The Blank Space Opportunity in AI Transformation with Rebecca Aliab Deng

What happens when you stop automating tasks and start reimagining the entire workflow? In this episode, we're alongside Rebecca Aliab Deng, Vice President of Business Operations at Cognitiv, to unpack what AI transformation actually looks like inside deep learning advertising platforms. We go beyond the hype and examine the real challenges: overwhelming volumes of AI tools, mismatched expectations, and the surprising realization that simply automating workflows isn't enough. Rebecca shares how her teams move from replicating old processes to reimagining outcomes entirely, and why operational readiness matters just as much as the technology itself. Rebecca explains that the pace of change, especially in procurement cycles, is forcing a fundamental rethink of how businesses evaluate and implement AI. We explore what this means for the future of agencies, storytelling, and cultural relevance in an AI-driven world. Rebecca offers a sharp perspective on why AI-generated creative still struggles to connect, and where human craft retains its edge. Then, we shift into a powerful conversation about the Women in Programmatic Network, sponsorship versus mentorship, and the structural shifts needed to create real opportunity. Topics covered during this episode include: The challenges businesses face of navigating an overwhelming amount of AI tools. How evaluating use cases prevents adopting superficial AI solutions. Why teams often rethink workflows after hands-on experimentation. The crucial shift from automating tasks to reimagining processes. How rapid AI development has disrupted traditional annual procurement cycles. What operational readiness means before scaling AI-generated outputs. Why efficiency gains must translate into higher-value brain space. The importance of defining clear jobs to be done by AI upfront. Why agentic AI hype still requires balanced human judgment. How AI creatives continue to struggle to resonate with audiences. The pressure on agency fee structures and output-based pricing. The origins of the Women in Programmatic Network. How systemic opportunity counters persistent pay disparities. Why women in organizations are often over-mentored yet under-sponsored. Tune in now to rethink AI, agencies, and opportunity from the inside out!   Rebecca Aliab Deng on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaadeng/