What does it take to build a nationally competitive agency from Portland, Maine — and keep it independent for 33 years?
On this episode of Agency Alchemy, Leeann Leahy, CEO of VIA, joins us to talk about ambition, employee ownership, AI as a “silent engine,” and why independence isn’t just a structure — it’s a strategic advantage.
Leeann shares how she stepped into the CEO role during a moment of agency transition, restructured VIA into interdisciplinary “pods,” and helped guide the firm through multiple Agency of the Year wins and, ultimately, an employee-owned ESOP model.
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