Tangram unveils playbook to future-proof creative agencies

Tangram, a consultancy for the creative industry, has released a playbook titled "Future-Proof Your Agency: 12 Ops and Finance Trends to Track in 2025" aimed at assisting agencies in navigating operational challenges.

This playbook compiles insights and strategies from industry leaders such as Caroline Williams, Senior Vice President of EMEA Agency Operations at George P. Johnson, and Kara Bombell, Chief Operations Officer of Digitas. It is designed to aid agencies in aligning their processes with the shifting expectations of clients.

Helen Johnson, Founder and Managing Director of Tangram, described the playbook as a crucial resource for agencies keen on mastering contemporary operational and financial strategies. "With this playbook, we aim to empower agencies to adapt and innovate," Johnson said. "After over a decade working with both large networks and independent agencies, we've identified the common pitfalls that can really hold progress back."

She continued by praising examples of successful leadership within the industry. "But we've also seen some fantastic agencies and brilliant people who have truly nailed it. Two incredible examples are Kara and Caroline, who are leading the way in our industry," Johnson added.

Caroline Williams commented on the current demands faced by agencies. "It's no longer just about doing more with less; it's about doing better with what you have," she said. "Agencies need to ensure they have the right processes to drive results. I've shared how we've successfully done this at George P. Johnson and how we're rolling this out on a global scale."

Kara Bombell noted the evolving nature of client services and the necessity for strategic alignment with business needs. "There's been a bit of a reckoning in client services where agencies need them to be more strategic with the needs of the business," Bombell stated. "The tactics I share in Tangram's playbook are invaluable for agencies aiming to align their operations with client expectations in a period when all agencies are tightening their belts."

The playbook, co-authored by UK-based Sai Chiu, Senior Principal at Tangram, seeks to provide inspiration to agency leaders and highlight the significant roles played by those in finance and operations. Johnson remarked on this aspect, saying, "Our goal with this playbook is to empower agencies to adapt and innovate. We've been working with large networks and indies for over 10 years and we've identified the common pitfalls that can hinder progress. We hope the playbook inspires agency leaders and highlights the unsung heroes in finance and operations – the backbone of any successful agency."