AdTechGod Pod

• 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

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• 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

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• Ep. 106 Redefining Quality in Ad Tech: Erez Levin on Marketing Effectiveness and Media Value

  Erez Levin, a prominent figure in the Ad Tech industry known for his focus on quality joins AdTechGod on the podcast today. They discuss Erez’s journey from Google to founding his advisory firm, the complexities of defining quality in marketing, and the importance of ad placement and publisher quality. The conversation dives into the incentives that drive the industry, the accountability of marketers, and the future of quality in advertising. Erez emphasizes the need for marketers to demand better effectiveness for their spend and to question the status quo in the industry. Takeaways Quality in advertising is a range, not a binary. Marketing should be viewed as a cloud science, not a clock science. Investing in quality controls can yield significant benefits. The buy side has commoditized media, leading to a race to the bottom. Quality media will be increasingly valued in the future. Marketers create the incentives that drive quality in advertising. Don't let perfect be the enemy of the good when it comes to quality controls. The long tail of publishers will likely become commoditized. Trust your gut and question the consensus in the industry. Quality is ultimately determined by effectiveness in advertising. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Quality in Ad Tech 01:13 Erez Levin's Journey in Ad Tech 03:08 Understanding Quality in Marketing 05:52 The Importance of Ad Placement 08:59 The Role of Marketers in Quality Control 12:25 Incentives and Accountability in Advertising 16:12 The Future of Quality Media 19:17 Decommodization of Media 21:49 Lessons from Emet Advisory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Ep. 105 David Danziger on AI, Human Connection, and the Future of Ad Tech

  David Danziger, SVP of partnerships at Dstillery joins AdTechGod. They discuss David's journey in the ad tech industry, the impact of technological advancements on audience segmentation, and the role of AI and machine learning in advertising. David emphasizes the importance of human relationships in client interactions and shares his passion for the ever-changing landscape of advertising technology.Takeaways Technological advancements have significantly improved audience targeting and segmentation. Neural networks and machine learning are foundational to modern ad tech. Audience segments are becoming more refined and specific due to advancements in technology. AI is enhancing efficiency but should complement human interaction, not replace it. The selection of audience segments is still prone to human error, indicating room for improvement. Client relationships remain crucial in the ad tech industry despite technological advancements. David enjoys the continuous learning opportunities within the ad tech space. The intersection of advertising, technology, and data is vital for the industry. David believes that the human element in client service will always be important. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to David Danziger and Dstillery 00:58 David's Journey in Ad Tech 03:52 Technological Advancements in Ad Tech 07:17 Refining Audience Segmentation 10:04 The Evolution of Audience Selection 12:57 AI and Machine Learning in Ad Tech 16:39 The Human Element in Client Relationships 23:40 Why David Chooses Ad Tech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Ep. 104 Leading with People and Purpose: Dani Mariano on AI, Culture, and the Future of Razorfish

  In this episode of The AdTechGod pod, host AdTechGod sits down with Dani Mariano, CEO of Razorfish, to discuss leadership, company culture, and the evolution of marketing in the age of AI. Dani shares her career journey from joining Razorfish 11 years ago to now leading the agency, and reflects on how people, mentorship, and learning have shaped her leadership style. The conversation explores the impact of AI on consumers and brands, generational differences between Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and how agencies can maintain authenticity in an increasingly automated world. Takeaways The focus is on engaging Gen Z effectively. Generative AI is revolutionizing personalization in marketing. Clients are increasingly demanding personalized communication. There is a need to explore the limits of personalization. Email marketing is a key area for personalized strategies. Understanding client needs is crucial for effective marketing. The conversation highlights the role of technology in marketing. Personalization can lead to better engagement with audiences. Marketers must balance personalization with practicality. The future of marketing lies in adapting to generational shifts. Chapters 00:08 Introduction to Dani Mariano and Razorfish 01:15 Career Growth and Journey at Razorfish 02:41 Building Relationships and Finding Mentorship 03:30 First 100 Days as CEO and the Importance of Listening 05:25 The Human Element in an AI Driven World 06:07 How Clients Are Adopting AI and Facing New Challenges 07:11 Consumer Behavior and the Rise of AI Tools 08:20 Generational Adoption and the Role of Gen Z and Gen Alpha 10:08 Gen Alpha as Third Generation Digital Natives 12:09 Influencers, DIY Culture, and Blending Digital with Physical 15:44 Maintaining Authenticity and Transparency in the AI Era 18:55 Future Outlook and Innovation at Razorfish 21:52 Women in Leadership and Career Advice 24:34 Closing Thoughts and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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