Hiring trends and AI's impact in 2026

Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan is joined by returning guest Noel Andrews, the founder of JobRack, to explore a dynamic trend that's reshaping the way agencies build and cultivate their teams. Together, they dive into the growing movement of hiring full-time international team members from regions like Eastern Europe and South Africa—and the significant impact this is having on agency culture, client results, and operational efficiency.

Noel Andrews lends his expertise as an offshore hiring specialist, clarifying common misconceptions about international talent and revealing why more agencies are opting for highly skilled, long-term team members abroad instead of just local hires or gig-based freelancers. He shares firsthand accounts from agency leaders who have been pleasantly surprised by both the technical expertise and the positive, collaborative attitudes these global professionals bring to the table. The discussion expands into how international team members can raise the bar for everyone, shifting mindsets and work habits for the better company-wide.

The conversation doesn't stop at hiring practices. Drew McLellan and Noel Andrews unpack actionable strategies for fostering strong agency culture, even within remote and hybrid setups. From the value of clear communication and setting high standards to intentionally building connections among geographically dispersed teammates, you'll get practical tips for making everyone feel like a real part of the team—no matter where they're located. They also dig into how AI and automation are influencing agency roles, why clarity is more crucial than ever, and how proactive leadership can remove day-to-day roadblocks so every team member can operate at their best.

Whether you're considering expanding your team internationally or simply looking to boost engagement and performance within your distributed agency, this episode is packed with real-world advice and inspiration. Tune in to discover how making small, intentional tweaks—rooted in clarity, culture, and high expectations—can set your agency up for a standout year ahead.

A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• • The rise of hiring full-time international team members for agencies
  • Shifting perceptions around the skill and impact of offshore talent
  • How remote and hybrid teams can intentionally build and maintain strong agency culture
  • The crucial role of clarity in expectations, communication, and goal-setting
  • Removing barriers and empowering teams to operate at their highest level
  • Leveraging AI and automation without losing the human touch
  • The value of high standards and small, consistent actions for agency success