Keep Delegation Simple with Sandra Torre

March 12, 2025

How Lavidge Fuels Team Culture, Purpose, and Productivity

A conversation with Sandra Torre, Co-President & CFO of LAVIDGE
🎙 As featured on the Team Engagement Podcast by Blue Sky Business Consulting

In this episode of the Team Engagement Podcast, Sandra Torre, Co-President and CFO of LAVIDGE, joins host Sean Richards for a lively, insightful discussion on how her agency cultivates a thriving workplace culture built on creativity, trust, and shared values.

Based in Phoenix, LAVIDGE is a full-service advertising and marketing agency that’s been serving the region for over 40 years—and Sandra has played a major role in its evolution for more than two decades.

Energizing the Team: 4 Strategies That Spark Motivation

When asked how leaders can reignite energy in a team, Sandra offers four dynamic strategies that work well for her creative agency:

  1. A Fun Committee with a Mission – Organizes quarterly team-building events to connect employees who may not interact day-to-day.

  2. The IMPACT Volunteer Program – A structured initiative that allows employees to engage in meaningful community work, helping them reset and gain perspective.

  3. LAVIDGE Loves – A public shout-out in staff meetings, where employees recognize each other’s contributions and link them to company values.

  4. Celebrating Client Wins – A dedicated Teams channel allows staff to share and celebrate positive client feedback in real time.

“When people feel appreciated and connected, they stay energized,” Sandra explains. “These programs help us do that.”

Promoting Learning: Professional Development, Coaching & Behavioral Tools

Learning at LAVIDGE goes beyond skills—it’s about personal growth, too. Here’s how they make it happen:

  • Professional Development Policy – The company pays industry dues and 50% of the cost for employee-chosen classes, training, and webinars.

  • Internal Executive Coach – A former COO provides personalized coaching to employees in 6- or 12-week programs, focusing on individual growth within the company.

  • Predictive Index Assessments – Employees learn about behavioral styles and work preferences to improve collaboration and reduce friction.

“It’s not random,” Sandra says. “We’re intentional. And we invest in both professional and interpersonal learning.”

Delegation: Empowerment Through Trust

Sandra keeps her approach to delegation refreshingly simple:

“Set the expectation. Provide the resources. Trust your team.”

For her, delegation isn’t about offloading work—it’s about giving people the confidence and space to grow. “Trust is a huge part of our culture,” she adds.

Communicating Vision & Purpose: Brand, Values, and Alignment

At LAVIDGE, values aren’t just words—they’re integrated into everything. Sandra explains how her team maintains alignment:

  • Monthly Staff Meetings – The company’s eight core values are displayed and referenced often.

  • LAVIDGE Loves – Employees connect their recognition to one of the company’s stated values.

  • Committees With Missions – Every internal group, including the Employee Engagement Committee, has a mission statement to stay focused and purposeful.

  • New Rebrand: Strategically Loud. Authentically Human. – A brand refresh and video campaign showcases their bold ideas and people-first culture.

“We don’t have kings and peasants,” Sandra notes. “Everyone walks the same path. That consistency builds a strong culture.”

First Job Fun: From CFO… to Wendy the Mascot?

In a delightful final story, Sandra shares that her first job was dressing up as Wendy (yes, freckles and all) for the Wendy’s fast food chain, welcoming guests and handing out balloons.

“It was a great way to push myself out of my shell,” she laughs. “I was incredibly shy, and this forced me to talk to strangers.”

Final Takeaways

Sandra’s leadership philosophy is grounded in intentional culture-building, trust-based empowerment, and values-driven recognition. From employee coaching to community volunteering, her team has created an environment where people are not only productive—but fulfilled.

You can connect with Sandra on LinkedIn or learn more about her agency at lavidge.com.

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