Simon talks with Damien Eley, CEO of the Many Australia and co-founder of LA-based Indie powerhouse The Many. The conversation revolves around the theme of participation and its impact on agencies, what can happen when brand thinking meets immersive technology.

Damien shares insights on the role of agencies, the importance of participation, the future of The Many Australia and recent acquisition of CatalstXR a Sydney-based immersive tech studio.

Damien is a big believer in the power of participation and together with his co-founders at The Many has reshaped his agency's core operating system.

Takeaways

* Participation as a driving force

* The transformative potential of immersive technology

* Buying to build capability and why it makes sense

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Participation

05:36 Defining Participation in Marketing

07:53 Examples of Successful Participation

10:34 The Risks of Misreading Participation

13:07 Brand Clarity and Cultural Credibility

13:52 Acquisition of Catalyst XR

16:38 The Sistine Chapel Experience

18:08 Future Ambitions for The Many Australia

19:40 Navigating the M&A Process

19:51 Reflections on Building Agencies