The Art of Authentic Team Building with Sparo Studios' Visionary, Emma Sparrow

01/23/24 • 26 min

Ever dreamt of ditching your corporate gig to start your own creative agency? Emma, the brains behind Sparo Studios, did just that. Join us as we unravel Emma's journey from her childhood in prairies in Canada, to the bustling corporate world of Sydney, Australia to founding a thriving design agency. This isn't just a story of entrepreneurial courage—it's a playbook for leaders who want to steer their teams with authenticity and shared values.
The highlights of our conversation include Emma's honesty about three of her key leadership lessons:
1. What made her grow from a "terrible boss who churned through staff"
2. How leading with values helped her fire someone on her wedding day
3. When systems streamlined her ability to scale
We all know that values are the backbone of any successful organisation, but how do you embed them? Emma and I dig deep into how honesty, community, growth, and creativity aren't just lofty ideals at Sparo Studios; they're actionable standards that are used daily to create a culture of trust and psychological safety with the team and clients.
By the end of this chat, you'll walk away with strategies and insights to not just boost your leadership by 1%, but to create an environment where your team and business can thrive. Don't miss out on Emma's incredible journey and the valuable wisdom gained from steering a small studio to great successes.
Book your free strategy call with the Director of Sparo Studios Emma here

or get in contact with her on
Linkedin
Instagram
Guest Bio - Emma Sparrow, Sparo Studios
Emma (Em) is the founder and creative director of Sparo Studios - a strategic design agency with an all-women team of innovative, results-driven designers, developers, and strategists.
A Canadian prairie girl who tore up her acceptance letter to business school and moved across the world to find something more. After spending 3 years working in a creativity-killing corporate role, she knew there was no opportunity for her to truly push herself and live the life she wanted to live.
So in 2019, the business came to life. After years of epic growth, the agency evolved from 1 to a team with a combined 20+ years of experience in the industry.
Outspoken leaders in strategic branding and design for established businesses — Em and her team are well known for thinking (and creating) outside the box and doing things differently.

Find out your personal Leadership Style with the free quiz
Join the Mailing List - hear first when new episodes are live
Zenith Journey website - leaders aren't born, they're trained
Buy the Delegation Playbook - delegate seamlessly, for better results, without the stressZenith Journey Instagram
Kate Peardon Linkedin

Previous Episode

Lead with Confidence - How your clothes can transform your confidence in your job and life, with Anna from Anna Mabin Styling

Ever thought about how a wardrobe refresh could actually kickstart a positive shift in your life? Today I'm sharing my recent experiences with virtual stylist Anna from Anna Mabin Styling. Life threw me a series of curveballs, from health scares to the joys of new motherhood, and my closet was in desperate need of a revamp.

In this chat, Anna breaks down why people turn to stylists during big life moments like post-maternity or career transitions. We dive into the overwhelming world of fashion choices and how a stylist can simplify it and help give you an amazing confidence boost with rocking an outfit that feel great in.
We also explore the thrill of Thrift Shopping in the era of fast fashion – it's like finding hidden treasures. We discuss the evolution of style, especially in the corporate realm, where the right outfit can reshape perceptions and propel you up the career ladder, be it a manager or CEO. But it doesn't end there – we get into how clothing affects our self-esteem and share practical tips to ensure your style aligns with your professional image.
And for those who think injecting some lively colors into your wardrobe might compromise professionalism, fear not! We've got advice on finding the perfect fit across different brands, embracing your size with confidence, and even tackling style challenges during weight changes. Anna and I champion the idea that everyone deserves to feel fabulous in their fashion, no matter the size.
If you're itching to elevate your personal style, tune in for a dose of inspiration. And hey, if you're looking for professional styling services, Anna Mabin is just a click away, no matter where you are in the world.
Contact Anna and see her services and prices: www.annamabinstyling.com.au
Anna's Instagram

Next Episode

Managing Business Growth and Transitions: Insights from Lauren Fraser, Thea Media

When challenges arise, the wise prioritise over powering through. Lauren Fraser, founder of Thea Media, challenges the conventional wisdom that toughness is the only answer. Join us as we delve into her entrepreneurial journey—from navigating chronic fatigue to building a thriving digital marketing agency that values balance and well-being. Lauren's honest account is not just a success story; it's a blueprint for sustainable growth that doesn't sacrifice personal health for professional gain.
Have you ever wondered what the aftermath of a business acquisition looks like from the inside? Lauren Fraser offers a rare glimpse into the delicate dance of team management during these transitions. Her experiences reveal the profound effect leadership can have on a company's culture, as well as the importance of trust and communication within remote and inexperienced teams. As we explore the nuances of her approach to leadership, we also touch on the vital role of solid systems and effective processes in steering a business towards success, especially after ambitious expansions.
The path to prosperity is often lined with setbacks and redirections, as Lauren's story testifies. This episode is an invitation to redefine success beyond the hustle, to embrace balance and build a business that nourishes both the team behind it and the leader at its helm. Lauren's insights into attracting the right clients and team members demonstrate the power of incremental improvements. For anyone striving for a more holistic approach to business, this conversation is a beacon of inspiration and practical advice.
Guest Bio - Lauren Fraser

Website: theamedia.com.au
Instagram: theamedia_

Lauren is the owner of Thea Media, a digital marketing agency on the Sunshine Coast focussed on supporting health, wellness and beauty businesses with search, social and email marketing. Having started her business nearly 6 years ago, Lauren has taken it around the world, grown it to nearly 7 figures, scaled up and down her team, and even acquired another business.

Level Up Leadership - The Art of Authentic Team Building with Sparo Studios' Visionary, Emma Sparrow

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.100

We've got our four values top of mind , and that's honesty , community , growth and creativity . And so when we onboard our team , when we bring them on , they're very much aware of this . But also when hard conversations are had , these are brought to light so they understand where decisions are being made .

Speaker 200:00:17.780

Welcome to the level up lea