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Bob Sprague

Founder and CEOYes&

Baltimore, MD

Member Since September 2024

Skills

Writing
Text Editing
Speech Writing

About

As Founder and CEO of Yes& Bob brings nearly 40 years of experience in marketing and communications, offering boardroom-level strategy combined with versatile writing and creative skills. His expertise spans branding, market research, internal communications, crisis communications, copywriting, speechwriting, and video production and his industry knowledge is deep in healthcare, financial services, homeland security, and association leadership. He is a results-oriented facilitator of strategy and planning sessions, insightful interviewer, and speaker on communication and stakeholder engagement topics. During his career Bob has served Fortune 500 corporations, leading associations, and multiple federal government agencies while leading the growth of an agency recognized by the Inc. 5000 for five consecutive years and currently ranked as #1 Visual Art and Design firm and #2 Advertising Agency based in the greater Washington, DC area.

Published content

How will tomorrow's employees master the AI revolution in 2025? 

expert panel

10 key factors to nurture and develop a tech-savvy team in the digital workplace. As the world of technology continues to reinvent itself, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a fundamental component for any thriving business in the competitive marketplace. While automated software solutions are lightening employees' daily workloads, most professionals agree on the importance of finding a balance between human touch and technology.  However, oftentimes, there is resistance to change if staff members are uncomfortable or nervous about navigating a new system. To help leaders better equip their teams for what's to come in the future, 10 experts from Fast Company Executive Board weigh in on the essential skills or training every employee should have under their belt to work effectively with AI technology in 2025.

12 ways to show clients and biz partners you care in the new year

expert panel

Taking their insights to heart underscores the value they bring to your business.  In a shifting and competitive marketplace, attracting and retaining loyal clients or partnerships to help your business thrive is not what it used to be. Leaders and their teams must work even harder to gain the time, respect, trust, and financial investment of others if they want their company to grow. With the start of a new year and unforeseen challenges awaiting, now is the time to rethink how best to show up for your biggest supporters—not only when the holidays roll around again, but also throughout the year. To help you put a strategy in place to strengthen your business relationships and brand reputation further, below, 12 experts from Fast Company Executive Board each offer one best practice to express how much you truly appreciate customer loyalty and brand partnerships year after year. Here's how to make your thank yous much more memorable.

20 resources leaders use to stay ahead in their industries

expert panel

Here are the go-to resources of leaders who are rising above their competition. For leaders, staying ahead of the competition in your industry requires more than just hard work. It calls for the right resources that provide timely insights, foster continuous learning, and help you adapt to industry shifts. Are you looking for a new go-to resource? If so, Fast Company Executive Board members share their favorites below. Whether it’s a trusted publication, an analytics tool, or a community network, it can make the difference between keeping pace and setting the pace in today's market.

An agency guy bites the hand that feeds him: A vision for the future of advertising

article

It is hard to find a surface or second of time that is not used for some ad for something (although ad agencies keep trying).

19 steps to craft a compelling brand story that converts audiences

expert panel

It's your delivery that truly counts. Implement these tips if you want prospective customers to take action regarding your brand. Whether you are marketing a product to build on the momentum of your latest campaign, or delivering a well-thought-out pitch to a venture capitalist for additional funding, storytelling is an essential part of the process that will elevate your company's growth potential and credibility in the marketplace. Below, 19 Fast Company Executive Board members each offer their best tip for developing a storyline that will make a strong impact and get people excited about your business enough to take a significant call to action that will reflect on quarterly growth.

Facing a roadblock? Here's how 20 execs overcome obstacles

expert panel

When the going gets tough, these leading experts have had the tenacity to keep it moving through each struggle. Taking on a leadership role in the workplace may seem like a daunting task if you don't have the right mindset. You'll need to address just as many challenges as the wins you celebrate—so it's not a position designed for the faint of heart. If you're feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or underappreciated, it's essential to prioritize what matters most, take a step back, and consider the bigger picture. There is usually a silver lining in most situations. Whether you decide to stay in the game for the long haul and find the best solution, or you're ready to take a risk and consider your next career move, the experts from Fast Company Executive Board describe how they've maintained their own positivity during a difficult time in their career. Below are 20 best practices to help other professionals do the same.

Company details

Yes&

Company bio

We can all admit it, agency names are often based on nothing. Ours isn’t. Familiar with improv? It’s an effective platform designed to build ideas brick by brick and turn them into reality. It’s a collaborative process driven by an open mind, uncovering all possibilities. Welcome to Yes&, a premiere, mid-sized creative and marketing agency based in the mid-atlantic. Our ‘Yes’ is how we embrace your challenges with positivity. Then our ‘&’ is how we discover more possibilities to realize your full potential. We're always in pursuit of the & and what going above and beyond for our clients means to the possibilities and outcomes, the quality of the work, and the trust that you place in us. We have one central belief that building positive partnerships can lead to remarkable success. We deliver more for commercial, B2B, non-profit organizations, and government clients. Our integrated services include research, brand, marketing, advertising, digital and campaign strategy, creative thinking and design, event management and public relations, helping clients deliver more meaningful ideas, more expertise, and more results.

Industry

Marketing & advertising

Area of focus

Event Production
Digital Marketing
Web Development

Company size

51 - 200