The AdTech Connect Podcast

In this episode of the AdTech Connect Podcast, Mark Sadler shares his journey through the adtech industry, reflecting on the role of curiosity, continuous learning, and resilience in shaping his career. From competing for England in badminton to leading strategic thinking in CTV and programmatic, Mark offers thoughtful insights on growth, leadership, and staying adaptable in a fast-moving industry.0:00 Exploring purpose and meaning2:35 The role of competition in personal growth6:45 Curiosity and continuous learning10:16 High performance and life lessons14:39 Strategic thinking in a fast paced environment19:25 Fostering inclusivity and team dynamics24:32 Simplifying complexity in communication

We're joined by Simi Gill from the Kite Factor to explore what modern leadership in adtech really looks like.From building authentic brand connections and navigating the evolving role of AI, to leading teams through trust, autonomy, and strong values, Simi shares a refreshingly human perspective on the future of the industry.The conversation also dives into the importance of representation, personal growth, and creating space for both professional ambition and life outside of work.A thoughtful listen for anyone working in media, advertising, leadership, or digital transformation.00:00 Purpose and Authenticity in Advertising02:58 Work-Life Balance and Team Management05:58 Managing Different Personalities09:08 The Role of AI in Advertising11:58 Championing Diversity and Representation14:52 Personal Growth and Networking17:56 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership21:08 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Maria Edayakatitil from OMD shares her take on purpose, growth, and figuring things out as you go.From saying yes to uncomfortable opportunities to balancing ambition with self-reflection, this episode is a grounded look at building confidence and direction early in your career.A simple mindset that sticks: “Let’s see where this goes.”00:00 Discovering Purpose Through Experience02:51 The Role of Mindset in Learning05:58 Cultural Exposure and Empathy08:50 Navigating AI in a Diverse World12:08 Personal and Professional Growth15:00 Balancing Ambition and Gratitude17:58 Cutting Through the Noise19:56 Finding Home in Two Cultures

In this episode of the AdTech Connect Podcast, we’re joined by Jack Ryan, Director of Audit Solutions at OMD (Omnicom Media Group).Jack shares his perspective on purposeful career growth, why leadership should focus on elevating people rather than delegating tasks, and how introverts can still lean into opportunity. He also discusses the growing impact of AI on advertising and why staying ahead of it is becoming non-negotiable.A practical conversation on progression, recognition, and building a career with intention in AdTech.00:00 Introduction to AdTech Connect01:05 Personal Purpose and Community Building06:14 Navigating Diverse Work Cultures09:05 Saying Yes to Opportunities10:17 Recognition and Leadership12:08 The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership18:02 Staying Ahead with AI24:20 Focus and Personal Growth

We’re joined by Luke Taplin McCallum, Sales Director at TripleLift, to explore the transition from startup operator to scale-up leader.Luke shares his journey building “zero-to-one” businesses, why joining a PE-backed company was a deliberate stretch, and the leadership shifts required when moving from speed and autonomy to structure and scale.We discuss:• The difference between startup and enterprise environments• Letting go as a leader• Protecting focus in a distracted world• Using AI as a co-pilot, not a replacement• Aligning career decisions with your North StarA thoughtful conversation on growth, leadership, and building a meaningful career in adtech.00:00 Introduction to AdTech Connect02:04 Defining Purpose in Advertising06:03 Focus and Time Management Strategies10:37 The Role of AI in Productivity13:17 Building and Maintaining Relationships17:50 Leadership Lessons from Influential Figures24:10 Balancing Career and Personal Life

We are joined by the 2025 Ad Tech Rising star winner, Kamran Vahabi. The episode is hosted by Matt Bennathan and Anya Libova00:00 Introduction to AdTech Connect01:02 Personal Purpose and Relationships06:20 Recognition and Authenticity in the Industry09:21 Networking and Building Relationships14:26 Balancing Empathy with Commercial Goals19:22 Career Development and Future Aspirations20:35 Leadership Qualities and Accountability27:02 The Role of Women in Leadership30:06 Personal Development and Future Goals

Nia shares how her experiences — from growing up in St. Lucia to working in London — fuel her mission to lead with empathy and elevate others.She also drops wisdom on:⚖️ Balancing recognition with comfort zones🌟 Why mentorship doesn’t have to be formal to be impactful📈 The importance of diversity in senior leadershipListen in for a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership.She's joined by ATC'S very own Matt Bennathan from Lumen Research and Kiessé Lamour from VML.

We sit down with Emma Blackshaw from Sojern. She shares her journey from account management to shaping an entirely new role - built on curiosity, strategic thinking, and a commitment to simplifying the complex world of AdTechShe’s joined by ATC’s very own Matt Bennathan from Lumen Research and Kiessé Lamour from VML

This week we are joined by Annika Geiger, (former) Sales Lead at Magnite00:00 Introduction to Ad Tech Connect Podcast02:57 Finding Purpose in Ad Tech06:34 Overcoming Challenges in Career Development11:19 The Importance of Mentoring and Coaching18:01 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn24:54 Addressing Diversity in Ad Tech

This time, we spoke with Jasper from StackAdapt, who shared a thoughtful and honest look at his career journey — from his early days at MIQ to building commercial teams and shifting back into an IC role to focus on what drives him most.He's joined from our weekly host, Matt Bennathan from Lumen Research alongisde, Donia Baddou also at Lumen. 00:00 Introduction to Adtech Connect Podcast02:32 Finding Personal Purpose in Ad Tech06:51 Career Progression and Ownership12:32 The Importance of Authenticity in Career Choices13:24 Managing Up: A Key Skill for Career Development18:20 Navigating Career Moves: The Squiggly Career25:11 Industry Challenges and Opportunities for Collaboration29:07 Ad Tech's Evolving Work Culture and Talent Retention

This week we are joined by Babajide Sotande-Peters, Senior Manager, Global Programmatic & Innovation at TeamX (Omnicom). He's joined by our weekly host, Matt Bennathan from Lumen Research alongside Amy Combrinck at Fireflying. 00:05 Introduction to AdTech Connect Podcast02:29 Recognizing Emerging Leaders in AdTech05:36 The Role of Ego and Confidence in Professional Growth08:39 The Impact of Recognition on Career Aspirations13:45 Navigating Ego and Leadership15:42 Collaboration in Fast-Paced Environments18:45 Confidence and Client Leadership21:33 Learning from Experience: The 2024 Reflections26:18 Pursuing Fulfillment in Career29:36 The Balance of Drive and Contentment34:48 Staying Present and Engaged

This week we are joined by Zoe Bruton, Director of Business Development, Agency & AdTech UK EU at AudioStack. He's joined by our weekly host, Matt Bennathan from Lumen Research alongside Amy Combrinck at Fireflying. 00:00 Introduction to AdTech Connect and Community Engagement05:28 Creating a Safe Space for Learning and Growth08:00 Building Personal Brand and Confidence in Leadership10:14 The Journey of Personal Growth Through Podcasting12:12 Balancing Confidence and Arrogance in Leadership17:53 Finding Purpose in Personal and Professional Life20:10 Navigating Work-Life Balance as a Parent24:52 The Importance of Transparency in the Industry

This week we have Cameron Armstrong, Product & Strategy Associate Director at Kinesso.He’s joined by our weekly host, Matt Bennathan from Lumen Research alongside Cadi Jones from Index Exchange.

Will Spring, Director of Enterprise Sales at ID5, joins Matt Bennathan and Cadi Jones for the very first episode of the AdTech Connect podcast - excited to kick things off!