In Ep. 162 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Emily Hare, Global Influencer Lead and Anna O'Mahony, Global Lead, Content and Innovation at Publicis. To start, we dive into the transformative landscape of creator marketing and influencer strategies. As we chart the course for 2025, marked by significant agency consolidations and acquisitions, Anna and Emily reveal the pivotal role of creators in redefining brand strategies. The duo highlights the necessity of establishing a "center of excellence" in content creation, merging storytelling with journalism to craft narratives that resonate on both global and local scales. We explore the fusion of technology and creativity and examine how agencies are transitioning into comprehensive technology partners, emphasizing a content-focused approach in influencer marketing. Switching gears, Emily and Anna underscore the importance of understanding audience dynamics and maintaining brand consistency while engaging localized influencers. To close the show, the duo also offers insights into the evolving nature of creator partnerships, stressing fair pricing, long-term relationships, and the significance of dynamic playbooks that adapt to market shifts.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. The role of creator marketing is shifting, and brands are rethinking how they collaborate. While influencers can do it all, the real question is where they create the most impact.

2. Agencies are evolving alongside brands, integrating influencer marketing more deeply into media strategies. The industry is seeing more consolidation, technology adoption, and a shift toward content-first approaches—where the value lies in the work itself, not just the creator’s following.

3. Standardizing creator compensation remains a challenge, but brands are getting smarter. With better benchmarks and long-term partnerships, companies are moving toward sustainable, mutually beneficial collaborations.

Connect with the Guests:

• Emily’s LinkedIn - @emily-hare-65600710

• Anna’s LinkedIn - @anna-o-mahony-0b740415

Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ:

• Brit’s LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale

• CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq

Follow us on social:

• CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial

• CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq

• CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq

• CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ