AdTech Heroes - Interviews with Advertising Technology Executives

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 traditional channels, and how brands can authentically tap into this shift without losing the human element AI still can't replicate.Interested in being a guest? Contact us: adtechheroespodcast.com/contact

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 us: adtechheroespodcast.com/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: adtechheroespodcast.com/contact

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, and revive authentic human connectivity within advertising.Interested in being a guest? Contact us: adtechheroespodcast.com/contact

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: adtechheroespodcast.com/contact

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 on fundamentals, improve discoverability, and balance automation with human insight as search behavior continues to evolve.Interested in being a guest? Contact us: adtechheroespodcast.com/contact

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 connection. Interested in being a guest? Contact us: adtechheroespodcast.com/contact