AdTechGod Pod

• Ep. 111 From Walled Gardens to the Open Web: Brad Thompson on the DSP Shift Powering SMB Growth

  Brad Thompson from MediaGo, a Baidu Company, joins AdTechGod on the AdTechGod Podcast to break down how SMB advertisers are using performance DSPs as a bridge from walled gardens into open web programmatic. Brad shares his path from agency work to platforms like AOL and MediaMath, why simplifying programmatic is essential for growth, how he uses LinkedIn and X differently to build partnerships, and what 2026 may look like as AI reshapes ad ops and optimization. The episode closes with Brad’s view that AdCP can steer the industry back toward strong messaging and smart media choices, not just data-driven outcomes. Takeaways SMB marketers know Amazon, Meta, and TikTok well, but many need a simpler on-ramp to open web programmatic, creating a clear role for performance DSPs. AI will most improve optimization and creative workflows, while ad ops shifts through fewer manual tasks and slower net new hiring. LinkedIn works best for personal marketing and steady industry updates, while X is better for real-time discussion and learning. Strong relationships are still the edge in sales and BD because people handle the messy moments that tech cannot. AdCP is a major 2026 opportunity that can refocus digital advertising on message and media quality. Chapters 00:00 Brad’s background and why he chose ad tech. 03:55 How MediaGo brings SMBs from walled gardens into programmatic. 05:00 Social selling in practice, LinkedIn versus X. 12:15 2026 outlook, AI reality versus hype, and job impact. 20:40 Why AdCP could be the biggest growth lever next year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  30:29

  --------

  30:29
• Ep. 110 From Spin off to Smart Auctions: Tal Shaked on Building Rise and the Future of Agentic Ad Tech

  Tal Shaked, Chief Business Officer and co-founder of Rise, joins AdTechGod to trace his unconventional path into ad tech, from early toolbar monetization to driving alternative revenue at Babylon and later helping grow IronSource through strategic acquisitions. He explains how Rise emerged as a necessary spin out ahead of IronSource’s IPO, why the team first focused on web video and display, and how their Smart Auction Management platform uses machine learning to optimize pricing and supply paths at massive scale. Tal also shares what AI driven search shifts mean for publishers, why traffic shaping is becoming a core differentiator, and where agentic advertising could take creative, buying, and ops workflows in 2026. Takeaways Rise spun out of IronSource, and starting on the web turned into an advantage. SAM and traffic shaping are the core levers for auction and revenue lift. AI search is cutting web traffic, forcing publishers to adapt fast. Mobile monetization looks steadier, with upside in performance and commerce. Agentic ads will automate busywork while keeping relationships central. Chapters 00:00 Rise split from IronSource and made web first work. 19:10 SAM plus traffic shaping drive gains. 22:50 AI search is shrinking web traffic. 26:10 Mobile revenue is more stable. 31:00 Agentic ads automate tasks, relationships still win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  37:39

  --------

  37:39
• Ep. 109 Building Advertible: Priti Ohri on Reinventing Native Ads and Leading with Purpose

  AdTechGod speaks with Priti Ohri, Co-Founder and CEO of Advertible, about how she turned a layoff into a launchpad for innovation. From her early days at MTV Networks and LVMH to founding a company reshaping native advertising, Priti shares how Advertible simplifies native ad delivery for SSPs while improving user experience across formats and devices. They discuss the challenges of building infrastructure in ad tech, the importance of community and representation, and how the industry’s next big transformation might come from agentic AI and automation. Takeaways Advertible streamlines native ad delivery with a plug-in solution for SSPs. Priti’s path from luxury brands to ad tech highlights the power of data-driven creativity. The startup journey demands resilience, community, and constant iteration. Representation and visibility fuel empowerment across underrepresented founders. Agentic AI could redefine how programmatic systems communicate and scale. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Priti’s Career Journey 02:00 From Viacom to Programmatic: Following the Data 05:00 Why Native Ads Still Matte 07:00 Building Advertible After Ericsson 09:00 Startup Challenges and Finding Product-Market Fit 12:00 The Role of Community and Support Systems 15:00 Female Founders and South Asian Representation 19:00 Agentic AI and the Future of Ad Tech 22:00 Final Thoughts and Advice for Founders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  25:45

  --------

  25:45
• Ep. 108 Michael Berkowitz on the Evolution of Ad Tech, AI Hype, and Empowering Publishers

  Michael Berkowitz, a longtime ad tech veteran with experience at Spiny, BERT, Lotomy, and MediaMath, joins AdTechGod to share his journey from journalism to ad tech leadership. He reflects on the industry’s transformation, the growing sophistication of publishers, and how innovation has shifted from the U.S. to Europe. Michael discusses the risks publishers face in adopting new technology, the overuse of AI in marketing, and his belief that meaningful solutions, not buzzwords, will drive the next phase of growth. He also introduces Ad Aid, his concept for a more purposeful ad experience that benefits users and supports charitable causes. Takeaways Michael’s unique path from journalism and PR to ad tech has given him a deep perspective on media and technology convergence. Many European ad tech companies are now innovating beyond their U.S. counterparts. Publishers face challenges in adopting new tech due to risk aversion and complex decision-making structures. AI’s current role in ad tech is largely overhyped; its true impact is still years away. The sell side remains essential to the ad tech ecosystem and deserves continued support. Ad Aid aims to create a more positive user experience by tying ad engagement to charitable contributions. Social media fatigue is helping publishers regain audience attention and rebuild trust. Experience in the industry remains valuable, even as age bias persists in hiring. The future of ad tech depends on balancing innovation with authenticity and audience respect. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Michael Berkowitz 01:00 From Journalism to Ad Tech 03:30 Early Days at MediaMath and BERT 05:40 Identifying Promising Tech and Market Fit 08:13 Challenges Facing Publishers 11:20 Trust, Credibility, and the State of Local News 12:19 The Reality of AI in Ad Tech 16:30 The Problem with Buzzword Marketing 18:28 Optimism for the Sell Side 21:17 Experience and Longevity in the Industry 23:45 The Ad Aid Concept 27:47 Making Ads Meaningful for Users 30:27 Closing Thoughts and Hope for the Future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  33:22

  --------

  33:22
• Ep. 107 Inside Nexxen: Chance Johnson on Building a Smarter, More Transparent DSP

  In this episode, Chance Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer at Nexxen, joins AdTechGod to discuss how the company is reshaping the advertising landscape through trust, transparency, and innovation. From bridging the gap between buyers and sellers to empowering advertisers with interoperable tools, Chance shares insights on how Nexxen is helping redefine efficiency and collaboration in the ad tech industry. Takeaways Building trust and transparency is essential to bridge the gap between buyers and sellers in ad tech. Nexxen’s interoperable platform enables collaboration and shared success across the ecosystem. Clear insights and data-driven tools empower smarter, outcome-based decision-making. In-housing ad tech provides control but brings high operational and financial demands. White-glove client service sets Nexxen apart in delivering responsive, hands-on support. SSPs play a vital strategic role beyond the “reseller” label in driving publisher value. The outcomes era signals a smarter, more transparent, performance-focused industry. Chapters 00:00 Chance Johnson joins the AdTechGod Pod and shares his journey to Nexxen. 03:30 Building trust and transparency between buyers and sellers. 06:40 How Nexxen empowers advertisers with interoperable tools. 09:00 Discussing the evolution of the web and convergence in ad tech. 11:30 Adapting to rapid change and leveraging new technology. 14:45 The pros and cons of brands in-housing their ad tech. 17:00 Nexxen’s white-glove service and client success approach. 19:15 The Trade Desk’s “reseller” label and its market impact. 23:10 The rise of outcome-based advertising and smarter KPIs. 24:40 Closing reflections on innovation and the future of ad tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  25:26

  --------

  25:26

Więcej Biznes podcastów

Trendy w podcaście Biznes

O AdTechGod Pod