Ep. 49 John Whitmore of 33Across sits down for a conversation with AdTechGod.
Oct 8, 2024
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John Whitmore, Senior VP of Business Development at 33Across, shares his transformative journey in adtech. He discusses the industry's shift from traditional to digital media, highlighting the impact of AI on advertising technology. The conversation turns to the challenges of addressability in a cookie-less world and the ethical responsibilities that come with industry evolution. Additionally, John reflects on the importance of work-life balance, offering insights on achieving happiness amidst changing career dynamics.
John Whitmore highlights the transformative role of AI in adtech, comparing its potential to the early internet's foundational impact on the industry.
The conversation emphasizes the necessity for ethical responsibility in adtech as the industry navigates challenges like data privacy and measurement.
Deep dives
Flash Talking's Industry Impact
Flash Talking is recognized for being a pioneer in the EdTech space by introducing several innovative technologies. It was the first platform to implement dynamic creative optimization, which allows for personalized ad content based on viewer data, enhancing advertising effectiveness. Additionally, it took a significant step by being the first ad server to adopt a cookie-less model and integrate verification processes, adapting to evolving privacy standards. Its continuous efforts in creative management and cross-channel advertising have earned it top rankings on platforms like G2, showcasing its influence in the industry.
John Whitmore's Career Journey
John Whitmore, the SVP of Business Development at 33 Across, shares insights from his extensive career spanning various influential companies. He began his professional journey in media planning during the 1990s at a major ad agency but unintentionally transitioned into the digital advertising realm as the internet started to rise. Whitmore emphasizes the importance of adaptability, mentioning that his diverse experiences across different roles and companies have significantly shaped his skill set and understanding of the industry. His belief in embracing opportunities rather than sticking to a single career path has defined his professional growth.
The Evolution of Ad Tech and AI's Role
The podcast discusses the ongoing evolution within the ad tech landscape, particularly focusing on how artificial intelligence is becoming integral to its future. John Whitmore compares the current development of AI to the early days of the internet, suggesting that it will lay a crucial foundation for addressing challenges such as data privacy and signal loss. He notes that the AI-driven advances will aid in targeting, measurement, and creative processes, which are essential in navigating the current complex advertising environment. As the industry faces a transitional phase, the emphasis on ethics and responsibility in ad tech practices is becoming increasingly important.
John is the Senior Vice President of Business Development at 33Across.
In this episode of the Ad TechGod Pod, John Whitmore, the SVP of Business Development at 33Across, shares his journey in the industry and discusses the future of adtech.
we talk about the changes in media planning over the years, the impact of AI on the industry, and the importance of addressability and measurement. We also touch on the challenges and ethical considerations in the adtech space.
John emphasizes the need for the industry to evolve and take responsibility for its actions. He also shares his perspective on work-life balance and finding happiness in both personal and professional life.
Thank you Flashtalking for sponsoring this episode.
Takeaways
Media planning has evolved significantly over the years, from manual processes to the use of AI and data-driven targeting.
Addressability and measurement are key focus areas in the industry, especially with the impending changes in signal loss and privacy regulations.
The ad tech industry needs to take responsibility for its actions and move towards more ethical and transparent practices.
Finding work-life balance and prioritizing personal happiness is important for long-term success and satisfaction in the industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
01:18 Getting into the Industry and the Evolution of Media Planning
04:45 The Impact of Digital and the Dot-com Boom
07:06 The Future of Ad Tech and the Role of AI
09:40 Addressability and Measurement in the Changing Landscape
15:21 The Challenges and Ethical Considerations in Ad Tech
20:35 Industry Responsibility and the Need for Change
26:10 Work-Life Balance and Finding Happiness in the Industry
28:42 Conclusion and Closing Remarks
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