Introduction
The Media Image (TMI) has solidified its position as a global leader in people-centric operational excellence and strategic performance, securing three major accolades at the 2025 US Agency Awards. These wins, including a prestigious Silver for Best Large Agency of the Year, underscore our commitment to fostering world-class talent and industry-leading workplace flexibility.
Awards Won:
- Best Flexible Working Policy
- Emerging Talent Award – Shelby Philbrook Mayse
- Best Large Agency of the Year (26+ employees) – Silver
About the Award
The US Agency Awards celebrate the country’s most exceptional marketing, media, and technology firms. The program recognizes agencies that demonstrate outstanding business growth, innovative internal cultures, and the consistent delivery of high-impact results for global client portfolios.
"Flexible working: The Media Image sets a standout example of flexible working. Their remote-first approach is carefully tailored to local needs, from UPS support in load-shedding regions to international team bonding. This demonstrated a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, productivity and retention whilst delivering measurable impacts across their global team."
"Emerging Talent: Shelby is an exceptional emerging leader whose strategic people-first approach drives brand growth and measurable results. Her work across global beauty accounts with innovative media planning, zero team turnover and use of cutting-edge tools make her a truly award-worthy emerging talent."
"Best Large Agency: The Media portrayed remarkable commercial success and genuine social impact. Their global growth, diverse client portfolio and impressive results reflect true leadership. The Paid Media Graduate Programme in South Africa highlights inclusive excellence whilst their innovation and quality work make them an agency with scale and soul."
Why We Won — Results at a Glance
- Independent Agency Growth: Achieved a substantive 10-year revenue CAGR of 33.5%, leading to a ranking of 125th on the Financial Times Europe’s Long-Term Growth Champions list.
- Strategic Leadership: Senior Account Director Shelby Philbrook Mayse drove a 60% YoY increase in international PPC investment for flagship beauty brands.
- Operational Excellence: Managed over £220 million in global media spend while maintaining a 0% turnover rate across key strategic teams.
- Flexible Working Success: 95% of employees reported that TMI’s remote-first policy significantly influenced their decision to remain with the agency.
- Talent Development: Launched a purpose-led Paid Media Graduate Program, achieving an 85% diversity rate and creating a high-retention talent pipeline.
Leadership Perspective
"These honors are a powerful validation of our belief that independence, when paired with disciplined execution, will always outperform the rigid structures of the global networks. Our success this year proves that when you give senior specialists the freedom to operate across borders and time zones, search stops being just a channel and becomes a fully integrated growth engine for our clients"
