AdTechGod Pod

At Marketecture Live in NYC, Bob Lord (President, Horizon Media) and Obele Brown-West (President, Colle McVoy), with Mike Shields (Founder, Next in Media) break down innovation cycles, legacy tech challenges, and why human creativity still matters in an AI-driven world. Takeaways: AI is creating massive confusion, but also an opportunity Legacy systems are the biggest barrier to progress The future is platform-based, not siloed AI won’t replace creativity, but will scale execution Upskilling talent is more important than replacing it Legal and transparency concerns are rising fast Agency business models must evolve Creative and media are converging again Chapters : 00:00 Introduction to Marketecture Live 01:23 The “AI Armageddon” Debate Begins 01:54 What Clients Are Really Saying About AI 02:53 Why Brands and Agencies Aren’t Ready Yet 03:28 The Need for New Marketing Operating Systems 04:40 Can AI Replace Agencies? 06:00 Legacy Tech Is Slowing Everything Down 07:30 Open Ecosystems vs. Fragmentation 08:28 Do New Agencies Have the Advantage? 10:06 AI, Jobs, and the Need for Upskilling 12:11 Rethinking Agency Pricing Models 14:04 Connecting Marketing to Business Outcomes 15:16 The Limits of AI in Creativity 17:07 AI Legal Risks and Client Concerns 19:19 Responsible AI Use in Agencies 20:46 The Future: AI as a Growth Engine 21:03 The Reunification of Creative and Media 22:05 Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katie Daleo, GM of the CPG ads business at DoorDash, joins the AdTechGod Pod to discuss how retail media is evolving and how DoorDash is helping CPG brands reach consumers in new ways. She shares her journey from Right Media and Unilever to building retail media capabilities at Jet and DoorDash, along with insights into data, targeting, and the future of advertising. Katie explains how DoorDash uses closed-loop measurement, dish-level targeting, and off-site audience activation to help brands drive performance. She also discusses the growing complexity of retail media networks, why simplification matters for advertisers, and how AI and data will shape the next phase of the ad tech ecosystem. Takeaways Katie Daleo’s career spans early ad tech, CPG brand management, and retail media leadership. DoorDash connects CPG brands with consumers using its marketplace and retail media platform. Dish-level targeting lets brands reach users based on the meals and cuisines they order. Closed-loop measurement allows advertisers to track campaigns directly to purchases on DoorDash. Retail media networks must balance simplification with tailored solutions for different brands. AI and data analysis are becoming key tools for faster consumer discovery and decision making. Strong leadership comes from curiosity, intentional career moves, and understanding personal strengths and gaps. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Katie Daleo and the DoorDash CPG ads business 01:00 Katie’s path from Right Media to Unilever and into retail media 04:00 How DoorDash’s retail media platform works for CPG brands 05:18 Dish-level targeting and how brands reach food-affinity audiences 07:25 The role of data science and insights teams in advertising strategy 08:22 Trends shaping retail media and advertising over the next year 10:20 Closed-loop measurement and full-funnel advertising on DoorDash 12:15 AI, consumer discovery, and the future of search and advertising 14:08 Using DoorDash data for off-site advertising campaigns 15:37 Building partnerships and scaling DoorDash retail media 18:16 Leadership lessons and building a successful career in ad tech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recorded live at the Marketecture Live Conference in New York City, this episode brings together Cosette Chaput, CEO & Co-Founder, Always Alpha; Allyson Felix, Co-Founder, Always Alpha; Wes Felix, Co-Founder, Always Alpha; and Zoe Ruderman, Chief Content Officer, ADWEEK, to unpack how female athletes are reshaping brand strategy, storytelling, and ROI. From breaking outdated sports marketing models to building authentic athlete-driven campaigns, this conversation dives into why brands need to rethink their approach now, before the window closes ahead of LA28. Takeaways Women’s sports is a high-growth business, not a trend, delivering strong and compounding ROI. Traditional sports marketing models were built for men and do not translate effectively to female audiences. Brands miss the mark by targeting male audiences instead of engaging female consumers authentically. Female athletes outperform influencers in engagement and trust despite having smaller followings. The biggest opportunity lies in storytelling. Female athletes bring relatable, real-life narratives that drive deeper connection. Waiting until major events like the Olympics is too late. Effective campaigns require long-term buildup. Investment in women’s sports is currently top-heavy, creating sustainability risks if the broader ecosystem is not developed. Brands that win collaborate with athletes as partners, not just endorsers. Categories like beauty are leading the way, while sectors like finance and automotive still lag behind. The window of opportunity is open but closing fast as competition and valuations rise. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the session and why women’s sports matter now 00:56 The origin story of Always Alpha 02:43 The problem with one-size-fits-all athlete representation 03:18 Why women’s sports is still misunderstood as a trend 04:40 Why traditional sports marketing does not work for women 05:32 Looking ahead to LA28 and the future of brand investment 06:19 The risk of a women’s sports bubble 08:15 What brands should be doing differently by LA28 09:08 The power of 360 storytelling in women’s sports 10:15 Authenticity and relatability as marketing advantages 11:23 What brands are getting wrong today 12:39 Why storytelling beats templated campaigns 14:05 Female athletes vs influencers, engagement and impact 15:19 ROI in women’s sports and brand trust 16:07 The education gap with brands entering sports 16:59 Why brands need to act now 17:26 Categories leading the way (beauty, retail) 18:17 Opportunities in underrepresented industries 19:00 How Always Alpha defines success today 20:17 What is driving optimism for the future 23:05 Closing remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Douglass, founder of Reverve, joins AdTechGod to unpack what modern B2B marketing actually needs to look like now. From her journey through Citibank, Teads, and Channel Factory to building a consultancy that stitches PR, social, and content into one strategy, Lauren shares why authenticity and point of view beat polished jargon every time. They dive into the real grind of content creation, how personal brands will drive B2B growth into 2026, and where AI helps without replacing the human connection that makes marketing work. Takeaways Lauren Douglass has a rich marketing background, having worked with major companies like Citibank and Channel Factory. Reverve was founded to simplify and enhance B2B marketing strategies, focusing on integration across channels. Content creation is more challenging than many realize, requiring organization and planning. The future of marketing will heavily rely on personal branding and authentic storytelling. Brands that embrace personality and authenticity will stand out in the competitive landscape. AI will play a significant role in content creation, but human connection remains vital. Consistency in content creation is key, even when results are not immediately visible. Embarrassment and vulnerability are part of the journey in building a personal brand. Companies should encourage their employees to share their unique stories and perspectives. The marketing landscape is shifting towards more human-centric approaches, moving away from corporate jargon. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lauren Douglass and Her Journey 02:58 The Evolution of Marketing in B2B 05:38 Content Creation Challenges and Predictions for 2026 08:22 Finding Balance in Content Quality and Frequency 11:17 The Importance of Personal Branding 13:57 Navigating the Future of Advertising 16:46 Embracing Authenticity in Marketing 19:39 The Core of Effective Marketing 22:27 AI's Impact on Content Creation 24:03 The Passion Behind Marketing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Linsey Loy, Head of Strategic Development and Executive Engagement at Publicis Groupe, shares her path from broadcast journalism to agency leadership, how pitch processes are changing, why unified measurement is now essential for CMOs to align marketing with real business outcomes, and how trust, data, and identity strategies shape stronger performance while resilient, people first leadership helps teams grow and thrive. Takeaways The advertising industry is volatile with frequent mergers and acquisitions. Lindsey’s career path has been non-linear, emphasizing the importance of adaptability. Client expectations have evolved, requiring agencies to be more agile and responsive. Unified measurement strategies are crucial for understanding business growth. Data privacy compliance is non-negotiable for agencies in the data business. Building trust with clients is essential for long-term relationships. Empowering younger generations in the industry is a priority for Lindsey. Success is defined by personal fulfillment, not just titles or money. Humanity and communication skills are vital in leadership roles. Creating a supportive work environment fosters better team dynamics. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lindsey Loy and the AdTech Landscape 02:26 Lindsey’s Career Journey and Industry Insights 05:35 Evolving Client Expectations and Agency Roles 08:43 The Importance of Unified Measurement Strategies 12:07 Data Privacy and Compliance in Advertising 14:38 Building Trust and Value in Client Relationships 18:33 Career Progression and Empowering Future Generations 22:33 The Role of Humanity in Leadership and Team Dynamics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, Alyssa Furth, Senior Manager at Credera, shares her journey in the marketing and technology sectors. She discusses her intentional path into the industry, her experiences at Horizon Media, and the importance of bridging the gap between AdTech and MarTech. Alyssa emphasizes the challenges of data integration and the need for a cohesive understanding of the customer journey. Additionally, she addresses the unique challenges women face in tech and the importance of confidence and community support. Takeaways Alyssa has been intentional about her career in marketing. She credits her success to strong female leaders in her early career. The industry is undergoing significant transitions, especially in data and technology. Bridging AdTech and MarTech is crucial for effective marketing strategies. Data integration is a major challenge for marketers today. Alyssa emphasizes the importance of understanding the customer journey. Women in tech face unique challenges but can find support in community. Confidence is key in navigating the tech industry. Asking questions is essential for learning and growth. Alyssa enjoys breaking down complex problems into manageable solutions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alyssa Furth and the Podcast 02:28 Alyssa's Journey into AdTech and MarTech 13:04 Bridging AdTech and MarTech 17:50 Challenges in Data Integration 19:43 Alyssa's Career Insights and Personal Growth 21:53 Being a Woman in a Male-Dominated Industry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, host AdTechGod interviews Mike Zeman, Chief Marketing Officer of Life360. They discuss Mike's journey through various prestigious companies to his current role at Life360, emphasizing the importance of customer centricity and trust in advertising. Mike shares insights on leveraging location data for advertising, evolving trends in the industry, and the significance of brand building. They also touch on the impact of AI on careers in marketing and the value of mentorship and networking in professional development. Takeaways Customer centricity is crucial in marketing. Life360 aims to be a family super app. Trust is essential when integrating advertising solutions. Location data can enhance advertising relevance. Marketing effectiveness lies in extremes: evocative and performant. Brand building is gaining importance in the advertising landscape. Emotional storytelling resonates with consumers. AI is transforming the advertising industry and job roles. Mentorship provides mutual learning opportunities. Networking is vital for staying informed and connected. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Life360 and Mike Zeman 01:54 Mike's Journey to Life360 03:44 The Role of Trust in Advertising Solutions 06:21 Leveraging Location Data for Advertising 09:12 Trends in the Advertising Industry 12:55 The Importance of Brand Building 16:43 Navigating AI and Career Development 19:41 The Value of Mentorship and Networking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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