Freelancers & Agencies: The Good, The Bad and The Brief

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Jonathan Wilcox, a freelance copywriter who’s seen it all when it comes to working with agencies - the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating.

With more agencies relying on freelancers to stay flexible, we dig into what really makes these partnerships work (or fail). From bad briefs to power dynamics, we uncover the truths agencies don’t always want to hear.

Together, we explore:

• What the ideal freelancer–agency relationship looks like (and what makes freelancers run a mile)

• The biggest frustrations on both sides of the table

• Why clear, detailed briefs are non-negotiable

• How to navigate deadlines, responsibilities and shifting power dynamics

• The role of respect, trust and timely payments in building long-term collaboration

• Success stories and what agencies can learn from doing it right

Whether you’re an agency leader, account manager, or freelancer yourself, this episode is packed with practical insights on creating partnerships that work for everyone.