AdTechGod Pod

By AdTechGod, The AdTech GodBusiness Entrepreneurship Marketing Careers

AdTechGod Pod episodes

April 17Rethinking Your Brand Growth Framework to Maximize Influence
Joanna O'Connell, Chief Intelligence Officer, Omnicom Media Group, breaks down the new brand growth framework, why emotional connection matters more than ever, and how marketers must adapt to Gen AI, shifting trust, and ad avoidance.

Takeaways
Consumers are influenced by more sources than ever

Information asymmetry is gone

Trust is shifting from institutions to people and AI

Attention is fragmented and declining

Gen AI is now an influencer and gatekeeper

Ad avoidance is a major barrier

Economic pressure is reshaping buying behavior

Traditional brand frameworks are no longer enough

Emotional connection is now critical

Brands must market to both people and machines

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the AdTechGod Pod and Joanna O’Connell
00:23 Why this conversation matters in today’s media landscape
02:05 How consumer influence has evolved
03:18 The explosion of information
03:49 The death of information asymmetry
04:26 The new trust economy
04:59 Fragmented attention and digital overload
05:28 Gen AI as a new influencer
06:14 The reality of ad avoidance
06:25 Economic pressures shaping consumer behavior
08:05 What a brand means today
09:10 The growing disconnect between brands and consumers
10:33 Brand versus performance marketing tension
11:44 Rethinking the brand growth framework
11:58 The evolution of physical availability
13:06 The challenge of mental availability
14:10 Introducing emotional availability
15:53 Building real consumer connection
17:37 The new three-pillar brand model
18:11 Practical strategies for modern brands
19:56 Marketing to people and machines
20:09 Where brands should show up today
21:53 The rise of AI-driven discovery
22:24 Final framework and closing thoughts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
25 min
April 15Bonus episode From Impressions to Attention: Inside Viant’s TVision Deal
Learn how Viant’s acquisition of TVision is intended to reshape advertising measurement, with a focus on bringing attention metrics and deeper insights into media buying.
As brands continue searching for more effective ways to evaluate campaign performance, this move reflects an effort to shift toward measuring real viewer engagement. In this interview, we explore what the acquisition is designed to achieve and what it could mean for the future of advertising measurement.
Featuring Tim Vanderhook, CEO of Viant, and Yan Liu, CEO and Co-founder of TVision, this episode examines developments in TV measurement, the role of attention metrics, and how these approaches may influence evolving advertising strategies.

Takeaways
Viant has acquired TVision, a leader in attention measurement technology that tracks real human viewing behavior across linear TV and streaming platforms.

TVision measures true attention, moving beyond traditional metrics like impressions, GRPs, and ratings to determine who is actually watching ads and content.

The company captures three critical signals: presence in the room, co-viewing behavior, and screen attention.

Research shows that 20-30% of TV ads are delivered to empty rooms, highlighting the need for more accurate measurement.

Viant's acquisition strengthens its vision of understanding who saw the ad, what content they watched, and whether they paid attention.

TVision currently operates a nationally representative, opt-in panel of approximately 5,000 households and 14,000 individuals across the U.S.

Privacy remains a core focus, with image processing occurring locally on devices rather than in the cloud.

Viant is launching attention-adjusted CPMs, allowing advertisers to optimize bids based on audience attention quality.

Integration with Viant's Iris technology creates a bridge between TVision's attention data and real-time DSP activation.

Future enhancements will enable closed-loop optimization, connecting creative performance and attention signals directly to media buying decisions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Viant's Acquisition of TVision
01:34 Understanding TVision's Unique Approach
05:11 Viant's Strategy and Market Positioning
10:21 The Importance of Independent Measurement
13:22 Panel-Based Data Collection and Its Implications
14:47 Attention-Adjusted CPMs and Pricing Models
17:12 Integration Timeline and Future Developments
19:06 Excitement for the Future with Viant

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
23 min
April 14Ep. 129 From Operator to Industry Voice, Why Automation Still Needs a Human with Eric Tilbury
In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, Eric Tilbury, Senior Director of Ad Operations and Product Solutions at Inuvo, Inc, shares his extensive experience in the ad tech industry. He discusses the importance of operational knowledge, the impact of AI on ad operations, and how building a personal brand can enhance professional growth. Eric emphasizes the need for human oversight in automated systems and the significance of transparency in advertising. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of ad tech and the role of social media in shaping industry narratives.

Takeaways
Eric Tilbury has been with Inuvo, Inc for over 13 years, showcasing loyalty and belief in the product.

Operational knowledge is crucial for understanding what works in ad tech.

Building a personal brand can significantly enhance professional opportunities.

AI will streamline ad operations but requires human oversight for effective results.

The ad tech industry needs to focus on educating buyers to improve decision-making.

Quality in advertising is subjective and varies between buyers.

Social media can be a powerful tool for lead generation and professional growth.

Transparency in ad operations is essential to maintain trust in the industry.

Automation in ad tech should not replace the need for human insight and judgment.

Engaging in respectful dialogue on social media can foster positive relationships and knowledge sharing.

Chapter
00:00 Introduction to Eric Tilbury and his 13-plus-year journey at Inuvo, Inc
02:30 The advantage of being in the weeds in ad operations
04:00 Why operational knowledge beats high-level strategy alone
07:50 From unknown to industry voice: Eric’s social media journey
09:30 The e-bike experiment that sparked his content strategy
12:00 The 3 pillars of social media success: likability, knowledge, and controversy
15:00 Why respectful disagreement builds stronger authority
16:40 Fixing ad tech starts with smarter buyers
17:20 AI in ad ops hype vs reality
18:00 Why automation still needs human expertise
20:30 Black boxes, transparency, and trust in programmatic
22:00 Why AI should not fully control ad budgets
23:30 Predictions for automation in 2026
27:00 Programmatic pitfalls, ID fraud, and blind buying
33:30 Final thoughts and industry impact

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
35 min
April 10How Betches Built a Media Brand Through Humor and Cultural Insight
At Marketecture Live III, Aleen Dreksler, Co-founder and CEO of Betches Media, discusses how a college blog evolved into a large-scale entertainment brand. She shares insights on understanding audience behavior, adapting across platforms, and using humor and relatability to connect with women. The conversation also touches on Betches Sports, brand collaborations, and the company’s direction moving forward.

Takeaways
Betches focused on understanding real experiences rather than targeting demographics

Humor plays a key role in audience engagement and brand connection

A consistent voice helps build long-term loyalty

Growth came from adapting to platforms where audiences already spend time

Relatable content helps audiences feel understood

Cultural relevance is more effective than traditional advertising approaches

There is an underserved space in how women engage with sports content

The company operates across both media and creative work with brands

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the episode and Betches Media
01:37 Origins of Betches as an anonymous college blog
03:02 Early gap in women’s content and tone of voice
05:14 Growth into a larger media brand
05:42 Expanding across platforms
07:20 Focusing on psychographics over demographics
08:15 Maintaining a consistent brand voice
09:09 Reaching different generations
10:44 Launching Betches Sports
12:33 Working with brands
14:04 Evolution of the business model
14:33 The role of humor in marketing
16:15 Future direction of Betches
17:32 Reflections and advice

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
21 min
April 07Ep. 128 The Long Game: Amanda DeVito of Butler/Till on Growth, Grit, and Modern Agency Survival
Amanda DeVito, Chief Marketing Officer at Butler/Till, shares her journey from strategy leader to executive and what it really takes to grow within a single company over 15 years. She breaks down the power of culture, access over “empowerment,” and why modern agencies must embrace collaboration, AI, and adaptability to stay relevant.

From building internal evangelists to navigating the future of marketing, Amanda offers a candid look at leadership, brand building, and what agencies must do to win in an increasingly complex landscape.

Takeaways
Culture and continuous challenge are key to long-term career growth

Access, not just empowerment, drives real diversity and impact

Strong agencies create internal evangelists, not just employees

Collaboration across media, creative, and data is now essential

AI will amplify both strong and weak strategies

Brand building still matters even in a performance-driven world

Relevance comes from understanding audiences deeply

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Amanda DeVito and Butler/Till
01:30 Amanda’s journey into marketing and leadership
04:00 Why culture keeps people long-term
06:00 Diversity, access, and leadership dynamics
08:40 Building internal evangelists at scale
11:40 The shift toward media as a strategic center
14:00 Why collaboration is the modern agency model
16:00 The evolution of storytelling through data
18:00 Short-term vs long-term brand building
19:30 What’s coming in the next 12–18 months (AI & agentic)
22:30 How fast the industry is changing
24:30 Strategy vs tools in modern marketing
26:00 Influencers, relevance, and consumer behavior
28:50 The power of community and virality

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
32 min
April 03How Agencies Are Adapting to the AI Meteorite
At Marketecture Live in NYC, Bob Lord (President, Horizon Media) and Obele Brown-West (President, Colle McVoy), with Mike Shields (Founder, Next in Media) break down innovation cycles, legacy tech challenges, and why human creativity still matters in an AI-driven world.

Takeaways:
AI is creating massive confusion, but also an opportunity

Legacy systems are the biggest barrier to progress

The future is platform-based, not siloed

AI won’t replace creativity, but will scale execution

Upskilling talent is more important than replacing it

Legal and transparency concerns are rising fast

Agency business models must evolve

Creative and media are converging again

Chapters :
00:00 Introduction to Marketecture Live
01:23 The “AI Armageddon” Debate Begins
01:54 What Clients Are Really Saying About AI
02:53 Why Brands and Agencies Aren’t Ready Yet
03:28 The Need for New Marketing Operating Systems
04:40 Can AI Replace Agencies?
06:00 Legacy Tech Is Slowing Everything Down
07:30 Open Ecosystems vs. Fragmentation
08:28 Do New Agencies Have the Advantage?
10:06 AI, Jobs, and the Need for Upskilling
12:11 Rethinking Agency Pricing Models
14:04 Connecting Marketing to Business Outcomes
15:16 The Limits of AI in Creativity
17:07 AI Legal Risks and Client Concerns
19:19 Responsible AI Use in Agencies
20:46 The Future: AI as a Growth Engine
21:03 The Reunification of Creative and Media
22:05 Closing Thoughts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
24 min
March 31Ep. 127 Katie Daleo, GM of CPG Ads at DoorDash, on Retail Media Innovation and Dish-Level Targeting
Katie Daleo, GM of the CPG ads business at DoorDash, joins the AdTechGod Pod to discuss how retail media is evolving and how DoorDash is helping CPG brands reach consumers in new ways. She shares her journey from Right Media and Unilever to building retail media capabilities at Jet and DoorDash, along with insights into data, targeting, and the future of advertising.

Katie explains how DoorDash uses closed-loop measurement, dish-level targeting, and off-site audience activation to help brands drive performance. She also discusses the growing complexity of retail media networks, why simplification matters for advertisers, and how AI and data will shape the next phase of the ad tech ecosystem.

Takeaways
Katie Daleo’s career spans early ad tech, CPG brand management, and retail media leadership.

DoorDash connects CPG brands with consumers using its marketplace and retail media platform.

Dish-level targeting lets brands reach users based on the meals and cuisines they order.

Closed-loop measurement allows advertisers to track campaigns directly to purchases on DoorDash.

Retail media networks must balance simplification with tailored solutions for different brands.

AI and data analysis are becoming key tools for faster consumer discovery and decision making.

Strong leadership comes from curiosity, intentional career moves, and understanding personal strengths and gaps.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Katie Daleo and the DoorDash CPG ads business
01:00 Katie’s path from Right Media to Unilever and into retail media
04:00 How DoorDash’s retail media platform works for CPG brands
05:18 Dish-level targeting and how brands reach food-affinity audiences
07:25 The role of data science and insights teams in advertising strategy
08:22 Trends shaping retail media and advertising over the next year
10:20 Closed-loop measurement and full-funnel advertising on DoorDash
12:15 AI, consumer discovery, and the future of search and advertising
14:08 Using DoorDash data for off-site advertising campaigns
15:37 Building partnerships and scaling DoorDash retail media
18:16 Leadership lessons and building a successful career in ad tech

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
21 min
March 27Power Players: How Female Athletes Are Redefining Business and Brand Value
Recorded live at the Marketecture Live Conference in New York City, this episode brings together Cosette Chaput, CEO & Co-Founder, Always Alpha; Allyson Felix, Co-Founder, Always Alpha; Wes Felix, Co-Founder, Always Alpha; and Zoe Ruderman, Chief Content Officer, ADWEEK, to unpack how female athletes are reshaping brand strategy, storytelling, and ROI.

From breaking outdated sports marketing models to building authentic athlete-driven campaigns, this conversation dives into why brands need to rethink their approach now, before the window closes ahead of LA28.

Takeaways
Women’s sports is a high-growth business, not a trend, delivering strong and compounding ROI.

Traditional sports marketing models were built for men and do not translate effectively to female audiences.

Brands miss the mark by targeting male audiences instead of engaging female consumers authentically.

Female athletes outperform influencers in engagement and trust despite having smaller followings.

The biggest opportunity lies in storytelling. Female athletes bring relatable, real-life narratives that drive deeper connection.

Waiting until major events like the Olympics is too late. Effective campaigns require long-term buildup.

Investment in women’s sports is currently top-heavy, creating sustainability risks if the broader ecosystem is not developed.

Brands that win collaborate with athletes as partners, not just endorsers.

Categories like beauty are leading the way, while sectors like finance and automotive still lag behind.

The window of opportunity is open but closing fast as competition and valuations rise.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the session and why women’s sports matter now
00:56 The origin story of Always Alpha
02:43 The problem with one-size-fits-all athlete representation
03:18 Why women’s sports is still misunderstood as a trend
04:40 Why traditional sports marketing does not work for women
05:32 Looking ahead to LA28 and the future of brand investment
06:19 The risk of a women’s sports bubble
08:15 What brands should be doing differently by LA28
09:08 The power of 360 storytelling in women’s sports
10:15 Authenticity and relatability as marketing advantages
11:23 What brands are getting wrong today
12:39 Why storytelling beats templated campaigns
14:05 Female athletes vs influencers, engagement and impact
15:19 ROI in women’s sports and brand trust
16:07 The education gap with brands entering sports
16:59 Why brands need to act now
17:26 Categories leading the way (beauty, retail)
18:17 Opportunities in underrepresented industries
19:00 How Always Alpha defines success today
20:17 What is driving optimism for the future
23:05 Closing remarks

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
25 min
March 24Ep. 126 Lauren Douglass on Building Brands That Feel Authentic in 2026
Lauren Douglass, founder of Reverve, joins AdTechGod to unpack what modern B2B marketing actually needs to look like now. From her journey through Citibank, Teads, and Channel Factory to building a consultancy that stitches PR, social, and content into one strategy, Lauren shares why authenticity and point of view beat polished jargon every time. They dive into the real grind of content creation, how personal brands will drive B2B growth into 2026, and where AI helps without replacing the human connection that makes marketing work.

Takeaways
Lauren Douglass has a rich marketing background, having worked with major companies like Citibank and Channel Factory.

Reverve was founded to simplify and enhance B2B marketing strategies, focusing on integration across channels.

Content creation is more challenging than many realize, requiring organization and planning.

The future of marketing will heavily rely on personal branding and authentic storytelling.

Brands that embrace personality and authenticity will stand out in the competitive landscape.

AI will play a significant role in content creation, but human connection remains vital.

Consistency in content creation is key, even when results are not immediately visible.

Embarrassment and vulnerability are part of the journey in building a personal brand.

Companies should encourage their employees to share their unique stories and perspectives.

The marketing landscape is shifting towards more human-centric approaches, moving away from corporate jargon.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Lauren Douglass and Her Journey
02:58 The Evolution of Marketing in B2B
05:38 Content Creation Challenges and Predictions for 2026
08:22 Finding Balance in Content Quality and Frequency
11:17 The Importance of Personal Branding
13:57 Navigating the Future of Advertising
16:46 Embracing Authenticity in Marketing
19:39 The Core of Effective Marketing
22:27 AI's Impact on Content Creation
24:03 The Passion Behind Marketing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28 min
March 17Ep.125 Inside the Modern Agency: Publicis Groupe’s Linsey Loy on Measurement, Trust & What CMOs Need
Linsey Loy, Head of Strategic Development and Executive Engagement at Publicis Groupe, shares her path from broadcast journalism to agency leadership, how pitch processes are changing, why unified measurement is now essential for CMOs to align marketing with real business outcomes, and how trust, data, and identity strategies shape stronger performance while resilient, people first leadership helps teams grow and thrive.

Takeaways
The advertising industry is volatile with frequent mergers and acquisitions.

Lindsey’s career path has been non-linear, emphasizing the importance of adaptability.

Client expectations have evolved, requiring agencies to be more agile and responsive.

Unified measurement strategies are crucial for understanding business growth.

Data privacy compliance is non-negotiable for agencies in the data business.

Building trust with clients is essential for long-term relationships.

Empowering younger generations in the industry is a priority for Lindsey.

Success is defined by personal fulfillment, not just titles or money.

Humanity and communication skills are vital in leadership roles.

Creating a supportive work environment fosters better team dynamics.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Lindsey Loy and the AdTech Landscape
02:26 Lindsey’s Career Journey and Industry Insights
05:35 Evolving Client Expectations and Agency Roles
08:43 The Importance of Unified Measurement Strategies
12:07 Data Privacy and Compliance in Advertising
14:38 Building Trust and Value in Client Relationships
18:33 Career Progression and Empowering Future Generations
22:33 The Role of Humanity in Leadership and Team Dynamics

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
33 min

About AdTechGod Pod

From the publisher's feed

A Podcast For The People About The People. The AdTechGod ® Pod celebrates the Minds Behind Adtech and offers an engaging platform where listeners can discover the stories and insights of the individuals driving the advertising technology industry. This podcast shines a spotlight on the creative and innovative minds that make adtech great, providing a unique perspective on the people behind the technology that shapes our digital advertising experiences. All guests appearing on the adtech god podcast are invited participants; they do not provide compensation to AdTechGod for their appearance. The podcast's funding is provided through preroll and midroll advertisements, which are sponsored by various companies. If you are interested in being a guest or advertising on the AdTechGod Pod (The Adtech God Podcast) please visit https://www.adtechgod.com/adtechgod-pod.