In this episode, Veronique James, founder and CEO of The James Agency (TJA), underscores the power of a people-first culture in shaping both workplace satisfaction and agency success. The James Agency No. 3394 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. She explains how a tenured leadership team—grounded in accountability and integrity—strengthens employee engagement, fosters trust, and drives stronger client relationships. Veronique draws a direct link between happy, supported employees and the delivery of higher-quality outcomes for clients, while also highlighting how AI can be harnessed to boost efficiency and creativity without compromising culture. Reflecting on her 20 years as a leader, she shares the importance of weaving company values into everyday practices and the challenges of preserving culture during times of growth. She also emphasizes the role of vulnerability in leadership, noting that openness builds deeper connections within teams. At its core, the conversation reinforces that a people-first culture is not just about employee well-being—it is the foundation of client success and long-term organizational growth.
- Introduction to People First Culture
- Embracing AI in Agency Life
- The James Agency Overview
- Defining People-First Culture
- The Impact of Happy Culture
- Employee-First vs. Client-First
- Maintaining Culture During Growth
- Leadership Evolution and Challenges
- Integrating Values into Culture
- Closing Thoughts on Transparency
Building Success Through a People-First Culture
The interview features Veronique James, the founder and CEO of The James Agency (TJA), where she discusses the concept of a people-first culture and its impact on the agency’s success. Veronique begins by expressing her gratitude for her longstanding leadership team, emphasizing the importance of having tenured members who align with the company’s core values. She describes how accountability and integrity within the team enable a positive work environment, which she considers essential, especially in the often tumultuous agency life where finger-pointing is common. Gene Hammett, the host of the podcast, introduces the idea that treating employees well leads to better customer experiences. Veronique agrees, outlining how a happy workforce translates to higher quality outputs for clients. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of employee satisfaction and client retention, illustrating how a cohesive team fosters better relationships with clients by minimizing turnover and ensuring continuity in account management.
Blending People-First Culture with the Power of AI
As the conversation progresses, Gene probes into how TJA embraces artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations. Veronique is quick to clarify that AI is not a new phenomenon in their industry; rather, it’s an evolving tool that enhances their efficiency and creative processes. She explains how AI facilitates research, image generation, and other tasks, allowing the agency to deliver services more rapidly and effectively. Veronique elaborates on her definition of a people-first culture, citing the need for a strong alignment of values among team members. She believes that a culture where everyone pulls in the same direction leads to better engagement and lower employee turnover. This, in turn, results in happier clients who feel invested in and supported by the agency. She stresses the importance of creating an environment where employees feel safe to voice concerns and collaborate positively.
Leading with Values: 20 Years of Growth and Trust
The discussion turns towards Veronique’s evolution as a leader throughout her 20 years in business. She shares her experiences with the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), a network of entrepreneurs that has provided her with invaluable learning opportunities through shared experiences. Her journey is filled with ups and downs that have shaped her leadership style and taught her the significance of trust and communication within her team. As the interview reaches a pivotal moment, Veronique highlights the necessity of integrating the company’s values into the everyday workings of the agency. She emphasizes that transparency and ethical practices are crucial in fostering a positive client-agency relationship. By aligning these values from the onset, they mitigate common stressors that can strain their work culture.
The Power of Vulnerability in a People-First Culture
Gene and Veronique also discuss the challenges of maintaining a strong company culture as the organization grows. Veronique acknowledges the difficulty in transferring her cultural vision to new leadership but believes in building trust within her team to enable them to blossom under her guidance. Towards the end of the interview, Veronique underscores the importance of vulnerability in leadership. She encourages leaders to share both the highs and lows of their journey with their teams, as this openness can foster a stronger bond and encourage collaboration. She notes that when leaders express their humanity, it inspires employees to engage in problem-solving and innovation. Overall, the interview presents a comprehensive overview of how a people-first culture can lead to success in business, emphasizing that prioritizing employees ultimately benefits clients and drives organizational growth. Veronique’s insights reflect her commitment to cultivating a nurturing environment both internally and externally, reinforcing the idea that genuine care for people creates a thriving workplace and happy clients.
