There are so many things wrong with this POV, Stephanie McCarty, that I will just say this.
Yes, the industry is broken. I agree. It saddens me.
But it starts with clients and the ridiculous RPF/Pitch process that's been a staple for years and years.
Then layer in the poor pay, the slim margins, the marginalizing of our IP and talent, the micro management, the crap briefs, the work over the holidays, not enough time, too many inputers, approval process, politics, opinions on what you're asking to give you in the first place, the blah blah blah blah.
It's easy to crap on us. We will take it all day and all year long. And why?
There are nearly 14,000 agencies in the U.S. and we all compete for business because relationships are dead. DEAD.
Maybe we are our own worst enemy. Likely, so.
But things like your in-house agency killed us.
Trying to hire us for our senior talent for an "outside perspective" piecemeal is like buying one part of a gourmet meal without understanding it's a process, an approach, culture, the whole thing.
It just doesn't work like that. But we will do it anyway.
Because most are desperate. Shame on us.
I wish you the best. I am glad you've stirred the pot.
If only you were more informed and had some real answers.
ADWEEK
Looking forward to a healthy and strong season. Go get em!!