#102 Building High-Performing Teams & Smarter Testing with John Toskey

In this episode of Always Be Testing, host Tye DeGrange sits down with John Toskey, a seasoned marketing leader with over 25 years of experience in global partner and performance marketing. Having held senior roles at eBay, Affirm, and Opera Software, and now running his own consulting practice, John unpacks lessons from decades of leading high-performing global marketing teams. He shares valuable insights on building diverse and sustainable teams, creating a culture of experimentation, and the importance of asking the right questions when testing. The conversation dives into why diversity in location, experience, and seniority strengthens team performance, how to avoid “talent logjams” and keep growth pathways open, and what it takes to scale a test-and-learn culture while ensuring results are properly shared. John and Tye also explore the balance between data, intuition, and executive alignment in decision-making, the evolving future of performance marketing—from BNPL to retail media to influencer backlash—and the promise and risks of AI in marketing, including generational differences in its adoption. Adding a personal touch, John opens up about his passion for cooking, vegan living, and even bird-watching apps, making this conversation both insightful and relatable.