AdTechGod Pod

In this engaging chat, Amy Lanzi, CEO of Digitas North America, discusses her leap from finance to advertising leadership. She highlights the evolution of client needs, emphasizing a shift toward media investment over creativity. Amy explores the transformative role of AI and synthetic audiences in marketing strategies. She advocates for female leadership, encouraging women to embrace their strengths and support one another. Additionally, she explains how creators act as brand concierges, essential for fostering authentic consumer connections.

In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, host AdTechGod speaks with Dan Callahan and Alexander Groysman from Spectrum Reach about the evolving landscape of television advertising. They discuss their backgrounds, the collaboration between product and revenue teams, the impact of technology and AI on the industry, and the importance of networking. The conversation highlights the balance between traditional and streaming TV, the significance of quality content in advertising, and the role of data in targeting audiences effectively. Takeaways Spectrum Reach is innovating in the ad tech space. Collaboration between product and revenue teams is essential. AI and machine learning are transforming advertising solutions. Streaming complements traditional TV advertising. Quality content is more important than quantity in advertising. Networking is crucial for success in the industry. First-party data is a key differentiator for Spectrum Reach. Educating advertisers about streaming is necessary. The industry is evolving rapidly with new technologies. Building relationships can lead to successful partnerships. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Spectrum Reach and Guests 01:06 Backgrounds of Dan Callahan and Alexander Groysman 03:11 Collaboration Between Product and Revenue Teams 04:31 Evolution of Technology in the Industry 06:30 Impact of Streaming on Advertising 08:10 Targeting Audiences: Connected vs Traditional TV 10:08 Hype vs Reality in Ad Tech 13:23 AI and Innovations in Advertising Solutions 17:25 Leveraging Data for Effective Advertising 19:34 The Importance of Networking in the Industry Mastercard, Roku, Spotify, and Amazon Push Forward in Ads, and this week’s Refresh dives into a wave of product updates and partnerships shaping advertising and media. Mastercard is making a bold move into commerce media, Roku and AppsFlyer are enhancing CTV measurement, Spotify expands its ad exchange reach with new DSP integrations, and Amazon rolls out new devices designed for its upgraded Alexa+ experience. Each update underscores how scale, data access, and measurement are driving the next phase of advertising innovation. 5 Key Highlights: Mastercard Commerce Media Launch: Mastercard formally enters the ads business with onsite and offsite media offerings, leveraging transaction insights from 500M cardholders and 159B annual transactions to create scale-driven opportunities for advertisers. Roku & AppsFlyer Partnership: The integration expands into a two-way API connection for stronger cross-channel measurement, giving advertisers tools to validate CTV’s performance impact on mobile and social behaviors. Spotify’s Ad Tech Expansion: Spotify Ad Exchange now integrates with Amazon DSP and Yahoo DSP, boosting inventory accessibility and enabling richer data-driven targeting, while programmatic adoption is already up 142% year-to-date. Amazon Alexa+ Devices: Four new Echo devices debut with chips and sensors tailored for conversational AI, positioning Alexa+ as a more personalized assistant woven into daily routines, from smart home control to wellness nudges. Commerce Media Growth Trend: Mastercard’s move highlights how vertical-specific media networks (financial, travel, retail) are proliferating, with offsite inventory and data governance emerging as key factors for advertiser adoption. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a captivating discussion, Ari Paparo, an ad tech entrepreneur, and Terence Kawaja, an industry veteran, explore how AI and consolidation are reshaping the advertising landscape. Tom Deerlein shares the inspiring story of the TD Foundation, emphasizing the impact of rapid crisis aid for veterans. Agency leaders Lauren Wetzel and Sam Bloom delve into the evolving role of agencies, the importance of data autonomy, and fostering people-first cultures in AI-driven environments. Tune in for insights on authenticity, live advertising, and the future of the industry!

In this episode of the AdTechGod pod, host AdTechGod speaks with Kelly Metz, Chief Investment Officer at Spark Foundry. They discuss Kelly's career journey through the advertising and media landscape, the importance of relationships in the industry, and the diverse clientele at Spark Foundry. Kelly shares insights on the evolving role of a CIO, the impact of AI on client expectations, and the shift towards connected TV in media strategies. The conversation also touches on balancing personal and professional life in the fast-paced advertising world. Takeaways Kelly emphasizes the importance of building relationships in the advertising industry. She believes that media is inherently fun and constantly evolving. Kelly's role as a CIO involves navigating both client and media partner relationships. Understanding technology is essential for effective media investment. Clients often expect immediate efficiency from AI, which is a misconception. The shift to connected TV has changed how brands approach media strategies. Kelly advocates for a deeper understanding of audience insights for better outcomes. She highlights the need for simplicity in navigating complex media ecosystems. Balancing work and personal life is crucial for long-term happiness in the industry. Kelly enjoys activities like going to the beach and playing pickleball to unwind. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kelly Metz and Her Journey 03:01 The Importance of Relationships in Advertising 05:33 Understanding Spark Foundry's Diverse Clientele 08:19 The Role of a CIO in Media Investment 11:06 Navigating AI and Client Expectations 14:02 The Shift in Media Strategies with Connected TV 16:34 Balancing Personal and Professional Life in Advertising Google’s Antitrust Remedies, Gemini in Chrome, and IAS’s $1.9B Buyout This week’s episode of The Refresh unpacks major shifts in the adtech landscape. Kait covers the remedies phase of Google’s adtech antitrust trial, Google’s integration of Gemini into Chrome, and Integral Ad Science’s acquisition by private equity firm Novacap. The discussion highlights how legal battles, AI rollouts, and consolidation are reshaping digital advertising. Google entered the remedies phase of its adtech antitrust trial, with the DOJ pushing for structural remedies like divesting AdX and DFP, while Google argues for behavioral fixes such as more transparent auction rules. Judge Brinkema must weigh whether forced divestitures would dismantle Google’s monopoly or risk destabilizing the broader display ad ecosystem. Google integrated its AI assistant Gemini into Chrome, starting on desktop with features like page summaries, live chat, and cross-product task coordination across Maps, YouTube, and Calendar. The move follows the search antitrust trial outcome, where Google avoided severe penalties such as being forced to divest Chrome, maintaining its ecosystem dominance strategy. Integral Ad Science will be acquired by Novacap for $1.9 billion, taking the company private to accelerate AI-driven product innovation and strengthen its role in ad verification amid growing private equity investment in adtech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, host AdTechGod interviews John Piccone, the Regional President of Adform Americas. They discuss John's extensive background in the ad tech industry, the importance of addressing the overlooked 40% of audiences, and how Adform's independence and transparency set it apart in a competitive market. John shares insights on the evolving landscape of digital advertising, the significance of data-driven marketing, and the future trends that excite him as they approach the fourth quarter. Takeaways John Piccone has a rich background in ad tech, having worked with major companies. Adform offers a full tech stack, providing various tools for advertisers. Understanding the 40% of users who are often overlooked is crucial for brands. Transparency in the programmatic marketplace is essential for building trust. Brands can achieve more with less by optimizing their advertising strategies. The fragmentation of channels complicates audience targeting for marketers. Adform's independence allows for a focus on brand needs over inventory sales. GDPR compliance gives Adform an edge in understanding privacy regulations. Brands need to adapt to changing dynamics in the advertising landscape. Incremental reach can be achieved without increasing budget size. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Adform and John Piccone 02:55 John Piccone's Journey in Ad Tech 05:45 Addressing the Overlooked 40% Audience 08:23 The Role of Independence in Ad Tech 11:25 Looking Ahead: Innovations and Future Trends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hillary Slattery, Senior Director of Product Management at IAB Tech Lab, brings a wealth of experience from various ad tech roles. She dives into the explosive growth of programmatic advertising, especially in CTV, while highlighting the critical challenges of transparency and data sharing. Hillary discusses innovative strategies for live event advertising and the rising importance of content curation. Additionally, she elaborates on how AI is transforming the advertising landscape and her passion as a female leader in tech.

In this engaging discussion, Joe Hirsch, CEO of Swivel and former leader at SpringServe, shares his extensive ad tech journey. He highlights the shift from affiliate marketing to AI-driven ad optimization. Joe explains how Swivel aims to automate tedious tasks, enhancing operational efficiency. He emphasizes AI's role in ad operations, not as a replacement for humans, but as a tool to augment decision-making. He discusses the evolving landscape of AdOps and the growing necessity of precision to avoid costly mistakes—all while embracing new technologies.

Mike Petrella, Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships at Kinective Media by United Airlines, shares insights from his extensive career in advertising and media. He delves into the establishment of Kinective Media as a pioneering traveler media network, emphasizing the role of personalized experiences and strategic partnerships in enhancing traveler journeys. The conversation highlights how data and AI are transforming customer interactions, focusing on affluent travelers and the importance of privacy in handling their information.

In this engaging discussion, Sharon Taylor, Chief Revenue Officer at Triton Digital, shares her insights on the evolving audio landscape. She highlights the varying growth of podcasting globally, emphasizing the low barrier for entry that allows diverse voices to thrive. The intimate nature of podcasting offers advertisers a unique opportunity to connect deeply with audiences. Sharon also discusses the challenges of audio metrics and the emerging role of programmatic advertising, alongside the soothing escape podcasting provides from social media noise.

In this episode of the AdTechGod pod, Elizabeth Donovan, SVP Global Head of Commerce and Retail Media Networks at Kinesso/Acxiom/IPG , shares her journey into the retail media space, discussing her experiences at Marriott Media Networks and AccuWeather. She emphasizes the importance of first-party data, the transformation in retail media, and the challenges she faced as a woman in a predominantly male industry. Elizabeth also highlights the significance of work-life balance and her aspirations for the next generation in the advertising industry. Takeaways Elizabeth Donovan has a rich background in retail media, having worked at Marriott Media Networks and AccuWeather. She emphasizes the importance of first-party data in enhancing customer experiences. Kineso positions itself as a leader in retail and commerce networks, focusing on data-driven strategies. The retail media landscape is rapidly evolving, with a focus on personalization and customer engagement. Elizabeth believes in meeting clients where they are in their retail media journey. She highlights the importance of collaboration and support within the industry, especially for women. Work-life balance is crucial, and Elizabeth dedicates time to self-care amidst her busy schedule. She encourages the next generation to pursue their passions, regardless of industry. Elizabeth's journey reflects the challenges and triumphs of women in leadership roles in ad tech. The conversation underscores the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the fast-paced advertising landscape. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Retail Media Expertise 01:08 Elizabeth's Journey into Retail Media 04:44 Kineso's Positioning in the Market 07:07 Transformation in Retail Media 09:52 The Role of First-Party Data 14:02 Challenges and Triumphs as a Woman in Ad Tech 19:06 Balancing Work and Personal Life 22:14 Future Aspirations for the Next Generation On Today's The Refresh News: Walmart, Google, and the Shifting Ad Market The Refresh breaks down three of the week’s biggest stories in advertising: Walmart opening up its relationship with The Trade Desk, Google’s use of advanced AI to combat ad fraud, and a recap of Upfront ad commitments that reveal the growing dominance of streaming. The conversation touches on the challenges facing independent DSPs, how advertisers continue to chase performance-driven platforms, and why streaming continues to pull dollars away from broadcast and cable. 5 Key Highlights: Walmart and The Trade Desk’s partnership, once exclusive, is now open—raising questions about Walmart’s long-term retail media strategy. The Trade Desk faces pressure from big tech platforms like Amazon and Google, who offer first-party data and vertically integrated capabilities independent DSPs can’t match. Google has been quietly using multimodal large language models to reduce invalid traffic, achieving a reported 40% drop in mobile ad fraud. Variety reports that primetime TV ad commitments declined again in 2025, while streaming saw nearly an 18% increase in ad spend. Advertisers are chasing targeted audiences and programmatic opportunities in streaming, while networks push premium primetime content—including live sports—onto digital platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices