Leading the Herd: A Conversation with Our New President, Emily Clark
There is a new energy at Buffalo Groupe. If you’ve spent any time around our Charleston halls (or our Google Meet calls), you’ve felt it. Our former CEO Kyle Ragsdale has taken the position to lead as CEO of our parent company, ClubWorks. And Emily Clark is now leading the Herd as President.
Today, our Chief Creative Officer Genna Shelnutt sat down with Emily to discuss her new role, her vision for the “Agency of the Future,” and why standing tall—literally and figuratively—is the key to leadership.
Building the Agency of the Future
Genna: Emily, congratulations on the new role! We’re excited to watch what you do at the helm of the Herd. Looking toward the rest of 2026, what are you most excited about for Buffalo Groupe?
Emily: I’m excited about building for the future. Marketing and technology are evolving at a breakneck pace, and we are positioning ourselves and our partners to thrive in that evolution. We’re currently internalizing what we call the “Agency of the Future.” To us, that means focusing on three key pillars: Leadership, Integration, and Technology. We’re building something truly special together.
The Woman Behind the Title
Genna: Let’s get personal for a second. Who were the women who shaped who you are today?
Emily:
- Personally: My mom. She’s my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. She drove me to swim practice at 4:00 AM for years—she was my safest place to fail and the person who helped me follow my dreams.
- Celebrity: Gabrielle Reese. As a tall young person, seeing this 6’3″ powerhouse volleyball player in the ’90s was everything. She’s a badass athlete, mom, and partner.
- Historically: Growing up, I don’t think we celebrated women enough, but as an English major, I gravitated toward feminist writers like Virginia Woolf and changemakers like Toni Morrison. I’ve always appreciated those who used their voices to challenge the status quo.
Genna: Speaking of writers, if you left for vacation tomorrow, what book would you take with you?
Emily: The Way of Excellence by Brad Stulberg. I love him on IG and am excited for more inspiration on creating meaning and greatness and becoming my best self. Also, Theo of Golden (the book my new book club picked!). I’m always reading a few things at once. And sometimes, I finish one!
Pillars and Passions
Genna: We talk a lot about brand pillars for our clients. What are the personal pillars of Emily Clark?
Emily: I love this question. Honestly, our Buffalo values are pretty close! Can I have more than three? My first is probably Freudenfreude—which I learned from Brene Brown, my favorite thought leader. It’s the joy of celebrating other people’s success. I’m a “hype woman” at heart! I believe championing others and expressing gratitude is the key to feeling real joy. Also consistency. Showing up every day committed to your dreams. And, of course, love for my family.
Genna: Which of the three Buffalo values (Kindness, Clarity, Courage) resonates most with you?
Emily: Clarity. Because being clear is being kind. Words are incredibly powerful; choosing them well and meaning what you say is essential for good leadership.
Genna: When you aren’t leading the Herd, where can we find you?
Emily: Driving my kids to their various sports and activities so they can chase their dreams too!
A Vision for the Future
Genna: Before we let you go, what is the “bucket list” client for you?
Emily: The Olympics. Specifically, anything related to LA28. As a former swimmer, that would be the ultimate full-circle moment. Or Peloton! Because, it’s Peloton.
Genna: Finally, what advice do you have for young women rising through the ranks in 2026?
Emily: Stand up tall. Wear heels. Use your voice.
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