Episode Summary
Chris Schembri is no stranger to the high-stakes world of advertising. From media planning for Domino’s Pizza to managing a multi-billion dollar AT&T budget, his resume reads like a playbook on corporate marketing warfare. But it was the allure of autonomy, and a timely opportunity, that led him to launch Aletheia Marketing Media, a full-service agency named after the Greek goddess of truth. In this candid conversation, Chris shares the turning points, mental hurdles, and business philosophies that shaped his agency’s evolution.
Episode Highlights:
- Why a $2B budget isn’t as glamorous as it sounds and what’s harder than spending big money
- How Chris navigated the fear of starting his own agency and landed clients on day one
- The unexpected lessons from handling a bankruptcy-bound client weeks after onboarding
- How Aletheia’s internal culture (including an ‘Ambassador of Fun’) shapes its client outcomes
Agency Info
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Company: Aletheia Marketing & Media
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Guest: Chris Schembri
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Year Started: 2018
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Employees: 26-50
I always told clients…carve out just 5% to try something new. That’s where the breakthroughs happen.
Chris Schembri
Key Takeaways
Big Budgets Don’t Equal Big Strategy
Chris spent years managing huge accounts, but he’s quick to admit that working with limited budgets requires more rigor and creativity.
“With $2 billion, you can hit a lot of things with a blunt object. With $5 million, every dollar has to count.”
It’s a reminder that tight constraints often breed the most innovation.
Fear is Part of the Leap, Do It Anyway
Starting Aletheia wasn’t a perfectly mapped business plan, it was a bold decision triggered by a timely opportunity.
“I was scared shitless. But if I didn’t do it then, I knew I’d regret it.” Chris’ candid reflection on fear and risk serves as fuel for anyone sitting on the edge of entrepreneurship.
Culture is a Competitive Advantage
Aletheia has an “Ambassador of Fun” and an “Ambassador of Giving Back.” “It’s easier to deliver great work when your team enjoys coming to work.”
Agencies Need to Reclaim Their Consultative Role
Too many agencies have drifted from being strategic partners to tactical vendors. Chris wants to bring that back.
“I want us to be a mini-Bain or Accenture for marketing. Not just executors, but business problem-solvers.”
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