Show Notes:

In Part Two of this conversation, Heidi Schalk welcomes back Vivienne Wagner, founder of Houndstooth Media Group, for an insightful discussion on leadership, company culture, and building teams that thrive.

Vivienne shares how her agency grew from an accidental startup at her dining room table into a successful team of 16 serving businesses across the country. She explains why hiring for fit comes before skill set and how clearly defined core values have shaped every aspect of the company's growth.

Throughout the conversation, Heidi and Vivienne explore:

• Why chemistry and shared values matter when building teams

• The five core values that guide Houndstooth Media Group

• How company culture influences client relationships and referrals

• Why founders should empower employees to bring solutions, not just problems

• How to create a collaborative environment where team members feel seen and valued

• The importance of understanding individual personalities and communication styles

• Why referrals are powerful but should not be your only growth strategy

• How leaders can stay aligned with their values while scaling

• The role gratitude, humor, and kindness play in long term success

• Why fear is normal and should never stop entrepreneurs from pursuing growth

Whether you're building your first team or leading a growing company, this episode offers practical insights for creating a culture that attracts great people, loyal clients, and sustainable success.

Bio:

Vivienne Wagner is the founder and CEO of Houndstooth Media Group, a digital marketing agency based in Southern California. With a team of 16 specialists, she helps mid-sized businesses transform their websites into revenue-driving hubs by combining SEO expertise with the latest in AI-driven optimization.

Known for her ability to make complex marketing concepts accessible, Vivienne speaks on how businesses can position themselves to be found by both human audiences and AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity. Her agency’s approach not only boosts visibility and organic traffic but also reduces dependence on paid ads, giving business owners the freedom to scale more sustainably.

Vivienne frequently works with decision-makers who need trusted marketing leadership—either because they don’t have in-house expertise or want a sharper second opinion on their current strategy. She offers a structured starting point through her SEO & AI Optimization Audit, which helps companies uncover hidden opportunities, identify weak points, and gain clarity on the steps needed to compete in today’s search-driven landscape.

Outside of work, Vivienne enjoys life with her husband and extended family of four grown sons. Known for her mix of humor, candor, and genuine care for the people she works with, she brings the same energy into her professional world that she does into her personal one. As a guest, she is direct, insightful, and engaging—ready to share practical strategies for AI-optimized marketing, building strong website foundations, and scaling digital strategies for long-term success.

Houndstooth Media Group

Houndstooth Media Group is a boutique digital marketing agency based in Southern California. With a team of 16 specialists across the country, the agency helps mid-sized businesses turn their websites into revenue-driving hubs through SEO, AI-driven optimization, and strategic digital marketing.

The majority of Houndstooth’s client base comes through referrals and word of mouth, with most partnerships lasting for years. That loyalty stems from the agency’s commitment to transparency and education—qualities that set it apart in an industry often clouded by jargon and “smoke and mirrors.” Houndstooth eliminates the “flying blind” feeling many business owners experience when working with marketing agencies, instead giving them clarity, confidence, and measurable results.

From SEO strategy and AI-optimized content to social media, branding, and revenue development, Houndstooth delivers custom solutions without cookie-cutter tactics. Clients gain not only execution but also a trusted partner who explains the “why” behind the strategy, so leaders can make informed decisions and see the direct impact on their business growth.

At its core, Houndstooth Media Group is built for long-term success: results-focused, strategy-driven, and deeply invested in helping businesses grow with confidence.

To connect with our guest, click on the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienne-wagner/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/houndstooth-media-group/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houndstoothmediagroup/

Website: https://houndstoothmediagroup.com/

🎁Get your free webinar on AI Visibility https://houndstooth-media-group.webinargeek.com/aio-webinar-get-your-business-found?cst=business-growth-spotlight

Connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

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