Derek Walker

Written By Phillip Oakley

Co-Founder, brown and browner

Episode #9 · October 27, 2026

Be the Coach, Not the Cheerleader

Derek Walker opened an ad agency in the middle of the 2008 crash, got banished from a Fortune 500 client for telling the truth, and still thinks the best thing an agency can do for a client is let them know when there’s a hole in the boat.

Pull up a chair for this episode. Just don’t throw it.

Worth a look

Some of the goodies mentioned, just one click away.

Find Derek

Derek on LinkedIn 

CRASH & BURN 10 Easy Ways to Ruin Your Career in Marketing and Advertising 

Derek on Twitter (X) 

Books & References Mentioned in the Episode

Small Giants, Bo Burlingham 

Doom at Your Service (Netflix) 

M*A*S*H 

"You're All I Need to Get By," Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell 

“I Wish You Well,” Bill Withers 

History of the World, Part I, Mel Brooks 

The Korean Mama

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

Bill Withers

2 Ways to Listen, Wherever You Already Hit Play

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The Brand Builder

From retail at Toys R Us and seven years as a Pizza Hut “fixer” to a CEO who walked out on a bully client, then on to Milwaukee winters, Dallas skyscrapers, and his own shop in Columbia, Derek’s path is full of people who told him the truth, so he chooses to do the same. This one’s the full story. Chair-throwing not included.

Apple Podcast Player - Coming Soon

The PO Notes

“The Gunfighter Effect,” why bad work isn’t cheaper, the Tom Joyner pitch American Airlines passed on, and why your copywriter should ride shotgun. And then drive. If you’ve only got fifteen minutes, start here.

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Show Transcript

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Derek Walker
Derek Walker

Co-Founder, brown and browner

Be the Coach, Not the Cheerleader
Derek Walker opened an ad agency in the middle of the 2008 crash, got banished from a Fortune 500 client for telling the truth, and still thinks the best thing an agency can do for a client is let them know when there’s a hole in the boat.

Pull up a chair for this episode. Just don’t throw it.

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