New Digital Age

In the latest episode of the New Digital Age Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Justin Pearce sits down with Will Jones, Head of Omnichannel Activation at Adform, to discuss the evolution of omnichannel marketing, the challenges of measurement and fragmentation, and how Adform is helping brands and agencies navigate the fast-changing programmatic landscape.Will’s media journey began almost 20 years ago at New Media Age, where he and Justin first worked together. From those early days of the dotcom boom and social media’s infancy, Will has seen the digital industry transform dramatically. Today, at Adform, he leads efforts across CTV, digital out-of-home, and audio, helping advertisers bring these channels together seamlessly.“Buyers are facing huge challenges,” Will explains. “With so many new channels emerging, resources are stretched. Brands need partners that make activation simple, transparent, and consistent across markets.” He points to Adform’s Campaign Planner as a key innovation. enabling clients to plan, activate, and measure campaigns across multiple channels from one place.The conversation also explores data sovereignty and the importance of maintaining transparency and control over where ads appear and how data is used. “We’re passionate about giving clients visibility,” Will says. “They need to know exactly where their media is running and how their audiences are reached.”Creativity remains a crucial part of omnichannel success, particularly as formats like CTV and digital out-of-home mature. “These are immersive, emotional environments,” Will adds. “Getting the creative right is what makes omnichannel work.”Looking ahead, Will sees enormous potential: “If we can connect these channels effectively, standardize measurement, and keep experiences premium, the next few years will be truly exciting.”

Brian O'Kelley, Co-founder and CEO of Scope3, is a renowned ad tech pioneer dedicated to decarbonizing the global economy. In this engaging conversation, he explores the evolution of digital advertising and the impact of generational shifts and AI on strategy. O'Kelley discusses the future of digital presence, questioning the sustainability of traditional websites. He also highlights the transformative role of AI in creating tailored ad experiences, the emergence of prompt engineers, and the urgency for ethical practices to reduce waste in the industry.

New Digital Age's editor-in-chief chats with Sir Martin Sorrell, one of the leading names in the global advertising industry, in at the 2025 Cannes Lions festival...

Terry Kawaja, founder and CEO of LUMA Partners, is a prominent tech advisor in the marketing industry. He delves into the evolving landscape of digital advertising, discussing how agencies can navigate economic uncertainties and leverage AI for growth. Kawaja highlights the decline of third-party cookies and the rise of influencer marketing as pivotal trends shaping the future. He emphasizes the need for sustainability in advertising, offering actionable insights for audiences at major events like Cannes.

In the latest episode of the NDA Meets podcast, NDA Editor Justin Pearse sits down with Travis Clinger, Chief Connectivity & Ecosystem Officer and GM, International at LiveRamp.In this episode, we discuss Travis’s dual role leading global connectivity and international growth for LiveRamp, roles that have him clocking thousands of air miles while shaping the future of data collaboration across continents. With almost a decade at LiveRamp, Travis has been at the heart of some of the company’s most groundbreaking developments, including the launch of its Authenticated Traffic Solution (ATS), a response to the demise of third-party cookies.We talk about how LiveRamp’s vision has evolved from enabling first-party data activation to powering a new era of safe, scalable data collaboration between brands, publishers, and retailers, through tools like clean rooms and new AI integrations. Travis explains how data collaboration has moved from an abstract concept to a practical, performance-driving solution embraced by pioneers like Boots.Travis also gives us a global perspective on marketing innovation, highlighting the nuanced differences between the US and European markets, and the potential for emerging regions like the Middle East to leapfrog older data strategies.

​In the latest episode of the NDA Meets podcast, Editor Justin Pearse sits down with Richard Davis, Co-Founder & CEO at 51toCarbonZero.We discuss how companies in the media and markerting industry continue to make huge stides towards decarbonistion on the path to net zero, despite recent moves in the US."There is distinction between news headlines and what real people think. In the US the 80 million consumers who are passionate about this topic are still passionate about it," he said. "There is no slowdown in what companies are doing on the ground, maybe just a reduction in talking about it from a PR point of view."Crucially, we talk about how companies in this space can take their first steps on this journey and how to imbue a sense of accountability to ensure successful transformation strategies."The biggest challenge if not a technical one but a behavioural one," he said. "The underlying challenge is a a behavioural one, both among the workforce and from the top."

In the latest episode of the NDA Meets podcast, Editor Justin Pearse sits down with Katie Ingram, Director of Advertising Week Europe. A relatively new appointment to the role, Katie brings with her a wealth of experience across out-of-home, publishing, and industry events, having worked at companies such as CBS Outdoor, Outsmart, and the Evening Standard.With Advertising Week Europe 2025, for which NDA is a media partner, fast approaching, Katie discusses how the event has evolved over the years, what it represents today, and why it remains one of the most significant gatherings in the industry calendar. In a wide-ranging conversation, Katie reflects on the power of storytelling and celebrity in advertising. She also discusses the Future is Female Awards, taking part at Advertising Week itself for the first time year, an initiative designed to champion exceptional women making a difference in the industry.Beyond Advertising Week, Katie talks about her personal passion for advocacy around baby loss awareness, and how marketing and communications can play a critical role in driving conversations around difficult but important social issues. With optimism for the industry’s future, Katie sees creativity, innovation, and community as the driving forces behind the industry's growth this year. 

In the latest episode of the NDA Meets podcast, Editor Justin Pearse sits down with Christian Muche, founder of Possible, one of the industry’s fastest-growing events. Muche, who also co-founded DMEXCO, shares insights into the rapid evolution of Possible, its recent acquisition by Hive Group, and its ambitions to become the Davos of the marketing world.The Rise of PossibleLaunched in 2023, Possible has quickly carved out a niche in the global marketing calendar. Its acquisition by Hive Group within a year of inception underscores its significance. Muche explains that the event was designed to fill a gap in the US and beyond, bringing together senior marketers, tech companies, and business leaders in a format that blends high-level networking, education, and industry-shaping discussions.Miami as a Strategic HubSet in Miami Beach, Possible takes advantage of its location to connect with the growing Latin American market while offering a compelling alternative to events like Cannes Lions. With a focus on creating a high-value experience, Muche highlights the importance of face-to-face interactions, structured networking, and curated discussions that drive tangible business outcomes.What to expect in 2024The upcoming show will feature an impressive line-up of C-suite speakers, including CMOs from Visa and Lego, as well as tech industry leaders and cultural influencers. Unlike traditional celebrity keynote slots, Muche emphasises that Possible prioritises speakers who can offer genuine marketing insights, ensuring relevance to attendees.

It's Always Media Thursday, NDA's regular podcast taking an irreverent look at the digital media and marketing industry, is back for 2025.Hosted by NDA Editor Justin Pearse and Publisher Andy Oakes, It's Always Media Thursday takes a sideways look at a week in digital media.In this week's welcome-back episode, we discuss how industry event speaking needs a dose of authenticity, reflect on Omar Oakes' recent column on network agencies and the continued rise of the indies, sustainable media, Cannes Lions, Possible, and our own plans for Cannes.And we debut a new feature, Challenge Andy, set to replace 2024's popular What's on the Desk segment.

Sharon Palmer’s digital career spans over two decades. Currently Client Success Director at digital agency  Idhl, she was key in the agency’s integration of nine businesses and eight separate brands into Idhl.She spent 27 years at McCann, starting as an exec, working up to MD, setting up the agency’s digital operations as digital marketing was born.In a wide-ranging and honest interview she discusses what it takes to get to the top in the digital industry, the personal characteristics that helped on this journey,  her biggest mistakes and what they taught her, and her advice for anyone starting in the industry who wants to emulate her success. And what lessons for company culture she learned from the colossal job of integrating so many brands into the unified mission of CEO Ben Wood.It’s a fascinating story of how such integration can bring huge benefits for both clients and the agency’s people.