ABOUT US

School of Agency is a specialist training and coaching practice that helps agency people grow.

We support practitioners at all levels to develop core “agency life skills” - from client and account management to people leadership, business development, and agency operations.

Founded by agency leader Mai Aristoteli, with 20 years experience at agencies including M&C Saatchi and McCann Worldgroup, our training is engaging, practical, and grounded in real-world experience.

Our clients value our creative, bespoke approach - working collaboratively to understand their team’s challenges and design tailored programs that drive meaningful growth.

WHAT WE TEACH

We help practitioners of all levels develop the “agency life skills” they need to get ahead at work.

WHO WE’VE WORKED WITH

WHAT THEY SAY

  • “The team has been raving about the many ‘lightbulb moments’ during the two day course. Thank you for sharing your brilliance!”

    Chloe Fitzgerald - Business Director, Dentsu Creative PR

  • “Mai brings years of recent agency experience and a warm and professional approach to her training. She takes the time to get to know participants and tailors her training to meet them where they are at. I believe our team are in a much better position to deliver in their roles as as a result.”

    Susie Laurence - GM, Sabio

  • “Mai is the one of the best agency directors I’ve worked with. She’s pragmatic, empathetic and inspirational - a problem-solver and an opportunity-finder. Watch your business and your people thrive.”

    Tanya Hughes - Ex-MD, M&C Saatchi Talk

  • “The sessions were incredibly detailed, yet so easy to digest - thanks to the approachable, interactive and engaging training style. I really valued being able to get some practical tools that could be applied immediately. I feel much better prepared and more confident about my ability to do the job of Account Director.”

    Account Director - C7EVEN

  • “Extremely engaging. Very practical - was able to really absorb all the information. Loved the deep discussion among attendees.”

    Senior Account Director, Burson WPP

  • “Mai is just the best. She has the innate ability to bring out the best in people and teams.

    Andie Crawford - Sydney MD, Alt-Shift

  • “Coaching with Mai played a huge role in my professional development. I’d recommend her to anyone.”

    Senior Account Director & B&T 30 Under 30 winner

  • “Just wanted to reach out and say thanks (again) for the killer training. Being able to lean on what we learnt and practiced in your sessions has helped HEAPS, as I had my first difficult conversation with a direct report today. THANK YOU!”

    Account Manager - Dentsu Creative

  • “I thought the training was fantastic - it felt like work therapy! I learned so much that is incredibly helpful for performing well at an agency that you don't learn at uni or on the job. It was well delivered, engaging and helpful. I really valued receiving some key insights and ways of working from a clearly seasoned and polished agency professional.”

    Account Executive - Rowland

WHAT TO EXPECT

We start by getting to know you and your team. What are your business challenges? Which skills and behaviours would you like to see strengthened through training?

STEP 1:

DISCOVER

STEP 2:

DESIGN

Next, we create a bespoke learning program tailored to your team. We draw from our own resources and develop new content based on your brief. All materials are adapted to speak your agency’s language, reflecting your terminology, team structure, and culture.

STEP 3:

DELIVER

Where the magic happens! We deliver thought-provoking and highly practical training -through group workshops, 1-1 coaching, or a mix of both. Participants keep copies of all materials to refer back to after the session.

Training is ideally delivered in-person - and we’ll come to you - but virtual options are also available to suit your team’s needs.

STEP 4:

DEBRIEF

After the program, we debrief with you to share observations and guidance on embedding the learning long-term. Teams often leave energised and motivated, and we provide tips to help you sustain that momentum back in the workplace.