The Aperiam Podcast

Joe and Corey give their thoughts on this year's Cannes Lion conference and unpack the many retail media announcements.  From Amazon’s partnerships with Roku and Disney to the rise of verticalized commerce stacks, it’s clear: retail media is no longer a niche—it’s the connective tissue of modern advertising.We explore:Was AI the only theme in Cannes?Whether "retail media" is still a useful termThe role of AI in empowering indie agenciesHow marketers should rethink audience, measurement, and branding in an outcomes-driven worldWhy every company is becoming an ad businessIf you’re trying to make sense of the chaos, this one's for you.

In this engaging discussion, Erica Chriss, an expert debater on advertising and marketing, tackles the pivotal topic of cookie deprecation. She and her co-debater, Joe Zawadzki, explore whether this shift is a crisis or an opportunity for innovation in digital identity management. The conversation dives into the tug-of-war between consumer privacy and convenience, the rise of retail media networks, and the industry's struggle to adapt amidst infrastructure changes. With plenty of insights for marketers, the debate is both timely and thought-provoking.

In this engaging discussion, a debate unfolds over whether cookie deprecation marks a crisis or a spark for innovation. The conversation delves into the evolving advertising landscape and its impact on entrepreneurship. Listeners gain insights into the vital nature of understanding market dynamics and building trust in business. The role of artificial intelligence in shaping modern strategies is highlighted, showcasing its importance in fostering efficient operations and customer solutions. This mix of perspectives promises valuable takeaways for CMOs and investors alike.

Dive into the captivating world of M&A in AdTech, where the cyclical market dynamics reveal surprising strategies. Discover why being prepared matters, even if you're not ready to sell. Learn how founders can weave compelling narratives while aligning visions with investors. Enjoy humorous anecdotes that capture the essence of long-term partnerships over fleeting acquisitions. Finally, explore the emotional intricacies of leading a team through mergers and the vital role of communication in these high-stakes transitions.

Microsoft's impending shutdown of Xandr raises questions: is it a strategic pivot towards AI or a retreat? The discussion highlights why big tech struggles with ad tech rollups and how AI is disrupting traditional models. Could we see the emergence of a few mega-DSPs or a plethora of micro-platforms? The conversation also reveals insights on the challenges of merging ad tech firms and the innovative pathways ahead in digital advertising. Plus, think of Microsoft’s moves as akin to Harvard's revolutionary changes in linguistics!

Join ad tech expert Erica Chriss as she dives into a heated debate with Joe Zawadzki about the future of programmatic advertising. They explore whether curated supply-side platforms (SSPs) or discovery-focused demand-side platforms (DSPs) will dominate. The discussion covers the evolution of inventory management and the ethical dilemmas of audience targeting. Erica argues for the need to blend curation and data-driven strategies, tapping into the power of AI and the importance of understanding consumer behavior. This debate sparks crucial questions about ownership and performance in digital advertising.

Fresh insights from Possible 2025 reveal a wave of AI innovation impacting industries, yet a notable silence around macroeconomic discussions raises questions. The absence of this dialogue may be linked to political sensitivities. The podcast also examines the repercussions of recent Google verdicts and the emergence of AI-native companies amidst hiring freezes. As businesses face regulatory challenges, the adaptation to AI in recruiting strategies becomes crucial in navigating a tightening job market.

In this episode of The Aperiam Podcast, Corey Ferengul and Joe Zawadzki are joined by Ana Milicevic—ad tech pioneer, board member at ID5, and co-founder of Sparrow Advisers—for a deep dive into the intersection of telco, identity, and innovation.The trio unpacks:How Bell Canada is building a future-facing retail media stackWhy Canada is the ideal test market for global media innovationThe evolution of retail media networks beyond traditional retailLessons from past failures in telco-ad tech marriages, and what’s different nowWhat it takes to build resilient, anti-fragile companies in uncertain timesWhy AI investment is mission-critical—especially during downturnsFrom shoppable TV and CTV sequencing to data strategy and go-to-market design, this episode is a masterclass in how legacy companies can embrace agility, leverage data, and reimagine their role in the media ecosystem.

Joe and Corey discuss a different take on the federal ruling that Google is a monopoly.  They focus on what's next for marketeers, publishers and start ups.

Media companies are bouncing between open and closed ecosystems for their CTV inventory.  Joe and guest Erica Chriss debate the both sides - should a media provider have an open garden or an closed one?