In this episode of Unlocked, hosts Austin Leonard and Elizabeth Donovan engage with Amie Owen, a veteran in the retail media industry. They explore the evolution of retail media, the importance of consumer behavior, and the role of data in shaping marketing strategies. Amie shares her insights on innovation, experimentation, and the need for brands to adapt to changing consumer habits. The conversation emphasizes the significance of having a clear North Star for retail media networks and the necessity of simplifying strategies to stay relevant in a fast-paced industry.

In this episode of Unlocked, Austin and Elizabeth sit down with Cara Pratt, the new president of global retail and media at Circana. They discuss the evolution of retail media, the importance of data analytics, and the future of AI in the industry. Cara shares her insights on leadership, the necessity of personalization in marketing, and the long-term vision required for success in retail media. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration, trust, and continuous learning in navigating the rapidly changing landscape of retail and media.

In this episode of Unlocked, Austin and Elizabeth engage in a deep conversation with Parbinder Dhariwal (Parbs), a pioneer in the retail media space. They explore the evolution of retail media, the importance of community and collaboration, and the role of events in networking. Parbs shares insights from his personal journey, emphasizing the significance of understanding consumer behavior and the omnichannel experience. The discussion also highlights the importance of education, feedback, and continuous learning in the industry, providing valuable career advice for aspiring professionals.

In this special episode of Unlocked, hosts Austin and Elizabeth revisit the place where it all started: the Ascendant Network. Featuring a candid conversation with Mark Donohue, they reflect on the first spark that led to launching the podcast and dive into the behind-the-scenes of building community in retail media.

From navigating an ever-evolving landscape to the role of operational efficiency in modern marketing teams, this episode covers the challenges, triumphs, and real talk that define the space today. Whether you're brand-side, agency-side, or somewhere in between, this is a must-listen on what it really takes to succeed.

In this episode of Unlocked, we sit down with Lauren Griewski, head of sales and partnerships at Chase Media Solutions. We discuss Lauren's impressive career journey, the evolving landscape of commerce media, and the pivotal role financial institutions like Chase play in this ecosystem.

This conversation delves into the importance of trust, personalization, and first-party data in enhancing consumer engagement and driving value. As the industry continues to evolve, Lauren shares insights on the future of retail and commerce media, emphasizing collaboration and innovation.

In this episode of Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, we sit down with Mark Donohue—strategic leader and former GM at The Gap and Western Union—to explore what it takes to successfully lead a retail media commerce network.

From navigating organizational complexity to scaling growth and innovation, Mark shares leadership insights, strategic frameworks, and lessons from the field. Austin and Elizabeth know these challenges firsthand, bringing their own perspective to the conversation as experienced operators in the space. Plus, don’t miss Mark’s exciting new career announcement.

Tune in for a sharp look at the evolving role of GMs in the retail media commerce space.

In the debut episode of Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, we sit down with Andrew Lipsman to explore the rapid rise of retail media networks. From digital advertising’s early days to today’s booming retail and commerce media landscape, we break down key trends, challenges, and what’s next for brands, agencies, and advertisers. Tune in for expert insights and a fresh take on the future of retail media networks!