Finally, an Agency Growth Engine Built by Someone Who’s Been There.
AGENCY-CMO is the marketing partner built for agency founders, presidents, and rainmakers. We don’t replace your team—we help amplify it. Designed by agency veterans, our model blends smart strategy, targeted outreach, and built-in lead generation to help you grow intentionally, not reactively.
Why AGENCY-CMO
Because even the best agencies can’t do it all.
You’re busy serving clients—and that makes it hard to consistently prioritize your own story. That’s where we come in. Every marketing activity—whether thought leadership, events, or social—is crafted to engage your clients and prospects in meaningful ways. We build visibility, spark conversations, and drive pipeline—without draining your team.
About Us
Built by Ascendancy Events. Powered by Experience.
AGENCY-CMO is an offering from Ascendancy Events, a boutique consultancy led by longtime strategist and event expert Stephanie Agresta. With deep experience across agencies, media, tech, healthcare, and CPG, Stephanie helps companies show up in the right rooms with the right story—and drive meaningful results. She taps a trusted network to build tailored teams that blend senior insight with agile support, scaled to your needs.
Stephanie Agresta
Stephanie Agresta is the Founder of Ascendancy Events, a consultancy specializing in thought leadership, events, and reputation marketing. A pioneer in social media communications and former senior agency executive, she also offers fractional and agency CMO services that connect strategy to execution through a trusted industry network. Stephanie has been recognized by PRWeek, Business Insider, and co-authored Perspectives on Social Media Marketing.
Our core principles guide every engagement:
Built for Impact:
We prioritize reputation, real-world traction, and lead generation—not vanity metrics.
Led by Experts:
You’ll work with a senior team senior team with deep experience across PR, brand, and executive visibility.
AI-Enabled, Human-Led:
Smart AI tools speed us up—without replacing creativity or relationships.
Relationship-Powered:
We accelerate access to top media and event sponsorships, often at preferred rates.
Our Extended Team of Experts
We collaborate with a trusted bench of senior experts and hands-on specialists—custom-assembled for each client to deliver impact without excess.
Aaron Strout
Aaron Strout is a veteran marketer, author, and podcast host with deep expertise in digital strategy and brand storytelling. Former CMO at Real Chemistry, he’s the author of Location-Based Marketing for Dummies and host of the Reaching Higher Podcast. Aaron also advises mission-driven nonprofits and helps brands stand out with purpose-driven marketing.
Jory Des Jardins
Jory Des Jardins is a GTM strategist and fractional executive with 25+ years of experience building digital media companies and communities. A co-founder of BlogHer and former executive at She Media and ConsenSys, she helps startups scale through brand and go-to-market strategy. Jory is a LinkedIn Top Voice and creator of Pause, This Woman’s Work, and Optionality.
Laura Mignott
Laura Mignott is a brand strategist, cultural connector, and CEO of You Are Home (YAH), where she helps global brands grow through inclusive storytelling. Former Chief Experiential Officer at VMLY&R Commerce and founder of DFlash, she also hosts the award-winning Reset Podcast. Laura is a sought-after speaker and trusted advisor to brands that are leading with purpose.
Powered by Ascendancy Events — a boutique marketing consultancy helping brands and agencies grow through executive visibility, thought leadership, and strategic events.