AdTech God speaks with Kathy Argyriou, Head of Publisher Sales at Freewheel. Kathy shares her journey in the advertising industry, emphasizing the importance of networking and mentorship. She discusses the unique challenges women face in the industry, particularly regarding work-life balance. The conversation shifts to the rise of Connected Television (CTV) and its impact on advertising, as well as the role of AI in transforming the advertising landscape. Kathy concludes by reflecting on changing consumer habits and the evolution of content consumption.

Takeaways

Networking is key to success in any industry.

Women often face unique challenges in balancing work and family.

The advertising landscape is rapidly evolving with CTV.

AI is transforming how advertising campaigns are executed.

Building relationships is a long-term investment.

Mentorship can significantly impact career growth.

Work-life balance is often a myth, especially for women.

Consumer behavior is changing with new technology.

Binge-watching has changed how we consume content.

The future of advertising will be driven by programmatic transactions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kathy Argyriou and Her Journey

05:51 The Importance of Networking and Mentorship

11:19 Challenges Faced by Women in the Industry

17:41 The Rise of Connected Television (CTV)

22:54 The Future of Advertising and AI's Role

25:24 Changing Consumer Habits and Content Consumption

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Kelly McMahon, SVP and Head of Global Operations at LG Ad Solutions, shares her journey through the streaming Tb industry, discussing her career beginnings, the evolution of connected TV (CTV), and the impact of AI on advertising. She emphasizes the importance of embracing change, understanding consumer behavior, and building relationships in the industry. Kelly also reflects on the challenges and opportunities in this rapidly changing industry, highlighting the need for effective measurement and insights.

Takeaways

Kelly started her career in marketing for a multifamily housing company.

She transitioned to ad tech to embrace the changing media landscape.

SpotX was pivotal in her career, focusing on operations and customer success.

Understanding both supply and demand sides of ad tech is crucial.

Education on CTV buying has improved among media buyers.

Measurement and insights are essential for proving ad effectiveness.

AI is focused on enhancing consumer experience and content recommendations.

Building relationships in ad tech is vital for collaboration.

Change is challenging but necessary for growth in the industry.

Kelly would consider being a travel agent if not in ad tech.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Ad Tech Landscape

01:43 Kelly's Career Journey in Ad Tech

07:03 SpotX and the Evolution of CTV

10:37 Navigating the Changing Landscape of TV Advertising

12:44 Understanding CTV as a Performance Channel

14:26 The Role of AI in Streaming and Advertising

21:35 The Importance of Relationships in Ad Tech

25:37 Personal Insights and Future Aspirations

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In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, Rob Wilk, Yahoo's Chief Revenue Officer, shares his career journey in advertising, highlighting his experiences at notable companies like Overture and Microsoft. He discusses the cultural shift at Yahoo, the integration of AI in advertising, and the importance of personal connections in the industry. Rob emphasizes the joy of working in advertising and the significance of brand loyalty, particularly towards Yahoo and Microsoft.

Takeaways

Rob Wilk has a 30-year career in advertising.

He was the first salesperson at Rollingstone.com.

Yahoo is experiencing a cultural revival with many former employees returning.

AI is integrated into all Yahoo products, enhancing advertising outcomes.

The advertising industry is fun and attracts passionate people.

Rob values personal connections and relationships in his career.

Helping others brings Rob personal satisfaction.

AI should be seen as a tool to enhance work, not a threat.

The culture at Yahoo emphasizes collaboration and positivity.

Rob respects the leadership and culture at Microsoft. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rob Wilk and Yahoo's Revival

01:20 Rob Wilk's Career Journey in Advertising

06:12 The Evolution of Digital Advertising and Overture

11:59 Yahoo's Cultural Shift and Team Dynamics

16:23 AI's Impact on Advertising and Sales

22:00 The Joy of the Advertising Industry and Personal Connections

29:39 Brand Loyalty and Reflections on Microsoft

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AdTechGod interviews Vitaly Pecherskiy, CEO of StackAdapt, discussing the company's recent funding of $235 million, its innovative approach to advertising technology, and the importance of company culture.

Vitaly shares insights on how StackAdapt aims to accelerate growth for its clients through their core pillars of Solutions, Automation and Experience while maintaining a focus on responsible advertising practices.

Takeaways

StackAdapt focuses on accelerating growth for its customers.

The company culture is shaped by every employee's actions.

AI and automation are key areas of investment for StackAdapt.

StackAdapt aims to be a growth technology platform, not just a DSP.

The company has a diverse customer base across various industries.

Funding will be used for research, development, and global distribution.

Vitaly emphasizes the importance of customer acquisition as a fundamental truth.

StackAdapt's approach is to be distinctly unique in creating value.

The company is not overly concerned with competitors, focusing instead on self-improvement.

Future product launches are planned to enhance StackAdapt's offerings.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Market Texture and Upcoming Events

01:00 Vitaly Pecherskiy and StackAdapt Overview

06:49 Funding and Future Plans for StackAdapt

10:50 Company Culture and Employee Engagement

15:04 Automation, AI, and Responsible Advertising

18:57 Vision for the Future and Competitive Landscape

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In this episode of the Ad TechGod Pod, host AdTechGod interviews Dave Simon, Vice President of Sales at Viant. They discuss Dave's extensive career in advertising, starting from his early days as a media buyer to his pivotal role in the rise of programmatic advertising at BrightRoll. The conversation digs into the challenges faced during the pandemic, the future of advertising with a focus on AI and CTV, and the importance of human connections in the advertising industry. Dave shares insights on navigating industry disruptions and the continuous evolution of advertising technology.

Takeaways

Dave Simon's journey in advertising began with a passion for creativity.

Transitioning to sales was driven by a desire for entrepreneurial excitement.

The rise of programmatic advertising marked a significant shift in the industry.

Navigating challenges during the pandemic highlighted the importance of adaptability.

AI and CTV are key trends shaping the future of advertising.

Identity and privacy concerns are increasingly relevant in the ad tech landscape.

The human element in ad tech fosters collaboration and support among peers.

Continuous learning is essential in an ever-evolving industry.

Disruption can come from unexpected sources, changing the landscape rapidly.

The future of advertising is bright with innovation and new opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dave Simon and His Journey

01:24 Dave's Early Career and Transition to Sales

06:34 The Rise of BrightRoll and Programmatic Advertising

12:07 Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic

15:13 The Future of Advertising: AI, CTV, and Privacy

23:37 The Human Element in Ad Tech

28:07 Disruption in the Advertising Industry

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David Cohen, CEO of the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), joins AdTechGod to wrap up the 2025 IAB ALM event in Palm Desert. 

We discuss the highlights of the conference, including the potential for a national data privacy law, the creative revival driven by generative AI, and the rise of multiple identity solutions. You’ll also find out why sustainability and DEI are more critical than ever and learn how the IAB is helping marketers tackle today’s toughest privacy challenges. 

Finally, David shares where the next IAB ALM gatherings will be held, so you can start planning.

Takeaways

AI is fundamentally changing media buying and measurement.

The advertising industry must diversify its strategies post-cookie.

Regulatory challenges are increasing with state-specific privacy laws.

A national data privacy law could simplify compliance for advertisers.

Creativity in advertising is being revitalized by generative AI.

The future of advertising will involve multiple identity solutions.

Sustainability and DEI are critical issues that need attention.

The IAB is actively working on tools to help the industry navigate privacy laws.

San Antonio will be the new host city for IAB ALM in 2027 and 2028.

The advertising industry must adapt quickly to changing consumer behaviors.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Advertising Landscape

01:29 AI's Impact on Media Buying and Creativity

07:01 Navigating Cookie Deprecation and Identity Solutions

10:08 Regulatory Challenges in Advertising

16:02 Future of the IAB ALM and Industry Trends

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Host AdTech God speaks with Mark McEachran, Senior Vice President of Product Management at Yieldmo. They discuss Mark's journey in the ad tech industry, the importance of building and innovation, and the challenges faced in product management. Mark shares various insights , the impact of privacy regulations, and the future of cross-media advertising. The conversation highlights the transformative experiences Mark has had at various companies, particularly at Rubicon Project, and reflects on the legacy of cookies in digital advertising.

Takeaways

Mark's journey in ad tech began in the early 2000s.

Building products in ad tech is both challenging and rewarding.

Transformative experiences at Rubicon Project shaped Mark's career.

The ad tech landscape is evolving with blurred lines between buy and sell sides.

Innovation is crucial in a competitive market.

Privacy regulations are a significant challenge for product managers.

Cross-media advertising presents new growth opportunities.

The legacy of cookies is still felt in the industry.

Mark emphasizes the importance of household targeting in the future.

Collaboration and transparency within teams lead to better outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ad Tech and Mark McEachran

01:18 Mark's Journey in Ad Tech

04:45 The Joy of Building in Ad Tech

08:09 Transformative Experiences at Rubicon Project

10:41 Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Ad Tech

15:57 Challenges in Product Management and Innovation

19:13 Future Growth Opportunities in Cross-Media Advertising

26:23 Reflections on Industry Changes and the Cookie's Legacy

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In my conversation with Jennifer Q. Chen, President and Chief Revenue Officer at Connatix, we explore her path in the ad tech industry, examine what Connatix’s recent merger with JWP (JW Player) means for the video and technology space, and discuss key topics such as adtech fundamentals, AI-powered content discovery, and the importance of community.Jenn shares insights on finding happiness in a fast-paced work environment and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the advertising space.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Ad Tech Landscape

02:14 Jenn Chen's Journey in Ad Tech

06:51 The Merger of Connatix and JW Player

10:28 Understanding the Ad Tech Ecosystem

12:46 The Evolution of Video Technology

15:51 Future Opportunities in Advertising

19:29 The Role of AI in Content Discovery

23:27 Community and Longevity in Ad Tech

27:17 Finding Happiness in a Fast-Paced Industry

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Anna Bager, President and CEO of the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA), discusses the evolving out-of-home (OOH) industry, particularly in the context of digital transformation and programmatic advertising.

She shares her journey from Sweden to leading the OAAA, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the unique advantages of OOH advertising, including its brand safety and effectiveness. Anna emphasizes the importance of cultural adaptation in the U.S. market and highlights the exciting innovations and growth opportunities within the OOH space, while addressing common misconceptions about the industry.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to OOH Advertising and Anna Bogger

05:17 Anna's Journey to OAAA Leadership

11:02 Cultural Adaptation in the U.S. Market

12:21 The Evolution of Digital Out of Home

20:24 Programmatic Advertising in OOH

21:35 Exciting Innovations in OOH Advertising

25:12 Common Misconceptions About OOH Advertising

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

Sam Bloom, Head of Partnerships at PMG, shares his extensive journey in the advertising industry, discussing the importance of transparency, the impact of family legacy, and the CTV industry.

He emphasizes the need for creativity in advertising and the challenges posed by privacy regulations, while also highlighting the potential for innovative solutions in the ad tech space.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sam Bloom and PMG

01:16 Sam Bloom's Journey in Advertising

05:40 The Importance of Transparency in Ad Tech

07:05 Family Legacy and Its Impact on Business

09:41 The Role of Marketing in Advertising

15:08 Exploring Connected TV and Its Potential

27:15 The Future of Privacy and Advertising

30:04 The Rise of Creative in Advertising

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