AdTechGod Pod

Kristina Shepard, EVP of Streaming and Performance Sales and Partnerships at NBCUniversal, joins the AdTechGod Pod to unpack the evolution of streaming from incremental reach to performance engine. Drawing on her experience at Roku and NBC Universal, she shares how live sports, cultural moments, and scale are reshaping media strategy. Kristina explains why streaming is still early in its performance journey, how automation and personalization will define the next phase, and what it takes to lead in ad tech while building a career and family. Takeaways Streaming has evolved to combine the best of digital and TV. The pandemic accelerated the growth of streaming services. Live content is crucial for audience engagement and brand visibility. Advertisers are increasingly viewing streaming as a primary channel. Diversity in content is key to attracting streaming audiences. The future of streaming will be more interactive and personalized. Women in leadership can bring unique perspectives to the industry. Balancing career and family is a common challenge for women in tech. Cultural moments drive significant engagement for brands. Streaming allows for a more dynamic ad experience than traditional TV. Chapters 00:00 The Rise of Streaming and Performance Advertising 05:07 The Evolution of Streaming Content and Monetization 10:19 The Importance of Live Content in Streaming 17:57 Future Trends in Streaming Television 21:12 Navigating Leadership as a Female in Ad Tech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marilois Snowman, Founder and CEO of Mediastruction, discusses her journey in the media industry, focusing on the unique needs of mid-market brands. She highlights the evolution of media spending, the importance of measurement, and the role of AI in optimizing marketing strategies. The conversation delves into the significance of both digital and linear media, the impact of consumer behavior changes, and offers valuable advice for brands looking to enhance their media strategies. Takeaways Marilois Snowman founded Mediastruction to address mid-market brands' unique needs. The evolution of media spending has shifted significantly towards digital. Mid-market brands often lack the language and understanding of media mix modeling. Education is crucial for brands to understand the algorithms behind media planning. Customization of algorithms is essential for effective media mix modeling. Connected TV is becoming a valuable medium for mid-market brands. Linear TV still holds significant power in marketing strategies. AI can enhance data analysis but requires careful oversight. Consumer behavior is shifting, impacting web traffic and SEO strategies. Brands need a data evangelist to navigate the complexities of marketing data. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mediastruction and Marilois Snowman 01:02 The Genesis of Mediastruction and Marilois Background 02:04 Mid-Market Measurement Gaps and Growth Goals 02:42 The Rise of MMM and the Evolution of Media Spend and Measurement 04:35 Demystifying MMM and Building Customized Paid Media Solutions 06:59 Scaling Beyond Search and Social and Rethinking Channel Mix 08:16 CTV, Linear TV, and the Synergy Effect for Regional Brands 11:02 AI in Marketing Analytics, Hallucination Risk, and Guardrails 13:33 The Shift from SEO to AI-Driven Discovery and Declining Web Traffic 16:08 Advice for Brands: Hire a Data Evangelist and Build Smarter Measurement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, Ying Wang, the General Manager of Xumo, shares her journey in the streaming television industry, discussing her career growth, the evolution of ad revenue, the significance of live sports, and the future of streaming. She emphasizes the importance of AI in personalizing user experiences and offers valuable advice for aspiring professionals in the industry. Takeaways Ying Wang's career path reflects her adaptability and pursuit of opportunities. The streaming industry has evolved significantly in terms of ad revenue and content distribution. Live sports present unique opportunities for engagement and monetization. Xumo aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem around live sports events. AI is integral to personalizing user experiences and optimizing advertising. The streaming landscape is becoming more democratized with new players emerging. Xumo's operating system approach differentiates it in the market. Building relationships and understanding the nuances of ad tech is crucial. The future of streaming will involve more personalized and immersive experiences. Continuous learning and challenging assumptions are key to career growth. Chapters 00:00 Ying Wang's Journey in Ad Tech 05:04 Evolution of Streaming and Advertising 09:55 The Impact of Live Sports on Streaming 14:03 Xumo's Future and Market Positioning 20:04 The Role of AI in Ad Tech 23:58 Advice for Aspiring Professionals in Streaming Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kate Scott-Dawkins, Global President of Business Intelligence at WPP Media, joins AdTechGod to share how agencies use economic signals, advertiser trends, and emerging AI shifts to forecast the future of advertising while helping brands stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. Takeaways Kate’s early exposure to advertising storytelling sparked her marketing path. A linguistics background trained her to spot patterns and build forecasts. Staying at WPP let her shape long-term strategy and thought leadership. Modern forecasting blends government, financial, and proprietary client signals. Global events, politics, economics, and climate directly move the markets. Industry consolidation is accelerating, concentrating ad revenue among a few sellers. WPP packages insight via forecasts, weekly updates, and rapid client POVs. AI adds speed by summarizing large datasets and supporting analysis workflows. AI is less reliable for producing genuinely original insight on its own. Commerce and creator ecosystems may be disrupted faster than search. Authenticity, disclosure, and watermarking are becoming critical trust issues. Verified human-made content could become a premium tier in the future economy. Career Girls' work focuses on expanding STEAM imagination and opportunity for girls Chapters 00:01 Introduction: Kate Scott-Dawkins joins the podcast and outlines her role at WPP Media. 01:30 Career inspiration: An early advertising example sparked her interest in storytelling. 02:45 Career foundation: How linguistics and international experience shaped her perspective. 03:35 WPP tenure: Why she stayed and how her remit evolved over time. 05:10 Long-range forecasting: Advertising trend planning through 2030 and beyond. 06:20 Data and regulation: How access constraints and policy changes reshaped the industry. 07:30 Intelligence inputs: Blending consumer data, government signals, and client investment insights. 08:10 Global framework: A structured view across politics, economics, society, and technology. 09:20 Market consolidation: Increasing concentration of ad revenue among top sellers. 10:40 Insight delivery: Cadences spanning major forecasts, weekly updates, and rapid client POVs. 12:55 AI applications: Operational support for analysis, synthesis, and speed at scale. 17:05 Early 2026 outlook: Emerging models, including advertising-supported AI consumer services. 26:05 Career Girls: Mission, impact, and Kate’s strategic support to expand STEAM opportunity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremy Bloom and Scott Hess, Chief Marketing Officer of Starcom and Chief Marketing Officer of Publicis Media, discuss the significance of the Chicago Advertising Federation's Career Day, the importance of mentorship and networking in the advertising industry, and personal experiences that shaped their careers. They reflect on the joy of working in advertising and the opportunities available for young professionals entering the field. Takeaways Scott Hess is the Chief Work Officer of Publicis Media. The Chicago Advertising Federation's Career Day is crucial for networking. Mentorship can significantly impact career paths in advertising. Career Day demystifies the advertising industry for young people. Networking events provide access to industry leaders and opportunities. Scott's son found joy in advertising after initially pursuing engineering. The advertising industry offers diverse career paths and opportunities. Personal connections can lead to job opportunities and mentorship. The excitement of young professionals can reinvigorate seasoned veterans. Chicago's winter can be a downside, but the city has much to offer.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:43 The Importance of Career Day 05:37 Mentorship and Networking in Advertising 08:50 Personal Experiences and Career Paths 11:38 The Joy of Working in Advertising 14:37 Conclusion and Upcoming Events Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer Louie Oon, Senior Vice President, Sales at DAX United States, shares her non-linear career path, why audio remains underfunded, and how premium ad-supported audio can unlock scale, measurement, and growth for brands and publishers. Takeaways Audio is underfunded largely due to education gaps and outdated measurement models. The missing middle in audio leaves key demos and local markets underserved. Host-read ads remain valuable because trust and opt-in listening drive attention. Expanding audio reach improves effectiveness beyond a few major streaming platforms. Better measurement will push audio spend closer to its share of daily consumer time. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Louie Oon and her background in audio 02:20 Building a career by prioritizing learning over titles 07:50 The missing middle problem in audio advertising 11:30 Why audio budgets lag behind TV and social 14:50 Why host-read ads continue to perform 18:00 Programmatic audio and reducing friction for creators 21:30 What measurement changes mean for audio’s future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nathan Thomas, Principal at Thomas Media Consulting and former Playwire leader, joins the AdTechGod Pod to unpack his 16-year journey across publisher ops, programmatic sales, and data partnerships, plus his take on where the open web, CTV pricing, digital out-of-home, and publisher data control are heading next. Takeaways Nathan Thomas transitioned from a long career at Playwire to consulting. The publishing industry has become increasingly complex and challenging. Digital out-of-home advertising presents unique opportunities for engagement. Monetization pressures are mounting for publishers due to rising content costs. The open web is facing significant challenges with traffic decline. Data management and privacy are critical for publishers moving forward. AI is rapidly changing the landscape of advertising and content creation. Gaming advertising is underutilized and has potential for growth. Curation in advertising can be beneficial if managed properly. Future trends in advertising will focus on innovation and data-driven strategies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nathan Thomas and His Journey 04:05 Transitioning to Consulting: A New Chapter 06:24 The Evolution of the Publishing Industry 09:18 Challenges in Monetization and Supply Chain 12:54 The Rise of Digital Out of Home Advertising 16:56 The Future of Open Web and Data Management 20:31 Navigating the Data Landscape in Advertising 24:14 Looking Ahead: Trends and Predictions for 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, host AdTechGod sits down with David Cohen, CEO of the IAB, for a wide-ranging conversation ahead of IAB ALM in Palm Springs. They unpack how AI has moved from hype to real-world application, why the cookie conversation has faded, and what new challenges publishers, brands, and agencies now face as AI becomes the interface for discovery and commerce. David shares candid insights on industry fragmentation, the risks of rushing innovation without standards, the growth areas brands are betting on for 2026, and why effectiveness must replace efficiency as advertising’s north star. The episode closes with a look at how IAB ALM is shaping industry priorities and what it means to lead an ecosystem through rapid change. Takeaways AI has shifted from experimentation to real operational and creative use cases across the advertising ecosystem The end of cookie deprecation as the dominant narrative marks a major industry turning point Publishers face both opportunity and existential challenges as AI disrupts search, discovery, and monetization Industry progress is being slowed by legacy infrastructure and a lack of clean, structured data foundations The current AI land grab risks outpacing standards, testing, and alignment CTV, commerce, and creators marketing are the strongest growth areas heading into 2026 Effectiveness, not efficiency or cheap scale, should define success in modern advertising IAB ALM serves as a validation point for industry direction, not a fixed roadmap Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 01:18 What’s Changed Since Last Year’s ALM 02:28 AI’s Real Impact on Creativity and Personalization 03:55 AI, Data, and the Need for Strong Foundations 05:12 Risks and Concerns Around AI Adoption 08:23 What Agencies and Brands Are Struggling With 10:14 What Brands Are Betting On for 2026 12:22 What David Hopes to Achieve at IAB ALM 14:48 How IAB Sets Its Agenda and Adapts to Change 17:02 Industry Norms That Need a Reset 18:29 How ALM Speakers and Programming Are Selected 21:58 The Future of ALM and IAB’s 30th Anniversary 24:25 Leaving the Industry Better Than We Found It 25:06 Closing Remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us on the AdTechGod Pod as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Julie Van Ullen, President and CRO at iSpot. Discover her journey through leadership roles at IAB, OpenX, Freewheel, Rakuten Advertising, and Rakuten Rewards. Julie shares her insights on maintaining authenticity, the importance of mentorship, and navigating the evolving landscape of digital advertising. Tune in to learn from her experiences and gain valuable advice for aspiring leaders. Takeaways Julie's career has been fueled by authenticity and mentorship. Trust is essential in leadership and team dynamics. Change is a constant in the tech industry, requiring adaptability. Measurement in advertising must evolve to keep pace with consumer behavior. The future of advertising is promising, with a focus on data-driven insights. Women in tech face unique challenges but can overcome them with support. Mentorship is crucial for personal and professional development. Authenticity in leadership fosters a positive work environment. The advertising industry is ripe for innovation and change. Building trust with teams leads to better outcomes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Julie Van Ullen 01:04 Julie’s Career Journey and Mentorship 04:01 The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership 08:38 Transitioning from Traditional to Connected Television 11:37 The Role of Measurement in Advertising 14:05 Positive Outlook for the Future of Advertising 15:33 Navigating Gender Dynamics in Ad Tech 19:55 The Power of Mentorship and Support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, Al Kallel, founder and CEO of Nativeads.AI, shares insights from his extensive experience in the advertising technology space. The conversation explores the evolution of consumer experiences in advertising, the transformative role of AI, and the importance of personalization and data collaboration. Al discusses the challenges of maintaining quality in AI-generated content and navigating privacy changes in the advertising landscape. He also highlights future trends in advertising and the potential of agentic commerce. Takeaways Al Kallel has over 20 years of experience in advertising technology. The consumer experience in advertising has shifted significantly with the rise of mobile and streaming. AI presents opportunities for creating native advertising experiences without compromising brand integrity. Quality control is crucial when using AI for content generation. Personalization in advertising requires deep collaboration between brands and publishers. The advertising landscape is evolving with increasing privacy concerns and the decline of cookies. Future advertising strategies must embrace agentic experiences to engage consumers effectively. AI can help scale personalized advertising solutions for better engagement. The shift to agentic commerce will vary across different product categories. 2026 and 2027 will see rapid advancements in advertising technology and consumer behavior. Chapter 00:00 Introduction to Ad Tech and Al Kallel’s Background 02:32 Evolution of Consumer Experiences in Advertising 05:13 The Role of AI in Advertising 07:45 Quality Control in AI-Generated Content 10:10 Personalization and Data Collaboration in Advertising 12:53 Navigating Privacy Changes in Advertising 15:31 Future Trends in Advertising and Consumer Behavior 17:42 Agentic Commerce and Its Viability Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AdTechGod and Anthony Katsur discuss the evolving landscape of the advertising industry, particularly focusing on the concept of Agentic AI. They explore the current hype surrounding Agentic AI, its potential impact on digital media buying and selling, and the challenges related to privacy and measurement. The discussion also touches on the future of ad operations, the implications of AI browsers, and the strategic planning necessary for navigating these changes. Katsur emphasizes the need for foundational work in the industry while acknowledging the innovative potential of Agentic AI. Takeaways The advertising industry is experiencing unprecedented changes, particularly with the rise of Agentic AI. Agentic AI has the potential to introduce efficiencies in digital media trading, but it's still in early stages. There's significant hype around Agentic AI, but tangible results are yet to be seen. Privacy challenges remain a critical concern as AI technologies evolve. The future of ad operations will likely see a slowdown in hiring due to the automation capabilities of AI. AI browsers may change how content is presented and consumed online. Strategic planning is essential for navigating the evolving landscape of advertising technology. The industry must focus on foundational issues like supply chain transparency and measurement challenges. Agentic AI may not replace existing protocols, but can enhance them. The future of AI in advertising will involve a mix of successes and failures as the technology matures. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Agentic Era 02:14 Understanding Agentic AI in Digital Media 05:57 The Hype Cycle of Agentic AI 08:51 Challenges in Privacy and Measurement 10:47 The Future of Ad Operations 12:02 The Concept of Agentic Interfaces 14:39 Impact on Hiring and Talent Dynamics 19:04 AI Browsers and Their Implications 22:04 Strategic Planning and Industry Trends 24:51 The Future of Agentic AI and Potential Failures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, guests Aaron Goldman (Mediaocean), Tony Marlow (LG Ads), and Jackelyn Keller (Jackwell Partners) reflect on the past year in advertising, the impact of AI, and the trends shaping the future. The conversation covers everything from weird meetings in 2025 to the overhyped nature of AI and retail media. The guests share insights on the importance of understanding data, the challenges of attribution, and the need for creativity in marketing. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire round of questions, revealing personal opinions and humorous takes on the industry. Takeaways AI has significantly influenced all industries, not just advertising. Naming and branding can lead to intense discussions in meetings. AI-powered solutions are often overhyped in the industry. Retail media networks may struggle to survive without scale. Attribution methods in advertising are complex and often debated. Predictions in the industry can be unnecessary and overdone. Creative optimization is essential for effective marketing campaigns. Understanding data is crucial for marketers to make informed decisions. The future of advertising may involve more interactive and engaging ad formats. The importance of chilling out about industry drama and focusing on collaboration. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and ugly sweaters 03:40 50 Cent and NewFront prep 06:20 AI hype vs reality 08:45 Curation and other buzzwords 12:10 AdCP and why it is hard 14:30 Creative optimization A/B to A-Z 17:45 Ads inside AI chat experiences 18:45 Regifting trends, retail media, and clean rooms 22:10 Agentic commerce debate 25:40 What the industry should chill about 29:30 Rapid-fire questions 36:00 Wrap-up and holiday sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Cassin, Senior Director of Programmatic Partnerships at Cadent, joins AdTechGod to discuss what strong programmatic partnerships look like today, how the industry has moved beyond a “set it and forget it” mindset, the importance of building clean supply paths, and how to stay human as the industry continues to evolve. Takeaways Partnerships now require active, outcome-driven deal design. “Set it and forget it” is gone, optimization and communication matter. Buyers expect cleaner supply paths and real transparency. Cadent’s ViewPlanner supports planning across linear, CTV, OLV, and YouTube. Brands and agencies lean on partners to navigate privacy, brand safety, and AI shifts. Career growth came from staying curious and learning by doing across roles. Hard moments reshaped Andrew’s leadership style toward empathy and authenticity. Chapters 00:05 Andrew’s background and getting into programmatic early 01:13 Career path from Forbes to Rubicon, JWP Connatix, Equativ, and Cadent 05:37 What’s stayed constant through industry change 07:16 How brands and agencies rely on partners amid privacy, brand safety, and AI shifts 08:08 Cadent’s ViewPlanner acquisition and why YouTube matters 09:24 Why partnerships moved past “set it and forget it” deals 10:46 Clean supply, transparency, and standards expectations 12:33 How cancer changed Andrew’s perspective on relationships and work 18:08 Advice for newcomers: resources, mentors, and using LinkedIn well 21:07 What Andrew is excited about heading into 2026 24:12 Closing and holiday sendoff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brad Thompson from MediaGo, a Baidu Company, joins AdTechGod on the AdTechGod Podcast to break down how SMB advertisers are using performance DSPs as a bridge from walled gardens into open web programmatic. Brad shares his path from agency work to platforms like AOL and MediaMath, why simplifying programmatic is essential for growth, how he uses LinkedIn and X differently to build partnerships, and what 2026 may look like as AI reshapes ad ops and optimization. The episode closes with Brad’s view that AdCP can steer the industry back toward strong messaging and smart media choices, not just data-driven outcomes. Takeaways SMB marketers know Amazon, Meta, and TikTok well, but many need a simpler on-ramp to open web programmatic, creating a clear role for performance DSPs. AI will most improve optimization and creative workflows, while ad ops shifts through fewer manual tasks and slower net new hiring. LinkedIn works best for personal marketing and steady industry updates, while X is better for real-time discussion and learning. Strong relationships are still the edge in sales and BD because people handle the messy moments that tech cannot. AdCP is a major 2026 opportunity that can refocus digital advertising on message and media quality. Chapters 00:00 Brad’s background and why he chose ad tech. 03:55 How MediaGo brings SMBs from walled gardens into programmatic. 05:00 Social selling in practice, LinkedIn versus X. 12:15 2026 outlook, AI reality versus hype, and job impact. 20:40 Why AdCP could be the biggest growth lever next year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tal Shaked, Chief Business Officer and co-founder of Rise, joins AdTechGod to trace his unconventional path into ad tech, from early toolbar monetization to driving alternative revenue at Babylon and later helping grow IronSource through strategic acquisitions. He explains how Rise emerged as a necessary spin out ahead of IronSource’s IPO, why the team first focused on web video and display, and how their Smart Auction Management platform uses machine learning to optimize pricing and supply paths at massive scale. Tal also shares what AI driven search shifts mean for publishers, why traffic shaping is becoming a core differentiator, and where agentic advertising could take creative, buying, and ops workflows in 2026. Takeaways Rise spun out of IronSource, and starting on the web turned into an advantage. SAM and traffic shaping are the core levers for auction and revenue lift. AI search is cutting web traffic, forcing publishers to adapt fast. Mobile monetization looks steadier, with upside in performance and commerce. Agentic ads will automate busywork while keeping relationships central. Chapters 00:00 Rise split from IronSource and made web first work. 19:10 SAM plus traffic shaping drive gains. 22:50 AI search is shrinking web traffic. 26:10 Mobile revenue is more stable. 31:00 Agentic ads automate tasks, relationships still win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AdTechGod speaks with Priti Ohri, Co-Founder and CEO of Advertible, about how she turned a layoff into a launchpad for innovation. From her early days at MTV Networks and LVMH to founding a company reshaping native advertising, Priti shares how Advertible simplifies native ad delivery for SSPs while improving user experience across formats and devices. They discuss the challenges of building infrastructure in ad tech, the importance of community and representation, and how the industry’s next big transformation might come from agentic AI and automation. Takeaways Advertible streamlines native ad delivery with a plug-in solution for SSPs. Priti’s path from luxury brands to ad tech highlights the power of data-driven creativity. The startup journey demands resilience, community, and constant iteration. Representation and visibility fuel empowerment across underrepresented founders. Agentic AI could redefine how programmatic systems communicate and scale. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Priti’s Career Journey 02:00 From Viacom to Programmatic: Following the Data 05:00 Why Native Ads Still Matte 07:00 Building Advertible After Ericsson 09:00 Startup Challenges and Finding Product-Market Fit 12:00 The Role of Community and Support Systems 15:00 Female Founders and South Asian Representation 19:00 Agentic AI and the Future of Ad Tech 22:00 Final Thoughts and Advice for Founders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Berkowitz, a longtime ad tech veteran with experience at Spiny, BERT, Lotomy, and MediaMath, joins AdTechGod to share his journey from journalism to ad tech leadership. He reflects on the industry’s transformation, the growing sophistication of publishers, and how innovation has shifted from the U.S. to Europe. Michael discusses the risks publishers face in adopting new technology, the overuse of AI in marketing, and his belief that meaningful solutions, not buzzwords, will drive the next phase of growth. He also introduces Ad Aid, his concept for a more purposeful ad experience that benefits users and supports charitable causes. Takeaways Michael’s unique path from journalism and PR to ad tech has given him a deep perspective on media and technology convergence. Many European ad tech companies are now innovating beyond their U.S. counterparts. Publishers face challenges in adopting new tech due to risk aversion and complex decision-making structures. AI’s current role in ad tech is largely overhyped; its true impact is still years away. The sell side remains essential to the ad tech ecosystem and deserves continued support. Ad Aid aims to create a more positive user experience by tying ad engagement to charitable contributions. Social media fatigue is helping publishers regain audience attention and rebuild trust. Experience in the industry remains valuable, even as age bias persists in hiring. The future of ad tech depends on balancing innovation with authenticity and audience respect. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Michael Berkowitz 01:00 From Journalism to Ad Tech 03:30 Early Days at MediaMath and BERT 05:40 Identifying Promising Tech and Market Fit 08:13 Challenges Facing Publishers 11:20 Trust, Credibility, and the State of Local News 12:19 The Reality of AI in Ad Tech 16:30 The Problem with Buzzword Marketing 18:28 Optimism for the Sell Side 21:17 Experience and Longevity in the Industry 23:45 The Ad Aid Concept 27:47 Making Ads Meaningful for Users 30:27 Closing Thoughts and Hope for the Future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Chance Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer at Nexxen, joins AdTechGod to discuss how the company is reshaping the advertising landscape through trust, transparency, and innovation. From bridging the gap between buyers and sellers to empowering advertisers with interoperable tools, Chance shares insights on how Nexxen is helping redefine efficiency and collaboration in the ad tech industry. Takeaways Building trust and transparency is essential to bridge the gap between buyers and sellers in ad tech. Nexxen’s interoperable platform enables collaboration and shared success across the ecosystem. Clear insights and data-driven tools empower smarter, outcome-based decision-making. In-housing ad tech provides control but brings high operational and financial demands. White-glove client service sets Nexxen apart in delivering responsive, hands-on support. SSPs play a vital strategic role beyond the “reseller” label in driving publisher value. The outcomes era signals a smarter, more transparent, performance-focused industry. Chapters 00:00 Chance Johnson joins the AdTechGod Pod and shares his journey to Nexxen. 03:30 Building trust and transparency between buyers and sellers. 06:40 How Nexxen empowers advertisers with interoperable tools. 09:00 Discussing the evolution of the web and convergence in ad tech. 11:30 Adapting to rapid change and leveraging new technology. 14:45 The pros and cons of brands in-housing their ad tech. 17:00 Nexxen’s white-glove service and client success approach. 19:15 The Trade Desk’s “reseller” label and its market impact. 23:10 The rise of outcome-based advertising and smarter KPIs. 24:40 Closing reflections on innovation and the future of ad tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erez Levin, a prominent figure in the Ad Tech industry known for his focus on quality joins AdTechGod on the podcast today. They discuss Erez’s journey from Google to founding his advisory firm, the complexities of defining quality in marketing, and the importance of ad placement and publisher quality. The conversation dives into the incentives that drive the industry, the accountability of marketers, and the future of quality in advertising. Erez emphasizes the need for marketers to demand better effectiveness for their spend and to question the status quo in the industry. Takeaways Quality in advertising is a range, not a binary. Marketing should be viewed as a cloud science, not a clock science. Investing in quality controls can yield significant benefits. The buy side has commoditized media, leading to a race to the bottom. Quality media will be increasingly valued in the future. Marketers create the incentives that drive quality in advertising. Don't let perfect be the enemy of the good when it comes to quality controls. The long tail of publishers will likely become commoditized. Trust your gut and question the consensus in the industry. Quality is ultimately determined by effectiveness in advertising. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Quality in Ad Tech 01:13 Erez Levin's Journey in Ad Tech 03:08 Understanding Quality in Marketing 05:52 The Importance of Ad Placement 08:59 The Role of Marketers in Quality Control 12:25 Incentives and Accountability in Advertising 16:12 The Future of Quality Media 19:17 Decommodization of Media 21:49 Lessons from Emet Advisory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Danziger, SVP of partnerships at Dstillery joins AdTechGod. They discuss David's journey in the ad tech industry, the impact of technological advancements on audience segmentation, and the role of AI and machine learning in advertising. David emphasizes the importance of human relationships in client interactions and shares his passion for the ever-changing landscape of advertising technology. Takeaways Technological advancements have significantly improved audience targeting and segmentation. Neural networks and machine learning are foundational to modern ad tech. Audience segments are becoming more refined and specific due to advancements in technology. AI is enhancing efficiency but should complement human interaction, not replace it. The selection of audience segments is still prone to human error, indicating room for improvement. Client relationships remain crucial in the ad tech industry despite technological advancements. David enjoys the continuous learning opportunities within the ad tech space. The intersection of advertising, technology, and data is vital for the industry. David believes that the human element in client service will always be important. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to David Danziger and Dstillery 00:58 David's Journey in Ad Tech 03:52 Technological Advancements in Ad Tech 07:17 Refining Audience Segmentation 10:04 The Evolution of Audience Selection 12:57 AI and Machine Learning in Ad Tech 16:39 The Human Element in Client Relationships 23:40 Why David Chooses Ad Tech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices