AdTech Heroes - Interviews with Advertising Technology Executives

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Jon Wallett welcomes Raman Khanna, VP of Addressable Investment at Omnicom Media. They discuss how AI is reshaping pharma marketing, from team adoption and building patient trust to breaking down data silos between HCP and consumer audiences. Interested in being a guest? Contact us: adtechheroespodcast.com/contact

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Jon Wallett talks with Ashok Ganapam, President, AdTech and Monetization at MediaMint, about how agentic AI and data science are transforming decision-making in ad tech. They explore what agentic AI really means beyond the hype, how it's reshaping ad operations, engineering, and business intelligence, and what it takes for teams to adopt it successfull...

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Jon Wallett welcomes Kevin Hein, Chief Growth Officer at GIPHY. They discuss how communication has evolved from the analog world of early mobile phones to today's internet culture, shaped by emojis, GIFs, and artificial intelligence.  The conversation explores the rise of visual self-expression, why group chats have become more trusted than traditi...

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Jon Wallett chats with the creator behind Digital Chadvertising, the award-winning ad industry meme page. They discuss why "authenticity" has become the industry's buzzword of the moment, how AI-generated content is revealing gaps that were already there, and why community is emerging as the solution. Interested in being a guest? Contact...

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Jon Wallett welcomes David Kaufman, VP of Product Management and Head of Monetization Product Solutions & Operations at TikTok. They discuss how automation and AI are reshaping the advertising ecosystem, from streamlining creative production to powering agentic buying flows and integrated commerce. Interested in being a guest? Contact us: adtechher...

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Jon Wallett welcomes Gabrielle Levy, SVP of Precision at Digitas North America. They discuss how workplace culture and creative expression are being reshaped in a post-pandemic, task-oriented world. The conversation explores how modern leaders can step past screens to foster intentional mentorship, navigate the tensions of an efficiency-driven industry...

In this special episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast live from Cannes Lions 2026, Jon Wallett welcomes Charlotte Maines, Vice President, Devices Content & Advertising at Amazon. They discuss the rise of agentic and conversational ads, how shopping is changing, and what it means for advertisers when agents, not people, are the ones searching and deciding. Interested in being a guest? Contact us...

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Jon Wallett welcomes Matt Prater, EVP, Innovation at OuterBox. They discuss how generative AI is transforming search and performance marketing, from the shift beyond exact-match keywords to the rise of contextual discovery, structured data, AI-powered workflows, and smarter customer experiences.  The conversation explores how marketers can stay focused...

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Jon Wallett welcomes Sascha Lock, Executive Director (SVP), Integrated Investment at Hearts & Science. They discuss how people-first leadership is shaping the future of media in an AI-driven world, from navigating constant change and managing client expectations to building stronger partnerships through transparency, accountability, and human conne...

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Jon Wallett welcomes Lisa Markou, Executive Vice President, Platforms at Publicis Collective. They explore how automation, creativity, and connected data are transforming the way modern media operates, from streamlining workflows and testing new technologies to integrating dynamic creative and aligning complex data ecosystems. Interested in being a gue...

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Jon Wallett welcomes Jared McCarthy, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Venue Ad Network (VAN). They explore why live music venues are becoming a powerful alternative to digital advertising, bringing authenticity and human connection back into the brand experience.  Interested in being a guest? Contact us: adtechheroespodcast.com/contact

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Jon Wallett welcomes Alyssa Collier, Performance Marketing Manager, Paid Social & Display at Etsy. They explore how cultural identity and consumer behavior are reshaping brand connection, and where AI can help marketers uncover emerging trends without losing the human layer. The conversation digs into why demographics fall short, how shared experie...

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Jon Wallett welcomes Sarah Leinberger, Vice President, Head of Marketing at Yoobi. They discuss how transformation and agility are reshaping modern marketing, from leading purpose-driven brands to adopting AI-powered tools, agile workflows, and consumer-centric strategies. The conversation explores how marketers can move faster, stay authentic, and bal...

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Jon Wallett welcomes Jacob Davis, Executive Director & Global Head of Performance at Crossmedia. They discuss Jacob’s perspective on the rise of the “undernet,” the evolution of ad tech, and how agent-to-agent interactions could reshape the future of advertising. They also explore the growing importance of structured data, the challenges of discove...

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Jon Wallett welcomes Liane Nadeau (Chief Investment Officer at Digitas North America) to cover the intersection of AI and advertising.  They discuss Liane's journey into the advertising industry, her role at Digitas, and how AI is transforming media strategies. Liane emphasizes the importance of the human element in decision-making, the need for cross-...

In this special episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Brian Gleason, CEO of Seedtag, joins co-founders Albert Nieto and Jorge Poyatos to reflect on the journey that took Seedtag from a startup to the global leader in neuro-contextual advertising. They discuss the evolution of their roles, the story behind Liz, Seedtag’s neuro-contextual AI, and the cultural DNA that shaped the company’s growth. Th...

In this episode of the #AdTechHeroes podcast, Jon Wallett welcomes Nobles Crawford, Assistant Vice President of Corporate Brand Engagement at L'Oreal.  They discuss Crawford's career journey, the evolution of the advertising industry, the importance of networking, and the impact of AI on creativity in marketing. They also cover the need for personal relationships in the industry and the potential...

Welcome to the first episode of Season 4 of the AdTech Heroes podcast.  Our new host, Jon Wallett (Head of Sales, East Coast at Seedtag) welcomes Amie Owen, the Global Chief Commerce Officer at IPG Mediabrands. They discuss the evolution of commerce in the agentic era, Amy's career journey in advertising, and the impact of AI on consumer behavior and marketing strategies.  Interested in being...

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Charles Van Winsen (founder of Mindsync) speaks about the integration of psychology into marketing.  Charles unveils his entrepreneurial journey, the purpose of MindSync, and the importance of understanding consumer behavior through psychological principles. He also covers the role of empathy in advertising, the impact of AI on marketing, and the searc...

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Tom White (Chief Performance Officer at T&P) covers the integration of creative data and performance in advertising.  Tom emphasizes the role of data in proving value, the shift in CMO perspectives towards commercial outcomes, and the need for collaboration between creative, media, and data teams. Interested in being a guest? Contact us: adtechhero...

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Dane Buchanan (Chief Data and Analytics Officer at M+C Saatchi Performance) decodes the complexities of media measurement. He explores the role of technology and AI in enhancing measurement processes, the importance of first-party data, and the impact of new media channels on measurement strategies.  Interested in being a guest? Contact us: adtechheroe...

In this special crossover episode of AdTech Heroes x The Pub Way podcasts, recorded from Cannes in partnership with The Drum, we explored how brands and publishers can use real-time context and AI to connect with audiences through their interests, emotions, and intent. Hosted by Tina Iannacchino and Marko Johns, with guests Jamie Dunlop (Managing Partner at Mediaplus UK) and Tony Gemma (VP Global...

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Dal and Jacques Du Preez (Head of Programmatic at Starcom) discuss the evolving landscape of the adtech industry, focusing on the implications of consolidation, acquisitions, and the impact of macroeconomic factors.  Jacques shares insights from his extensive career in programmatic advertising, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, training, and...

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Dal speaks with Louise Owen, Chief Performance Officer at UM, about the intersection of branding and performance in marketing.  Louise shares her unique career journey from engineering to media planning, insights gained from working in various countries. They discuss the importance of collaboration between branding and performance teams, the perception...

In this episode of the AdTech Heroes podcast, Dal speaks with Rich Ashton, Managing partner at FirstParty Capital, about investing in the adtech industry.  Rich shares his journey into adtech, industry's appeal for investors, and the unique approach of FirstParty Capital in supporting adtech entrepreneurs. The conversation delves into sourcing investment opportunities, the impact of major players...