Kate Ross, Managing Director of eight&four Group, recently joined the Human Powered podcast to discuss how she aligns individual and business goals across an agency group of 120 people. As a co-founder of eight&four, she has navigated significant industry shifts—selling the agency, reacquiring it as part of a group, and leading with a forward-thinking approach.
Key Insights from the Episode
AI as an Empowerment Tool – Kate invests heavily in AI, not just for efficiency but to boost morale and reduce fear of the technology.
Building High-Performing Teams – She believes success comes from people who care—about the business, clients, and each other.
Encouraging Ownership & Accountability – Kate ensures her team understands the broader business context and takes responsibility for their work.
Fostering Innovation – By challenging employees to develop ideas for business success and empowering them to execute, she creates a culture of ownership.
Addressing Pain Points – Actively seeking out challenges within the business allows her to resolve issues before they escalate.
Hiring the Right People – A structured six-month probationary period ensures new hires align with the company culture.
Adopting a Continuous Improvement Mindset
Instead of rigid three-year plans, Kate embraces the Kaizen philosophy—focusing on ongoing process improvements to keep the business agile and innovative.
To hear the full conversation, listen to the episode now on Human Powered here. If you’re interested in how AI and leadership strategies can shape your business, get in touch with eight&four.
