The Programmatic Digest

Direct from La Croisette, The Programmatic Digest lands at Cannes Lions 2025 to unpack the biggest stories, trends, and power players shaping the future of advertising. Join us as we interview industry leaders, innovators, and disruptors live from the Croisette—diving into everything from UCG to data privacy and the evolving programmatic landscape. Bite-sized insights. Big-league conversations. Fresh from the beach.

In this episode of the Programmatic Digest, we sit down with Heather Macaulay, President of MadTech, an AdTech consultancy transforming how teams approach data, integrations, and strategy. Heather shares her unexpected journey into ad tech—from Newbury Street project management to Pubmatic to founding MadTech—and the lessons she’s picked up along the way. We dive into what it really means to have a strong, scalable tech stack, the common mistakes advertisers make when choosing tools, and why platform connectivity is now mission-critical. Heather also breaks down how MadConnect, MadTech’s integration engine, is solving industry-wide challenges around data orchestration and interoperability. We also talk about early career growth, preparedness as a power move, and the importance of being a lifelong student. Plus, Heather shares how AI is shaping her workflow and offers tactical advice for making the most of tools like ChatGPT. If you're in your first few years in the industry—or managing a team that is—this episode is gold.     About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer: Programmatic Training & Coaching: Executive Membership: for the busy mid-level to senior or director-level programmatic ninja looking for a structured, high-impact way to stay ahead of evolving trends, sharpen your optimization skills, and connect with like-minded experts Join Here: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership   Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program  Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course       Timestamps: (00:00) - Welcome & Guest Intro (01:49) - Heather’s Origin Story: From Literature to Ad Tech (04:28) - Events, Community, and Female-Forward Activations (06:28) - What MadTech Does: Product + Data Consultancy (07:26) - Solving Integration Challenges with MadConnect (08:55) - Advice for Newbies: Be Curious, Prepared & Over-Invest (11:47) - Tech Stack Talk: Common Gaps and Evaluation Strategy (15:18) - API Gaps & the Cost of Poor Connectivity (17:31) - Real-World Examples: Activating Audiences with MadConnect (20:35) - Emerging Trend: AI in Strategy, Sales & Workflow (25:03) - How to Use AI as a Junior Team Member (27:27) - Heather’s Tips for Prompting, Positioning & Product Copy (30:27) - Final Thoughts & Where to Connect     Meet Our Guest: Heather Macaulay – President, MadTech Connect on LinkedIn     Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach https://www.heleneparker.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/   Manuela Cortes - Co-Host  Programmatic Digest In Espanol:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/     Learn Programmatic: As a TEAM: heleneparker.com/workshop As a Programmatic Ninja: heleneparker.com/course Newsletter: heleneparker.com/newsletter Programmatic Digest LinkedIn YouTube  

In this episode of the Programmatic Digest, we talk with David Wiener, Director of Programmatic Media at a large agency group. He shares how he got started in programmatic as an intern at a small shop while studying at Hofstra and how he worked his way up through companies like Quotient to his current leadership role. David talks about how he stayed motivated during career changes and the challenges many face in this industry, like job stress and feeling stuck. We also talk about how to keep growing and knowing when it’s time to make a move. We then break down what makes campaigns work well. We explain why building strong partnerships with platforms like Pubmatic and OpenX matters. We also explain the difference between focusing on performance and focusing on brand goals—and when each one is more important depending on your campaign’s goal. Later, we talk about personal growth and the power of networking. I share how to keep learning at work and how to handle the guilt some feel when changing jobs. We also talk about favorite TV shows like Night Agent and Peaky Blinders. We end by thanking each other and reflecting on the great conversations this podcast brings. About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer: Programmatic L&D Support: A monthly retainer providing hands-on training, strategy, and troubleshooting for programmatic teams. Book a Discovery Call: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ Programmatic Training & Coaching: Executive Membership: for the busy mid-level to senior or director-level programmatic ninja looking for a structured, high-impact way to stay ahead of evolving trends, sharpen your optimization skills, and connect with like-minded experts Join Here: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership   Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program  Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course     Timestamp: (00:02) - Programmatic Media Director on SPO Strategy (14:48) - Navigating Performance Marketing and Career Growth (24:51) - Career Growth and Personal Development (32:41) - Gratitude and Connection in Podcasting     Meet Our Guest: David Wiener  https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wiener-169523121/ Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach https://www.heleneparker.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/   Manuela Cortes - Co-Host  Programmatic Digest In Espanol:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/ Learn Programmatic As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/  As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ Programmatic Coaching Newsletter:https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/    Programmatic Digest https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest     Looking for programmatic training/coaching?  Sign up to our Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program  Self-Paced Course: Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility. https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course    Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below:  https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/   

This is the third episode in a special 3-part series sponsored by Drako! Check out the YouTube Interview here:  https://youtube.com/live/fd_t1dFcxZM In this episode, we sit down with Giorgia Howell, Head of Managed Services at Drako, to break down the art and science of smart programmatic advertising. Whether you’re a newbie trader or learning how to manage client expectations better, this one’s packed with gold. Key Takeaways: Custom targeting is a game changer Use geo-targeting, competitive conquesting, and location data to find the right users in the right places. Don’t skip pre-campaign planning Understand your audience before hitting “go.” Market research, demographic insights, and clear campaign goals will make your optimizations easier. Campaigns need love at every stage Georgia walks us through before, during, and after campaign strategies using a real-world example: a nationwide Canadian campaign. Automation is your friend Move beyond manual work—Draco’s tools help simplify complex decisions. Talk to your clients! Clear communication and alignment on KPIs = smoother campaign execution and better results. Custom targeting and solid communication aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they’re the backbone of high-performing campaigns. Take the time to plan, optimize, and talk it out, and you’ll see real results. About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer: Programmatic L&D Support: A monthly retainer providing hands-on training, strategy, and troubleshooting for programmatic teams. Book a Discovery Call: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ Programmatic Training & Coaching: Executive Membership: for the busy mid-level to senior or director-level programmatic ninja looking for a structured, high-impact way to stay ahead of evolving trends, sharpen your optimization skills, and connect with like-minded experts Join Here: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership    Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program   Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course   Timestamp: (00:01) - Welcome to the LinkedIN Live Podcast & guest intro (11:57) - Optimizing Ad Campaigns for Audience Targeting (18:06) - Advanced Audience Targeting Strategies (30:19) - Strategic Campaign Planning and Execution (36:32) - DraKo Team Appreciation and Update   Meet Our Guest: Giorgia Howe https://www.linkedin.com/in/giorgia-howe/  Drako https://www.drakomediagroup.com/  Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach https://www.heleneparker.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/   Manuela Cortes - Co-Host  Programmatic Digest In Espanol  https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/ Learn Programmatic As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/  As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ Programmatic Coaching Newsletter:https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/    Programmatic Digest https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest      Looking for programmatic training/coaching?  Sign up to our Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program  Self-Paced Course: Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility. https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course  Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below: https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/   

This is the second episode in a special 3-part series sponsored by Drako! Check out the YouTube Interview here:  https://youtu.be/jXgKLxwVj44  In this episode, I talk with Natalia Ruelas from Drako about her journey from studying marketing in Canada to becoming an account manager in programmatic advertising. She shares how important it is to research and measure everything to help campaigns perform better. We discuss why small teams and good communication matter in this complex ad world. We also dive into campaign optimization. Natalia explains why it’s not enough to have a plan, you need SMEs that can adjust to real-world situations. We talk about: What does real-world flexibility in campaign planning look like? What are common mistakes with targeting and geofencing? How can you use data to improve campaign performance? Natalia also shares how a positive attitude can drive creativity and success. She encourages marketers to be honest with clients and work together openly. This episode is full of tips and fresh ideas to help you plan smarter and feel inspired. Stay tuned for more on data-first media planning and campaign measurement!   Sign up to the Live podcast Episode 178 via LinkedIN Live:  Audience First, Attribution Always: A Practical Workshop for Traders https://www.linkedin.com/events/audiencefirst-attributionalways7333313761019142144/theater/ About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer: Programmatic L&D Support: A monthly retainer providing hands-on training, strategy, and troubleshooting for programmatic teams. Book a Discovery Call: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ Programmatic Training & Coaching:   Executive Membership: for the busy mid-level to senior or director-level programmatic ninja looking for a structured, high-impact way to stay ahead of evolving trends, sharpen your optimization skills, and connect with like-minded experts Join Here: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership      Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program     Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course   Timestamp: (00:02) Media Planning With Data-First Mindset (10:25) Optimizing Campaign Planning With Data (23:39) Effective Campaign Planning With Data Partners (36:51) Embracing the Superpower of Happiness     Meet Our Guest: Natalia Ruelas https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliaruelast/  Drako https://www.drakomediagroup.com/  Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach https://www.heleneparker.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/   Manuela Cortes - Co-Host  Programmatic Digest In Espanol  https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/ Learn Programmatic As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/  As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ Programmatic Coaching Newsletter:https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/    Programmatic Digest https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest      Looking for programmatic training/coaching?  Sign up to our Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program  Self-Paced Course: Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility. https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course  Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below: https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/   

This is the first episode in a special 3-part series sponsored by Drako! In this episode, I talk with Stewart Sullivan, CEO of Drako, about his journey from being a marketing student at Concordia University to leading a fast-growing programmatic data company. Stewart shares what it’s like to work in ad tech as a former trader and why it’s so important for media buyers and data partners to work closely together. You’ll learn how Drako grew from just reselling a DSP to building their own powerful location data tools that help solve real problems for advertisers. We talk about: How to choose the right data partner (and why it’s often confusing) The biggest myths about using custom data in campaigns Why location data is key for reaching the right audience and beating competitors How to use geo-targeting and data signals to improve campaign performance Stewart also gives great advice for marketers: Ask questions, dig into your data, and don’t just stick with what’s familiar. This episode is packed with tips for making smarter programmatic decisions — and it’s just the beginning. Stay tuned for parts 2 on Media Planning with a Data-First Mindset  and 3 on Data Measurement and Attribution of this special series with Drako.  Sign up to the Live podcast Episode 178 via LinkedIN Live:  Audience First, Attribution Always: A Practical Workshop for Traders https://www.linkedin.com/events/audiencefirst-attributionalways7333313761019142144/theater/ About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer: Programmatic L&D Support: A monthly retainer providing hands-on training, strategy, and troubleshooting for programmatic teams. Book a Discovery Call: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ Programmatic Training & Coaching:   Executive Membership: for the busy mid-level to senior or director-level programmatic ninja looking for a structured, high-impact way to stay ahead of evolving trends, sharpen your optimization skills, and connect with like-minded experts Join Here: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership      Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program     Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course   Timestamp: (00:00) - Choosing Data Partners in Programmatic (07:48) - Choosing the Right Data Partner (17:05) - Optimizing Data Onboarding and Segmentation (26:16) - Customizing Data Signals for Campaign Success (37:54) - Customizing Data Segments for Success     Meet Our Guest: Stewart Sullivan https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewartsullivan/  Drako  https://www.drakomediagroup.com/  Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach https://www.heleneparker.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/   Manuela Cortes - Co-Host  Programmatic Digest In Espanol  https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/ Learn Programmatic As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/  As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ Programmatic Coaching Newsletter:https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/    Programmatic Digest https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest      Looking for programmatic training/coaching?  Sign up to our Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program  Self-Paced Course: Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility. https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course  Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below: https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/   

https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program What it is: A 4-week live accelerator for programmatic traders and ad ops pros who want to level up fast inside the DSP, using real campaigns and walkthroughs. Who it's for: Junior traders who want hands-on experience Client service or ad ops pros managing campaigns In-house marketers pivoting to programmatic Traditional Media Buyer What they’ll get: Weekly live DSP walkthroughs (recorded if they miss it) Campaign optimization using real examples (Bring your own or use our case studies) Slack channel access for Q&A and peer support Hélène’s personal feedback on one campaign setup or report Optional 1:1 onboarding call (first 15 signups) Price: $199/month for 3 months Cancel anytime – No commitment after July    Sign Up by emailing me at helene@heleneparker.com or https://buy.stripe.com/9B628k2KMeODgWZ7TD5ZC00 #programmatic  

In this episode, we’re joined by Augusto Romano, co-founder of Digo, and Anthony Gonzalez from JWP Connatix, to break down how smart video strategies and real partnerships are helping brands connect with the growing U.S. and Hispanic audience. Augusto shares how Digo was built to serve vibrant communities such as  Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Salvadorans, and more through premium video content. Meanwhile, Anthony shows us how JWP Connatix powers this mission with advanced tech to deliver and monetize video content effectively. Together, they explain how viewer habits are shifting; everyone’s watching more video and why publishers and advertisers need to keep up. The solution? Using tools like Private Marketplaces (PMPs) and Demand-Side Platforms (DSPs) to reach Hispanic audiences in brand-safe, culturally relevant ways. But the real secret sauce? Authenticity. Augusto and Anthony talk about why brands need to understand cultural nuances, not just demographics, to truly connect. By building long-term, genuine partnerships and embracing digital transformation, especially among Latin American and Spanish-language media, brands can unlock the full power of the Hispanic market. Tune in for an insider’s look at what it takes to create meaningful connections and successful campaigns in today’s video-first world. 🚨 New cohort kicks off next week! Just a few seats left in the Reach and Frequency™ program—designed for programmatic buyers and ad ops pros ready to optimize smarter and activate with confidence. Don’t miss your chance to join this hands-on, expert-led experience. 👉 Secure your spot now: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program    About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer: Programmatic L&D Support: A monthly retainer providing hands-on training, strategy, and troubleshooting for programmatic teams. Book a Discovery Call: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ Programmatic Training & Coaching:   Executive Membership: for the busy mid-level to senior or director-level programmatic ninja looking for a structured, high-impact way to stay ahead of evolving trends, sharpen your optimization skills, and connect with like-minded experts Join Here: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership      🦄 NEW cohort starting next week: Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program     Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course   Timestamp: (00:03) - Video Technology Partnership in Media (09:00) - Hispanic Audience Engagement Through Premium Partnerships (23:28) - Building Authentic Partnerships for Brand Engagement (36:10) - Direct Contact Information for Partners     Meet Our Guest: Augusto Romano LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augustoromano/ Digo Hispanic Media: https://digohispanicmedia.com Anthony Gonsalves Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agonsalves/ JWP Connatix: https://connatix.com Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach https://www.heleneparker.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/ Learn Programmatic As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/  As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ Programmatic Coaching Newsletter:https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/    Programmatic Digest https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest    Manuela Cortes - Co-Host  Programmatic Digest In Espanol  https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/   Looking for programmatic training/coaching?  Sign up to our Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program  Self-Paced Course: Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility. https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course  Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below: https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/   

En este episodio hablamos con Álvaro Cuesta sobre cómo los publishers pueden optimizar sus estrategias de monetización a través del video. Álvaro comparte recomendaciones clave, incluyendo la elección de los mejores vendors de video, la importancia de revisar el archivo ads.txt y seleccionar partners estratégicos. Además, ofrece consejos tanto para publishers grandes como pequeños, destacando el valor de asistir a eventos de la industria, mejorar la oferta de producto y sumar video como un pilar central en la estrategia digital.

In this episode, we sit down with Bob Regular, CEO of Infolinks, to explore the evolving world of programmatic advertising and the rising importance of curation. Bob walks us through his journey in digital media—from the dial-up days to today’s complex ad tech ecosystem—offering valuable insights along the way. We dive into how Supply Path Optimization (SPO) is playing a critical role in improving the connection between advertisers and publishers by enhancing media quality and eliminating unnecessary middlemen. Using the analogy of choosing the best billboard location, Bob explains how digital ad placement is just as strategic, with audience targeting and creative messaging being essential for success. We also touch on the often-overlooked challenges of inconsistent naming conventions and unclear attention metrics, and how curation and SPO can help simplify and improve the overall advertising experience. The conversation wraps up with a closer look at the differences between direct and reseller relationships in ad tech, and how SPO is shifting industry priorities. Bob shares key takeaways from recent training sessions with media holding companies, including the major reduction in non-value-adding players since the adoption of ads.txt. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of digital advertising and how we can build stronger, more transparent partnerships in the ecosystem. About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer: Programmatic L&D Support: A monthly retainer providing hands-on training, strategy, and troubleshooting for programmatic teams. Book a Discovery Call: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ Programmatic Training & Coaching:   Executive Membership: for the busy mid-level to senior or director-level programmatic ninja looking for a structured, high-impact way to stay ahead of evolving trends, sharpen your optimization skills, and connect with like-minded experts Join Here: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership      Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program     Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course   Timestamp: (01:44) Evolution of Digital Media Industry (09:27) Publisher Placement Curation Strategy  (15:07) Challenges in Ad Serving and Curation  (25:18) The Complexity of Ad Tech Pathways  (33:15) Perspectives on Premium Advertising Approach  (38:12) Rebuilding Collaboration in Advertising Industry     Meet Our Guest: Bob Regular  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rregular/  Infolinks Media  http://www.infolinks.com Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach https://www.heleneparker.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/ Learn Programmatic As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/  As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ Programmatic Coaching Newsletter:https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/    Programmatic Digest https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest    Manuela Cortes - Co-Host  Programmatic Digest In Espanol  https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/   Looking for programmatic training/coaching?  Sign up to our Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program  Self-Paced Course: Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility. https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course    Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below: https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/   

In this episode of the Programmatic Digest Podcast, Shannon Rudd and Allie Lichtenberg joined us to talk about their experience at the AdTech Economic Forum, an event created by Rob Beeler and Tom Triscari. Allie shared how excited she was to win a free ticket, showing how helpful it is to give new professionals chances to grow. Shannon talked about how the forum felt welcoming and praised the organizers for including different voices, especially in talks about money and business deals in ad tech. They also discussed big changes happening in the ad tech world — like how people’s online behavior is changing and how AI is starting to play a bigger role in making money from content. They mentioned smart ideas from speakers like Andrew Casale about how DSPs and SSPs are changing.  We also celebrated how important community is, especially groups like the Women in Programmatic Network and A very special Thank You to Advance Women for bringing this together. Shannon and Allie talked about how male allies can help support women in ad tech and why that's so important.    Announcement   We have opened The Reach and Frequency MEMBERSHIP, exclusive to programmatic ninjas, adops, adtech unicorns looking for a community where we can learn freely and judgement free.  https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership    About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer: Programmatic L&D Support: A monthly retainer providing hands-on training, strategy, and troubleshooting for programmatic teams. Book a Discovery Call: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ Programmatic Training & Coaching: Executive Membership: for the busy mid-level to senior or director-level programmatic ninja looking for a structured, high-impact way to stay ahead of evolving trends, sharpen your optimization skills, and connect with like-minded experts Join Here: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership    Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program   Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course   Timestamp: (00:02) - AdTech Economic Forum Takeaways (06:25) - AdTech Industry Insights and Trends (15:43) - Evolving AdTech Measurement and Diversity (30:40) - Empowering Women in AdTech Networking (34:50) - LinkedIn Networking and Engagement     Meet Our Guest: Allie Lichtenberg https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonmottolalichtenberg/  Shannon Rudd https://www.linkedin.com/in/srudd/ Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach https://www.heleneparker.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/ Learn Programmatic As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/  As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ Programmatic Coaching Newsletter:https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/    Programmatic Digest https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest    Manuela Cortes - Co-Host  Programmatic Digest In Espanol  https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/   Looking for programmatic training/coaching?  Sign up to our Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program  Self-Paced Course: Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility. https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course  Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below: https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/

In this episode of the *Programmatic Digest Podcast*, we hear the unique career journeys of Shannon Rudd and Allie Lichtenberg into adtech. Allie, who started in biology and chemistry, now runs her own programmatic media buying company, Ad Lucem. Shannon shares her experience moving from publishing to consulting for midsize publishers, showing how the ad tech world is always changing.   We also talk about important industry topics like privacy (specifically PETs) and diversity at tech conferences. Women and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) representation matters, and we highlight the humor, support, and progress happening at these events.   The episode also dives into the hidden heroes of programmatic advertising, the "programmatic ninjas" in ad operations. We discuss new tools for brand safety and media trading, as well as insights from ad tech pioneer Brian O’Kelley on improving user experience. Plus, we look at how community-driven brands like Marketecture Live and Advance Women are shaping the future of the industry.     Special shoutout to our honorary mentions: Advance Women: https://advancewomenofficial.com/  Priti Powell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pritip7/  Hollis Guerra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollisguerra/  Sophia Westrich:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiawestrich/   Melinda Han Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindahan/  Mike Hauptman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljhauptman/  ATG: https://www.adtechgod.com/  Admonster: https://www.admonsters.com/conferences-and-events/  Lynne D Johnson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnedjohnson/   Advance Women: https://advancewomenofficial.com/  Priti Powell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pritip7/  Hollis Guerra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollisguerra/  Sophia Westrich:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiawestrich/   Jeremy Bloom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremypbloom/  Amelia Tran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameliatran/  Ari Paparo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aripaparo/  Chris Luna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-luna-a85017b/  Rob Beeler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertabeeler/  Melissa Chapman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissashaychapman/   Brian O’Kelley: https://youtu.be/_kjfCrHvnGk?si=RM3IQpcXpAQXFCXx  Iesha White: https://youtu.be/2edt1xrHNdQ?si=cFS2eQfejKLW21mz  Albert Thompson: https://youtu.be/fd_zzQZx-PI?si=o1eI_IFuAtsFvFfp  Announcement   We have opened The Reach and Frequency MEMBERSHIP, exclusive to programmatic ninjas, adops, adtech unicorns looking for a community where we can learn freely and judgement free.  https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership    About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer: Customized training roadmaps for teams focusing on campaign performance, cross-departmental communication, and revenue growth. Request a sample training roadmap A hybrid model where we activate and train in DSPs. Book a Free Call   Programmatic Training & Coaching: Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here Waitlist for Future Workshops: Join Here  Timestamp: (00:02) - Programmatic Industry Insights From Mockitecture (14:39) - Privacy and Diversity in Tech Conferences (18:45) - Industry Diversity and Inclusion Discussion (31:52) - Ad Ops in Ad Tech (40:28) - Brand Safety and Ad Tech Innovations (46:59) - Evolution of Tech Industry Insights     Meet Our Guest: Allie Lichtenberg https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonmottolalichtenberg/  Shannon Rudd https://www.linkedin.com/in/srudd/ Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach https://www.heleneparker.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/ Learn Programmatic As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/  As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ Programmatic Coaching Newsletter:https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/    Programmatic Digest https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest    Manuela Cortes - Co-Host  Programmatic Digest In Espanol  https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/   Looking for programmatic training/coaching?    Sign up to our Accelerator Program:  A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program    Self-Paced Course: Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility. https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course  Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below: https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/     

Ann Tarasevich, the visionary leader of Access Marketplace, joins us to unravel the complexities of leadership in the ad tech world. With her rich experience at the intersection of academia and digital marketing, Ann takes us on a journey through Ukraine's evolving programmatic advertising landscape. Discover how her company’s innovative technology connects advertisers and publishers and gain insights into the programmatic SSP platform, all while understanding the dynamics between buy-side and sell-side players. Ann’s story is not just about technology; it's about her personal evolution and the allies who supported her rise in a male-dominated industry. The conversation takes a poignant turn as we spotlight the hurdles women encounter on their path to leadership in tech and ad tech. With only 25% of executive positions held by women, Ann shares personal anecdotes of being underestimated and facing pay disparities. We discuss the critical role of confidence, authenticity, and community support in overcoming stereotypes and advancing careers. Companies have a part to play too, by fostering environments that celebrate women’s achievements and invest in leadership training to bolster growth and self-confidence. It’s a candid dialogue on breaking barriers and seizing opportunities for women leaders. Empowerment and continuous learning are themes that resonate throughout our discussion. We highlight how fiction and insightful podcasts can shape leadership skills and bolster resilience. Ann emphasizes the importance of networks like the Women in Programmatic Network, inviting listeners to connect and share experiences. With a hint at her future plans of writing a book, Ann illustrates the power of staying connected within the community. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and a roadmap to leadership excellence for women in ad tech. Join Our Next FREE Workshop (March 27th): Sign Up Here  or below: https://www.heleneparker.com/freeworkshop/  About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer: Customized training roadmaps for teams focusing on campaign performance, cross-departmental communication, and revenue growth. Request a sample training roadmap A hybrid model where we activate and train in DSPs. Book a Free Call   Programmatic Training & Coaching: Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here Waitlist for Future Workshops: Join Here Timestamp: (00:02) - Women in Leadership in Ad Tech (10:52) - Challenges and Growth for Women Leaders (20:53) - Continuous Learning and Personal Growth (30:59) - Connect With Women in Programmatic   Meet Our Guest: Ann Tarasewicz https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-tarasewicz-759200b3/   Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach Helene Parker Consulting LLC https://www.heleneparker.com/    Programmatic Media Experts | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/      Learn Programmatic  As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/  As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/  Programmatic Coaching Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6881736433963474944    Programmatic Digest  Youtube | LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest    Manuela Cortes - Co-Host  Programmatic Digest In Espanol  Manuela Cortes | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/    Looking for programmatic training/coaching?    SIgn up to our Accelerator Program:  A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program    Self-Paced Course: Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility. https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course  Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below: https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/ 

Trailblazing Women in Ad Tech: Insights from StackAdapt Leaders In this episode, we welcome three inspiring women from StackAdapt who share their journeys and wisdom on navigating the ad tech industry with confidence and curiosity: Anna Grodecka-Grad, Senior Vice President of Global Client Services, discusses balancing technical expertise with strategic business acumen. Lydia Berlacher, Head of Commercial Strategy and Operations, reveals how she filters valuable insights amid distractions. Zeynep Akkalyoncu, Lead Data Scientist, explores how curiosity fuels interdisciplinary collaboration. Key Topics & Takeaways: Empowering Mentorship & Confidence Building (08:35): Anna and Zeynep reflect on mentors who saw their potential before they did, particularly female leaders who provided guidance and opportunities. The Power of Negotiation (17:51): A discussion on self-advocacy, knowing your worth, and strategic negotiation for career growth. Navigating Imposter Syndrome & Personal Growth (26:00): Lydia and Zeynep share strategies for overcoming self-doubt, building a support network, and continuous learning. Personal & Professional Development (32:12): How daily routines enhance focus and growth, plus the importance of setting goals and celebrating achievements. Practicing Gratitude & Self-Care (40:05): Recognizing the women who influence and uplift us, especially as International Women’s Day approaches. Join Our Next FREE Workshop (March 27th): Sign Up Here About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer: Customized training roadmaps for teams focusing on campaign performance, cross-departmental communication, and revenue growth. Request a sample training roadmap A hybrid model where we activate and train in DSPs. Book a Free Call Timestamped Breakdown: (00:02) Women in Ad Tech Leadership (08:35) Empowering Mentors and Confidence Building (17:51) The Power of Negotiation Skills (26:00) Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Personal Growth (32:12) Personal and Professional Development (36:05) Building Confidence and Achieving Success (40:05) Practicing Gratitude and Self-Care Connect with Our Guests: Anna Grodecka-Grad Zeynep Akkalyoncu Lydia Berlacher   Meet the Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach, Helene Parker Consulting LLC Website LinkedIn Manuela Cortes - Co-Host, Programmatic Digest in Español LinkedIn   Learn Programmatic: As a Team: Custom Training Workshops As an Individual: Online Course Newsletter: Join on LinkedIn Programmatic Digest: YouTube | LinkedIn   Programmatic Training & Coaching: Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here Waitlist for Future Workshops: Join Here

Ever wondered how to truly connect with your audience and level up your marketing? In this episode, I sit down with Crystal Foote, CEO of Digital Culture Group, to talk about the power of targeted audience growth. Crystal shares her journey—from finding inspiration to taking action—and how she’s helping brands reach diverse audiences in a meaningful way.   We dive into why understanding different audience segments is key and why one-size-fits-all marketing just doesn’t cut it. Crystal and I chat about using AI and automation to improve targeting while avoiding the pitfalls of oversimplifying audiences. Plus, we explore the impact of smart audio advertising and how it helps brands speak to multicultural households in a more personal way.   We also get real about rejection and resilience in marketing. Crystal shares her take on staying strong, showing proof of your work, and bouncing back from setbacks. We touch on why diversity and representation matter—not just in advertising but in education too—and how seeing yourself in stories can be life-changing.   Crystal’s passion and dedication to inclusivity shine through in this episode, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to grow their audience with authenticity and impact. Tune in for great insights, inspiring stories, and practical takeaways to transform your marketing approach! Sign up to our next FREE workshop on March 27th: https://www.heleneparker.com/freeworkshop    About Us: Our mission is to teach historically excluded people how to get started in programmatic media buying and find a dream job.  We do so by providing on-demand lessons via the Reach and Frequency® program (https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com ), a dope community with like-minded programmatic experts, and live free and paid group coaching.  We can help 2 ways:  Customized a training roadmap for teams of programmatic traders (https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ ), adops, customer success, AMs, etc focusing on campaigns performance increase, cross-departmental communication, and revenue growth overall  🌟Request a sample training roadmap❗️  Hybrid model where we activate and we train   Interested in training?  Book a Free Call (https://www.heleneparker.com/contact/) Timestamp: (00:03) - Empowering Growth Audience Targeting Strategies (10:11) - Diversifying Audience Targeting Strategies (17:39) - Enhancing Audience Insight and Engagement (23:21) - Optimizing Audience Insight and Engagement (33:48) - Overcoming Rejection and Finding Resilience (41:36) - Inspiring Diversity and Encouragement   Meet Our Guest: Crystal Foote https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-foote/  https://www.digitalculture.group/  Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach Helene Parker Consulting LLC https://www.heleneparker.com/    Programmatic Media Experts | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/      Learn Programmatic  As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/  As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/  Programmatic Coaching Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6881736433963474944    Programmatic Digest  Youtube | LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest    Manuela Cortes - Co-Host  Programmatic Digest In Espanol  Manuela Cortes | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/  Did you know that I have a private membership community where we meet to learn and grow together? We do optimization bootcamps, reporting and analysis, hands on keyboard training with other fellow traders and adops? Get the details here: programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/membershipwaitlist Join our next training program by signing up to our waitlist below: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/live-training-waitlist?test=true