Why Hiring Without Systems Multiplies the Chaos with Chris Seminatore | Ep #894
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In this episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass, Jason Swenk welcomes Chris Seminatore, founder of Get Geofencing, to discuss the chaos of hiring without systems and the transformative power of operational structure. Chris shares his journey from managing a 22-person agency in Beverly Hills—where he was overwhelmed by constant fires and poor management—to stepping back and building a leaner, contractor-based model that prioritizes quality and vision. He reflects on how the military’s structured approach, particularly the Navy’s emphasis on clear objectives and decentralized decision-making within a framework, inspired his shift toward systematization. Chris also dives into the future of digital advertising, highlighting the explosive growth of connected television (CTV) and how AI is revolutionizing creative workflows—from scriptwriting to video editing—cutting hours of work down to minutes. The conversation underscores the importance of hiring with systems in place, failing fast, and aligning passion with purpose. A standout moment comes when Chris reveals how AI now handles ideation, competitive research, and content creation, freeing him to focus on strategy and vision. Key takeaways include: (1) Hiring before systems are in place leads to chaos and burnout; (2) Clear objectives and structured frameworks (like those in the Navy) enable teams to self-manage; (3) AI is no longer a tool but a co-creator in content and strategy; (4) The future of advertising lies in CTV’s hyper-targeted, data-driven model; and (5) Success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter with systems and delegation. Chris’s story serves as a powerful reminder that sustainable growth requires shifting from operator to architect, and that passion must be paired with process.
Hiring without systems leads to chaos and burnout—systems must precede hiring.
Clear objectives and structured frameworks allow teams to self-manage and reduce managerial burden.
AI is now a co-creator in content, handling ideation, scripting, editing, and research in minutes.
Connected TV (CTV) is surpassing broadcast TV in ad spend due to superior targeting and ROI.
The most sustainable growth comes from building systems, not just scaling headcount.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction & Sponsor: Wix Studio
Jason Swenk introduces the episode and welcomes listeners to the Smart Agency Masterclass, sponsored by Wix Studio, which enables AI-powered site design and client-scale growth.
Chris’s Agency Origin Story: The 22-Employee Burnout
“It's like putting out 22 fires a day. Absolutely. Management isn't my strong point. It really isn't.”
The Problem: Hiring Before Systems
“I didn't even tell people where we were actually going. So they couldn't make any course correction.”
Navy Lessons: Structure & Objective-Driven Teams
“Make the objective very clear... then ask the people, how would you achieve this objective? And then follow what they said.”
The New Model: Contractor-Based, Lean & Vision-Driven
Chris explains his current model—focused on contractors and creative control—allowing him to maintain quality while avoiding the management burden of employees.
“What used to take us 20 hours a week is taking us five minutes.”
“If you're going to fail, fail fast. Don't drag it out.”
“It's like putting out 22 fires a day. Absolutely. Management isn't my strong point. It really isn't.”
Host
Guest
Chris Seminatore
person
Jason Swenk
person
AI
other
Get Geofencing
organization
Connected Television
other
Navy
organization
Wix Studio
organization
Herringbone Digital
organization
Claude
other
Grok
other
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