When W+K speaks, we should all listen.

And W+K has spoken, in the form of David Luhr, who told the Worldwide Partners CoLab that independence is “everything” and losing it will impact so many aspects of how an agency does business. I wholeheartedly agree.

Luhr is of the opinion that an industry in flux equals opportunity for the bravest, fittest and fastest. “I hate to be harsh, but someone else's tragedy can be our opportunity. As independent agencies, we can excel during this time of transition,” he said.

So how do we do that? He had a few ideas and I have a few too.

Excel at creativity. In the on-demand world in which we now live where content and brands disappear with a click or thumb swipe, creativity is the only answer.

Grow a culture, not just an agency. A differentiated culture. A creative culture. Full of rituals and traditions that bring the real world in. Open and inclusive to allow a diverse set of personalities and competencies thrive.

Find great partners. Great client partners. Great media partners. Great creative partners. Great business partners. A shared ambition and a transparent commercial model void of any multinational network bias is key.

Implant your brands into popular culture. It's no longer about the size of your budget, it's what you do with it that matters.

Dream big. In an independent you are free from global brand swimlanes, hierarchy and cost ratios that slow you down and squash your dreams.

Stamina. Take the long view. Focus on culture and creativity more than money. Both take plenty of stamina and time to nurture and flourish. And when they do, the money will come.

In the current economic climate, it’s a great time to be an independent agency but is independence “everything”? I’d say it is and Bohemia is proof that you don’t need to compromise and sell out to the big holding companies. There are more attractive alternatives that allow you to retain and grow your unique and differentiated culture while also being able to scale, protect your independence and take money and risk off the table.