On today’s episode, MaryAnn Pfeiffer, founder of 108 Degrees, talks to Shannon from Penji about what it really takes to grow an agency the right way. From knowing when to hire, to balancing culture with growth, to saying no to the wrong clients, MaryAnn shares the lessons she’s learned while building her own agency. You’ll hear candid stories about navigating high-pressure projects, protecting your team’s well-being, and why choosing clients who align with your values is just as important as delivering results.
Here are three things you’ll learn in this episode:
How to spot the right time to grow your team without risking culture.
MaryAnn explains why growth isn’t about hiring as fast as possible, but about pacing expansion so your agency’s culture doesn’t get diluted. She shares how knowing your team’s capacity and choosing quality over speed can prevent burnout and turnover.
Why having boundaries with clients leads to healthier, longer-term partnerships.
From walking away from misaligned projects to setting clear expectations, MaryAnn talks about how boundaries build respect. She highlights examples where saying “no” actually strengthened relationships and allowed her team to deliver better work.
The hidden costs of bad-fit projects and how to protect your agency from them.
MaryAnn breaks down how taking on the wrong client—even if it looks profitable—can drain time, morale, and resources. She shares lessons from her own experiences, showing why vetting clients carefully is crucial for sustainable success.
About MaryAnn Pfeiffer and 108 Degrees:
- Website: http://www.108degrees.com/
- Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryannpfeiffer/