind spots no one’s tracking.In this episode, Tiara Tragas, Founder of Tragas Consulting, shares how agencies can uncover and fix the operational gaps that quietly limit growth.You’ll learn how to identify inefficiencies, simplify your internal systems, and build operations that actually support scale—not slow it down.Packed with practical insights you can apply immediately to run a more efficient, scalable agency.About Tiara Tragas:Tiara Tragas is the Founder of Tragas Consulting, where she helps agencies improve their internal operations and streamline processes for growth. She’s known for identifying operational blind spots and building systems that make teams more efficient and scalable.“You don’t know what you don’t know when it comes to operations.”Connect with Tiara Tragas:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiara-tragas-55158b1b4/Key Discussion Topics• Why agencies misdiagnose their growth challenges• The most common operational blind spots• How to simplify systems without creating more complexityWhy You Should Tune InIf your agency feels harder to run than it should, this episode will help you pinpoint why. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how operations impact growth—and what to fix first to create a smoother, more scalable business.This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.
Transcribe →How to Get Your Brand Seen Through Entertainment – Jack Connor on the Agency Operators Podcast Ep 80
4w ago00:24:17Tap to summarizeWhy do some brands get remembered, while others get skipped?In this episode, I sit down with Jack Connor, CEO of Almery Group, to talk about how brands are showing up differently by becoming part of the content people already watch.This isn’t about better ads. It’s about a different approach to visibility.We’ll cover:What narrative marketing actually looks like in practiceHow brands are getting placed inside entertainment and mediaWhy traditional marketing is losing attentionWhere storytelling fits into modern brand strategyPacked with practical examples on how brands are getting seen without relying on interruption.About the GuestAbout Jack Connor: Jack Connor is the CEO of Almery Group, with a background in tech and film. He works with brands to help them break into entertainment and build visibility through storytelling instead of traditional advertising.“If you want to be seen you need to be in the entertainment, not an interruption to it.”Connect with Jack Connor: linkedin.com/in/jackconnorKey Discussion Topics• Narrative marketing and what it means for brands today• How brands are entering entertainment and media• Why interruption-based marketing is losing effectivenessWhy You Should Tune In Most brands are still competing for attention in the same places. Ads, feeds, short windows to capture interest. This episode breaks down a different path. One where brands show up inside the content people already choose to watch. If you’re thinking about how to stay relevant as attention shifts, this conversation gives you a more practical direction.This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.
Transcribe →How to Know When Capital Actually Drives Growth – Stephanie Khalikyar on the Agency Operators Podcast Ep 79
Apr 1500:21:15Tap to summarizeWhat actually holds most Amazon brands back—lack of capital, or how they use it?In Episode 79, we sit down with Stephanie Khalikyar, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Uncapped, who brings over a decade of experience across e-commerce M&A, agency operations, partnerships, and brand growth—with both wins and hard lessons from failures.This conversation goes beyond the usual “raise more money” narrative and gets into the real decision-making behind capital.We cover:When capital is the right lever for growth—and when it isn’tHow margin constraints quietly limit scale more than budgetThe most common financing mistakes that hurt long-term growthHow to think strategically before taking on fundingIf you’re considering capital to scale your brand, this episode will challenge how you think about it.Packed with practical insights for operators who want to grow profitably, not just faster.About the GuestAbout Stephanie Khalikyar:Stephanie is the Strategic Partnerships Manager at Uncapped, with 10 years of experience in e-commerce spanning M&A, agency sales and operations, mentorship, and partnerships. She’s worked closely with brands at different growth stages and is known for her practical, experience-driven perspective shaped by both successful exits and real-world failures.“You can’t fail if you bet on yourself.”Connect with Stephanie Khalikyar:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-khalikyar/Key Discussion Topics• When capital is the right choice for your brand• When your margins—not your budget—are the real bottleneck• Common financing mistakes that hurt future growthWhy You Should Tune In (Persuasive Paragraph)Most brands assume more capital will fix their growth problems—but that’s rarely the full story. This episode breaks down how to evaluate capital decisions with clarity, avoid costly mistakes, and focus on what actually drives sustainable growth. If you're an Amazon operator, ecommerce leader, or founder thinking about funding, this conversation will help you make smarter, more strategic decisions. This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.
Transcribe →Why Amazon Got Harder in 2026 — and How to Still Win
Apr 901:28:57Tap to summarizeHost: Pasha Knish - CEO @ AMZ OptimizedSpeakers:Chelsea Cohen - Co-Founder @ SoStockedShane Barker - Owner @ TraceFuseDavid Seybert - GTM @ SwaptNoah Wickham - VP of Sales & Marketing @ My Amazon GuyGanesh Singh - Co-Founder & COO @ 3dimages.aiChris McCabe - Owner & Founder @ ecommerceChrisThis podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.
Transcribe →How to Turn “Random Acts of Marketing” Into Aligned Growth – Mari-Liis Vaher on the Agency Operators Podcast Ep 78
Mar 2500:25:26Tap to summarizeWhy do some brands stay busy with marketing… but still struggle to grow?It’s not a lack of effort—it’s a lack of alignment.In this episode, Mari-Liis Vaher, Founder and CEO of Powerful Marketers and author of The Greatest Marketer, shares how founders and teams can move from scattered activities to clear, aligned strategies that actually drive results.You’ll learn:— What “aligned marketing” really means in practice— A simple 5-pillar framework to connect marketing to business goals— How to improve collaboration between founders, marketers, and agencies— Practical ways to create clarity, reduce burnout, and make growth more predictablePacked with actionable strategies you can apply immediately.About Mari-Liis Vaher:Mari-Liis Vaher is the Founder and CEO of Powerful Marketers and author of The Greatest Marketer. With over 20 years in marketing and 15+ years as an entrepreneur, she helps founders and teams move from disconnected marketing efforts to clear, aligned strategies that support sustainable business growth.“No one wins alone. When marketing is aligned, everyone grows.”Connect with Mari-Liis Vaher:https://www.linkedin.com/in/vahermariliis/Key Discussion Topics• What “aligned marketing” really looks like beyond theory• The 5-pillar framework: Mindset, Strategy, Marketing, Communication, Leadership• How to create better collaboration between founders, teams, and agenciesWhy You Should Tune In If your marketing feels busy but disconnected, this episode will help you fix the root problem. You’ll walk away with a clear framework to align your strategy, improve team collaboration, and turn your marketing into a system that drives consistent, predictable growth—not just more activity.This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.
Transcribe →How to Successfully Expand from Amazon US to Amazon UK — Matthew Howes on the Agency Operators Podcast Ep 77
Mar 1800:22:22Tap to summarizeWhat separates brands that scale internationally with confidence from those that stall after leaving the US marketplace?In Episode 77, we’re joined by Matthew Howes, Media Strategy Director at Melody, to unpack what it truly takes for brands to transition successfully from Amazon US to Amazon UK—from strategy alignment to execution across paid media and ecommerce channels.In this episode, you’ll learn:What brands often underestimate when entering the Amazon UK marketHow media strategy must evolve when expanding beyond the USKey operational and performance considerations for a smooth transitionHow omnichannel thinking supports long-term international growthPacked with actionable insights for operators and brand leaders planning their next stage of expansion.About the GuestAbout Matthew Howes:Matthew Howes is the Media Strategy Director at Melody, an Amazon agency focused on scaling brands through performance-led, omnichannel strategies. His experience spans Amazon, Criteo, and ecommerce platforms, helping brands build sustainable growth across international marketplaces.Quote Section“International expansion isn’t about copying what worked in the US — it’s about adapting strategy to how each market actually buys.”Connect LinksConnect with Matthew Howes:🔗 www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-howes-357838151Key Discussion Topics• The biggest differences between Amazon US and Amazon UK• Media strategy shifts required for international expansion• Common mistakes brands make when launching in the UK• Building an omnichannel growth framework beyond one marketplaceWhy You Should Tune InIf you’re an Amazon brand already performing in the US and considering international expansion, this episode provides a clear roadmap for what to do—and what to avoid. Matthew shares practical insights grounded in real-world execution, making this a must-listen for operators, founders, and marketers who want to expand globally without sacrificing efficiency or profitability.This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.
Transcribe →Beyond the Ad Console - How Smart Brands Combine Amazon PPC with Off-Amazon Traffic to Scale
Mar 501:23:13Tap to summarizeTopic: AMZ Optimized: Beyond the Ad Console - How Smart Brands Combine Amazon PPC with Off-Amazon Traffic to ScaleDate and time: Wed Feb 18th 6 pm CET / 12 pm ESTHost: Pasha Knish - CEO @ AMZOptimizedSpeakers:Pasha Knish - CEO @ AMZOptimizedBen Faw - Co-Founder @ Advon Commerce & MaverickXEric Young - VP Brand Growth @ Bullseye SellersSean Stone - Director @ Stone's Goods -Tommy Lynch - CEO @ Cult Content -Komal Singh - Founder & CEO @ 4XDigital AIPaul Harvey - Owner @ RanksterRyan Cheshire - Agency Partner Manager @ LevantaThis podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.
Transcribe →How to Build & Scale TikTok Shop the Right Way – Tommy Lynch on the Agency Operators Podcast Ep 76
Mar 400:22:43Tap to summarizeWhy are some brands quietly printing revenue on TikTok Shop while others struggle to make a single sale?In Episode 76, we sit down with Tommy Lynch, Founder of Cult Content, who has generated over 100 million views and more than $500K in GMV through TikTok Shop systems that actually convert.This isn’t about going viral. It’s about building infrastructure.In this episode, we break down:— How to structure TikTok Shop operations for sustainable scale— What separates high-performing short-form video from content that just gets views— How to recruit and manage affiliates that consistently drive revenue— The backend systems most brands overlookPacked with actionable strategies for operators and brand owners ready to treat TikTok Shop like a real growth channel — not a trend.About the Guest About Tommy Lynch:Tommy Lynch is the Founder of Cult Content and a TikTok Shop growth specialist obsessed with building scalable content ecosystems. He has generated over 100M views and half a million in GMV by combining short-form video strategy, affiliate systems, and operational execution for impact-driven brands.Quote Section“True change happens when you stop reacting to the environment and start creating from within.”— Dr. Joe DispenzaConnect LinksConnect with Tommy Lynch:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-lynch-236baa253/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommy.lynch_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tommylynch_Key Discussion Topics• TikTok Shop Operations — building backend systems that scale• Short Video Management — turning content into consistent conversions• Affiliate Management — activating creators that drive real GMVWhy You Should Tune InIf you’re an Amazon seller, brand owner, or agency operator looking at TikTok Shop but unsure how to execute — this episode gives you the operational blueprint. You’ll walk away understanding how to move beyond random posting and build a structured content and affiliate machine that drives measurable revenue. This is tactical, execution-focused insight from someone actively doing the work.This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.
Transcribe →The Intent Beneath the Intent — How to Spot High-Click / Low-Buy Traffic and Realign Listings That Actually Convert Ash Metry on the Agency Operators Podcast Ep 75
Feb 2500:25:57Tap to summarizeWhy do some Amazon listings get traffic — but never momentum?Clicks come in. Spend goes up. Conversion stays flat.In this live episode of the Agency Operators Podcast, we sit down with Ash Metry, Founder & CEO of Keywords.am, to unpack what’s really happening beneath Amazon search behavior — and why most sellers are optimizing the wrong layer of intent.Ash explains why keyword volume isn’t wrong, just incomplete — and how sellers should pair it with buyer intent to avoid attracting high-click, low-buy traffic. We’ll also explore how Amazon’s semantic understanding (including Rufus and AI shopping agents) is changing how listings are read, ranked, and rewarded.This conversation goes beyond tactics into mindset — because how you think as a founder directly shapes how you build listings that convert, scale, and compound over time.About the Guest About Ash Metry:Ash Metry is the Founder and CEO of Keywords.am, an AI-powered Amazon listing editor and keyword workspace used by thousands of sellers and agencies across 21 marketplaces. Known for his systems-first approach to Amazon growth, Ash focuses on aligning listings with real buyer intent while helping founders build sustainably in an algorithm-driven ecosystem.Quote Section“Data doesn’t sell. Connection does. When you stop chasing keywords and start understanding the human behind the search, everything changes.”Connect LinksConnect with Ash Metry:🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashmetryKey Discussion Topics • Why keyword volume is incomplete, not wrong — and how to use it alongside intent when building listings• With Rufus and AI shopping agents reading listings semantically, the single most important product page change sellers should make today• How founder mindset shapes listing performance — staying grounded in a high-anxiety, constantly changing Amazon ecosystemWhy You Should Tune In If your listings are driving traffic but not sales, the problem isn’t visibility — it’s misaligned intent. This episode will help you diagnose why clicks don’t convert, how Amazon interprets listings at a semantic level, and how to build product pages that match why someone is searching, not just what they typed. You’ll walk away with clearer thinking, better decisions, and a calmer, more sustainable approach to Amazon growth.This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.
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