In this conversation, Eric Franchi, co-founder of the successful advertising technology firm Undertone, shares lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey. He discusses the critical importance of strategic hiring and the impact of key team members on company culture. Eric also dives into the unique challenges faced by ad networks amid industry shifts, the often anticlimactic nature of success, and navigating life after an exit. His reflections on personal reintegration and maintaining a balanced life in ad tech offer valuable insights for entrepreneurs.

Mike O'Sullivan, Founder of Sincera, dives into the hurdles of marketing early-stage startups with a humorous twist. He highlights the importance of customer feedback and dynamic strategies in defining market position. The discussion reveals Sincera's unique role in ad tech, focusing on accuracy and customized advertising tools. O'Sullivan shares insights on the challenges of hiring the right marketing talent and the need for authentic messaging. Tapping into the potential of metadata, he emphasizes its value in crafting engaging advertising solutions.

Dive into how taste is reshaping the tech landscape, with companies needing to craft unique identities to stand out. Discover the evolving role of heads of growth, focusing on community building and innovative marketing strategies. The impact of a manifesto in driving clarity and direction for brands is highlighted, alongside a discussion of the competitive ad tech scene. Plus, catch insights from Zuckerberg's candid live interview, revealing his approach to leadership and tech trends.

Eric Seufert, a media strategist and the voice behind Mobile Dev Memo, dives deep into the art of building businesses on thought leadership. He shares how blogging has propelled his ventures in tech and media. The discussion covers the evolution of mobile marketing and the pivotal role of AI in advertising. Eric also unveils his journey developing a user acquisition cash flow tool and navigates the shifting landscape of digital advertising due to privacy changes. His insights emphasize the importance of consistency and audience engagement in thriving content creation.

Join Tim and Chris Vanderhook, co-founders of Viant, as they dive into the groundbreaking launch of ViantAI, showcasing their innovative adtech strategies. They discuss how generative AI is changing marketing approaches, allowing for rapid and engaging media creation. Reflecting on their 25-year journey, they share insights on navigating challenges within the ad tech landscape, including the role of founder influence. Their unique brotherly partnership highlights the importance of ethics and ownership in building a sustainable business in a competitive market.

Joe Zappa interviews co-host Eric Franchi, a general partner at the venture capital fund Aperiam, to identify the three traits his three most successful investments have in common. They discuss Kevel, Transmit.live, and tvScientific.

Michael Katz, CEO and co-founder of mParticle, shares his insights on navigating 'founder mode' versus 'manager mode.' He emphasizes the importance of context and culture over traditional hiring practices, advocating for a focus on cultural fit when building teams. The discussion highlights the challenges of direct communication in marketing and warns against micromanagement in larger teams. Katz also stresses the necessity for candidates to adapt to various market stages, revealing the complexities of hiring in the startup landscape.

Brian O’Kelley, an adtech entrepreneur and co-founder of Scope3, dives into the evolution of his leadership style, balancing charisma with a healthy workplace culture. He discusses the critical importance of emotional intelligence in startups and shares insights on effective hiring practices that prioritize personal connections. O’Kelley also highlights the significance of sustainability in digital advertising, urging industry accountability to combat climate change. His reflections on the AppNexus journey reveal how a purpose-driven culture can inspire teams and drive impactful results.

This week on the pod, Joe Zappa and Eric Franchi interview the sharpest-tongued CEO in adtech, Lauren Wetzel. Newly minted as the CEO of InfoSum, Lauren talks about her journey to the position, including:  How her consulting background launched her into the adtech C-suite The Venn diagram between a COO and a CEO Why a company should hire a chief of staff (or not) Why CEOs shouldn’t be afraid of speaking out about industry issues

Joe Zappa and Eric Franchi argue that traditional PR is evolving and blending with new marketing techniques. They explore how remote and in-person interactions reshape relationship building in PR. The hosts highlight the necessity for CEOs to step into communicative roles on social platforms. Emerging technologies, particularly AI, are discussed for their transformative impact on engaging customers and creating visibility. Finally, they address the mixed perceptions surrounding controversial analytics in the PR space.