Description:
In this episode of The Builders Podcast, Matt Levenhagen sits down with Michael Kenny of Digital Gearbox to explore how businesses can thrive in a noisy, tech-driven world by leaning into timeless principles: ethics, relationships, and human value.
Michael shares lessons from his diverse career—from hospitality and real estate to leading PPC campaigns at Digital Gearbox—and how those experiences shaped his people-first approach to marketing. Together, we dig into what it means to build a business that not only adapts to change but becomes truly irreplaceable to its clients.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why ethics are the cornerstone of long-term trust and resilience
- How to balance AI’s rise with the irreplaceable human touch
- Why being “as useful as you possibly can” is the ultimate growth strategy
- How relationships and empathy matter more than flashy tech or quick wins
- Practical ways to leverage referrals, case studies, and client networks for sustainable growth
Michael’s perspective is a reminder that while tools and platforms will continue to evolve, the real edge lies in integrity, adaptability, and genuine connection.
Whether you’re building an agency, running your own business, or simply navigating the AI buzz, this episode will leave you with clear, actionable principles for becoming indispensable to those you serve.
Michael Kenny
I help businesses turn underperforming ad campaigns into profitable growth engines. With over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, I bring a no-nonsense, results-driven approach to paid search and social advertising.
As part of the team at Digital Gearbox, I currently work with over 50 businesses worldwide, managing millions in ad spend and driving tens – sometimes hundreds – of millions in revenue. We specialise in platforms like Google, Facebook, and Instagram, helping brands scale efficiently without the usual agency fluff.
THE MEAT OF IT!
1. Building with Ethics at the Core
- Why honesty and transparency are non-negotiable in client relationships
- How ethical decisions shape long-term trust and resilience
2. Adaptability in a Changing Digital Landscape
- Navigating shifts in PPC and digital marketing
- Balancing AI’s rise with the irreplaceable human touch
- The importance of resilience when the market and economy shift
3. Lessons from Michael’s Diverse Career Path
- Early influences: growing up in entrepreneurial family businesses
- Learning customer engagement from real estate and hospitality
- The serendipitous leap from bartending to digital marketing
4. Building Client-Centric Growth
- Why being “as useful as you possibly can” is the ultimate growth strategy
- Leveraging referrals and existing client networks for sustainable success
- Creating case studies and reviews to strengthen reputation
5. The Human Element in the Age of AI
- Why relationships and empathy still matter more than flashy tech
- How agencies can stand out by educating, guiding, and personalizing
- The limits of automation when it comes to building trust
6. Building Long-Term Success
- Embracing change and continuous learning as a builder’s mindset
- Viewing client transitions (like moving in-house) as a testament to value
- Staying grounded in values while scaling for the future
Click to See Episode Chapters and Timestamp
| Timestamp | Summary |
| 0:00 | Building Business Resilience Through Client Engagement and Adaptation |
| 4:03 | Exploring the Evolution of PPC and Digital Marketing |
| 6:53 | Entrepreneurial Roots and Early Digital Ventures |
| 10:56 | Honesty in Sales and the Impact of Ethical Decisions |
| 15:57 | A Life-Changing Encounter in the Real Estate Industry |
| 18:40 | Navigating Empathy and Naivety in Business Interactions |
| 21:09 | From Bartending to Marketing: A Journey of Serendipity |
| 25:43 | Exploring AI and Web Design for Business Transformation |
| 26:12 | From Bartender to Insurance Agent Through Uncle Dave |
| 27:46 | Serendipitous Networking Opportunities in Bars and Hospitality |
| 29:28 | Journey from Customer Service to Digital Marketing |
| 30:49 | The Struggle of Maintaining Authenticity in Professional Environments |
| 32:08 | Career Growth Through Embracing Change and Specialization |
| 35:13 | Evolution of Google Ads and Challenges in Digital Marketing |
| 38:21 | The Importance of Effective Advertising and Client Understanding |
| 40:36 | The Human Element in AI-Driven Digital Marketing |
| 47:28 | The Challenges and Evolution of Conversational AI |
| 50:01 | Navigating Business Growth Amidst Technological and Economic Challenges |
| 59:09 | Building Success Through Usefulness and Client Engagement |
Check out these related Episodes:
- Episode 239: Jennifer Denny – Building Smarter with AI: ChatGPT Projects & Business Efficiency
- Episode 237: Hunter Jensen – Building, Tinkering, & Thriving on the Cutting Edge (Not the Bleeding Edge)
- Episode 234: Matthew White – They Built an AI Browser… Moving Toward AI Becoming the Operating System
