An Agency Story
How Three Employees Quietly Took Over an Agency - AOR
Aug 12, 2025
Episode 150
Russel Dubree / Alyssa Ash
What if your journey to owning an agency started without you even knowing it? In this episode, Alyssa Ash, Partner at AOR, shares how she went from junior designer to co-owner of a leading creative and digital agency. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes story of a years-long leadership transition, the lessons learned along the way, and how she’s navigating an unpredictable business landscape.
Key Takeaways
- How to spot and develop future leaders from within your team
- Why a long runway is essential for a smooth ownership transition
- The role of curiosity and initiative in creating career-defining opportunities
- How to lead confidently while still embracing discomfort
- An insider’s perspective on what it takes to transition from team member to owner