Unlocked with Austin and Elizabeth

Parbinder Dhariwal, known as Parbs, is a pioneer in the retail media space at CVS. He shares insights on the evolution of retail media and the power of community and collaboration in professional growth. Parbs emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior and leveraging first-party data alongside traditional marketing. He discusses his journey from retail worker to a key leader, highlighting how his immigrant background shaped his career. Listeners also gain valuable advice on education, networking, and the significance of a supportive community.

In this special episode of Unlocked, hosts Austin and Elizabeth revisit the place where it all started: the Ascendant Network. Featuring a candid conversation with Mark Donohue, they reflect on the first spark that led to launching the podcast and dive into the behind-the-scenes of building community in retail media.From navigating an ever-evolving landscape to the role of operational efficiency in modern marketing teams, this episode covers the challenges, triumphs, and real talk that define the space today. Whether you're brand-side, agency-side, or somewhere in between, this is a must-listen on what it really takes to succeed.

Lauren Griewski, Head of Sales and Partnerships at Chase Media Solutions, shares her impressive career journey and insights on commerce media. She emphasizes the crucial role financial institutions play in enhancing consumer engagement through trust and personalization. The conversation dives into the importance of leveraging first-party data to tailor experiences and drive loyalty. Lauren also draws parallels between her career path and the challenges of Ironman triathlons, highlighting collaboration and innovation as key to navigating the evolving retail landscape.

In this episode of Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, we sit down with Mark Donohue—strategic leader and former GM at The Gap and Western Union—to explore what it takes to successfully lead a retail media commerce network.From navigating organizational complexity to scaling growth and innovation, Mark shares leadership insights, strategic frameworks, and lessons from the field. Austin and Elizabeth know these challenges firsthand, bringing their own perspective to the conversation as experienced operators in the space. Plus, don’t miss Mark’s exciting new career announcement.Tune in for a sharp look at the evolving role of GMs in the retail media commerce space.

In the debut episode of Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, we sit down with Andrew Lipsman to explore the rapid rise of retail media networks. From digital advertising’s early days to today’s booming retail and commerce media landscape, we break down key trends, challenges, and what’s next for brands, agencies, and advertisers. Tune in for expert insights and a fresh take on the future of retail media networks!