25 Lessons Learned Since Founding AgileCat

Pictured above: Top Cat Peter Madden in front of the Manayunk rowhome where he founded AgileCat in 2001.

By: Peter Madden

As 2026 is AgileCat’s Silver Anniversary (the Big 2-5!), I had to sit down and reflect on some of the lessons I’ve learned. I could probably write 1,000 but wanted to keep it ever-Agile as we enter 2026 together. Thanks for reading and cheers to 2026 being your best year in life and in business.

1. When it comes to presenting, let it fly, with no regrets. You never want to wish you did or said something but chose not to.
2. There’s no such thing as doing too much research on a prospective client and individuals you will be meeting with. School and work history, personal interests and hobbies, charitable causes close to them. Study up! It doesn’t mean they will automatically choose you, but you will leave a great impression, regardless.
3. Pro bono work can be more fulfilling than paying clients. It’s great for the soul!
4. Network wisely and carry plenty of business cards.
5. Don’t look around a room for someone ‘more important’ than who you’re speaking with. Look him/her/them in the eye and engage. Everyone is equally important – always.
6. Be ever fascinated with each client’s subject matter. Our very first client had a large office furniture company (Hi CFI and Amanda Chevalier!). It turns out that it wasn’t as much about furniture, but about making people work harder and smarter, leading them to growth and success.
7. If we weren’t selected by a prospect, I always remembered the adage “some will, some won’t, who’s next?!”
8. “No” is the most powerful word in business.
9. Celebrate every win, small and large.
10. Hire slowly, fire quickly. Speaking of hiring, hire people more talented than you and get out of their way!
11. Coming up with creative ideas rarely happens at a desk. Take a walk, grab a bite, people watch, and let the magic come to you.
12. The most creative ideas come out of debate and dialogue. It’s heavy lifting but beautiful work.
13. Thank your people often. Once more with feeling, as this bears repeating: thank your people often!
14. Playing billiards sharpens your mind.
15. Rationale for every creative idea is imperative.
16. Be a partner, not a vendor.
17. Take your job seriously, but remember, it’s a creative business, so have fun with it, too.
18. The Cats don’t “work for me,” we work together.
19. Some of the hardest moments in hindsight were the ones I learned the most from.
20. Keep your sense of humor intact. It’s a lifesaver.
21. Handwritten notes are far more impactful than emails.
22. Be perpetually curious.
23. Always have mentors in your corner who are willing to be candid and genuine with you, even if it hurts to hear hard truths.
24. When things don’t work out, trust the Universe. Some things are just not meant to be.
25. When it comes to ideas, don’t do too much ‘aiming’ and over-perfecting. FIRE AWAY.

And as a final “26th Lesson” (Bonus!), I’ve learned from every company we’ve branded, that there is something much more powerful going on than their actual product, subject matter, or service.