No Safety Net: Why Small Agencies Play a Different Game

What does it really take to build a successful business when there's no safety net?

For leaders of small businesses and independent agencies, every decision carries weight. Every hire matters. Every client relationship counts. And the culture you create isn't something delegated to HR - it's something you live every day.

In this episode of Stopgap Talks, Amanda sits down with Richard Morris, Founding Partner of Whistlejacket, to explore the realities of building and leading an independent creative agency.

Having spent more than 20 years in senior leadership at global network agency DDB, followed by five years as CEO of Identica, Richard made the leap to launch Whistlejacket over a decade ago. The conversation explores what changed when the safety net disappeare, and the lessons he's learned about leadership, hiring and creating a culture where people can do their best work.

Whether you're a founder, hiring manager or business leader, this episode offers practical insight into building resilient teams and creating workplaces where creativity and commercial success go hand in hand.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why running a small agency is fundamentally different from working in a large network
• Why every hire has a bigger impact—and how to spot the right people beyond the CV
• The leadership lessons nobody tells you before you start your own business
• How curiosity fuels creativity, innovation and better client work
• Why Whistlejacket encourages its team to seek inspiration beyond the workplace
• The story behind Green With Envy and why celebrating great work matters
• Unlimited holiday, trust, and what Richard learned about creating a healthy culture
• Practical advice for founders and leaders building teams without the luxury of a corporate safety net

Connect with our speakers

Richard Morris Founding Partner, Whistlejacket 🌐 www.whistlejacket.studio 🔗 LinkedIn

Amanda Mc Carthy Consultant, Stopgap Recruitment 🌐www.stopgap.co.uk 🔗LinkedIn

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