The AdTech Connect Podcast

In this episode of the AdTech Connect Podcast, Mark Sadler shares his journey through the adtech industry, reflecting on the role of curiosity, continuous learning, and resilience in shaping his career. From competing for England in badminton to leading strategic thinking in CTV and programmatic, Mark offers thoughtful insights on growth, leadership, and staying adaptable in a fast-moving industry.

0:00 Exploring purpose and meaning

2:35 The role of competition in personal growth

6:45 Curiosity and continuous learning

10:16 High performance and life lessons

14:39 Strategic thinking in a fast paced environment

19:25 Fostering inclusivity and team dynamics

24:32 Simplifying complexity in communication

We're joined by Simi Gill from the Kite Factor to explore what modern leadership in adtech really looks like.

From building authentic brand connections and navigating the evolving role of AI, to leading teams through trust, autonomy, and strong values, Simi shares a refreshingly human perspective on the future of the industry.

The conversation also dives into the importance of representation, personal growth, and creating space for both professional ambition and life outside of work.

A thoughtful listen for anyone working in media, advertising, leadership, or digital transformation.

00:00 Purpose and Authenticity in Advertising

02:58 Work-Life Balance and Team Management

05:58 Managing Different Personalities

09:08 The Role of AI in Advertising

11:58 Championing Diversity and Representation

14:52 Personal Growth and Networking

17:56 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

21:08 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Maria Edayakatitil from OMD shares her take on purpose, growth, and figuring things out as you go.

From saying yes to uncomfortable opportunities to balancing ambition with self-reflection, this episode is a grounded look at building confidence and direction early in your career.

A simple mindset that sticks: “Let’s see where this goes.”

00:00 Discovering Purpose Through Experience

02:51 The Role of Mindset in Learning

05:58 Cultural Exposure and Empathy

08:50 Navigating AI in a Diverse World

12:08 Personal and Professional Growth

15:00 Balancing Ambition and Gratitude

17:58 Cutting Through the Noise

19:56 Finding Home in Two Cultures

In this episode of the AdTech Connect Podcast, we’re joined by Jack Ryan, Director of Audit Solutions at OMD (Omnicom Media Group).

Jack shares his perspective on purposeful career growth, why leadership should focus on elevating people rather than delegating tasks, and how introverts can still lean into opportunity. He also discusses the growing impact of AI on advertising and why staying ahead of it is becoming non-negotiable.

A practical conversation on progression, recognition, and building a career with intention in AdTech.

00:00 Introduction to AdTech Connect

01:05 Personal Purpose and Community Building

06:14 Navigating Diverse Work Cultures

09:05 Saying Yes to Opportunities

10:17 Recognition and Leadership

12:08 The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership

18:02 Staying Ahead with AI

24:20 Focus and Personal Growth

We’re joined by Luke Taplin McCallum, Sales Director at TripleLift, to explore the transition from startup operator to scale-up leader.

Luke shares his journey building “zero-to-one” businesses, why joining a PE-backed company was a deliberate stretch, and the leadership shifts required when moving from speed and autonomy to structure and scale.

We discuss:• The difference between startup and enterprise environments• Letting go as a leader• Protecting focus in a distracted world• Using AI as a co-pilot, not a replacement• Aligning career decisions with your North Star

A thoughtful conversation on growth, leadership, and building a meaningful career in adtech.

00:00 Introduction to AdTech Connect

02:04 Defining Purpose in Advertising

06:03 Focus and Time Management Strategies

10:37 The Role of AI in Productivity

13:17 Building and Maintaining Relationships

17:50 Leadership Lessons from Influential Figures

24:10 Balancing Career and Personal Life

We are joined by the 2025 Ad Tech Rising star winner, Kamran Vahabi.

The episode is hosted by Matt Bennathan and Anya Libova

00:00 Introduction to AdTech Connect

01:02 Personal Purpose and Relationships

06:20 Recognition and Authenticity in the Industry

09:21 Networking and Building Relationships

14:26 Balancing Empathy with Commercial Goals

19:22 Career Development and Future Aspirations

20:35 Leadership Qualities and Accountability

27:02 The Role of Women in Leadership

30:06 Personal Development and Future Goals

Nia shares how her experiences — from growing up in St. Lucia to working in London — fuel her mission to lead with empathy and elevate others.
She also drops wisdom on:⚖️ Balancing recognition with comfort zones🌟 Why mentorship doesn’t have to be formal to be impactful📈 The importance of diversity in senior leadership

Listen in for a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership.

She's joined by ATC'S very own Matt Bennathan from Lumen Research and Kiessé Lamour from VML.

We sit down with Emma Blackshaw from Sojern. She shares her journey from account management to shaping an entirely new role - built on curiosity, strategic thinking, and a commitment to simplifying the complex world of AdTech

She’s joined by ATC’s very own Matt Bennathan from Lumen Research and Kiessé Lamour from VML

This week we are joined by Annika Geiger, (former) Sales Lead at Magnite

00:00 Introduction to Ad Tech Connect Podcast

02:57 Finding Purpose in Ad Tech

06:34 Overcoming Challenges in Career Development

11:19 The Importance of Mentoring and Coaching

18:01 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn

24:54 Addressing Diversity in Ad Tech

This time, we spoke with Jasper from StackAdapt, who shared a thoughtful and honest look at his career journey — from his early days at MIQ to building commercial teams and shifting back into an IC role to focus on what drives him most.

He's joined from our weekly host, Matt Bennathan from Lumen Research alongisde, Donia Baddou also at Lumen.

00:00 Introduction to Adtech Connect Podcast

02:32 Finding Personal Purpose in Ad Tech

06:51 Career Progression and Ownership

12:32 The Importance of Authenticity in Career Choices

13:24 Managing Up: A Key Skill for Career Development

18:20 Navigating Career Moves: The Squiggly Career

25:11 Industry Challenges and Opportunities for Collaboration

29:07 Ad Tech's Evolving Work Culture and Talent Retention