176. Choosing The Right Data Partner In The Crowded Programmatic Market
Release Date: 05/29/2025
177. Programmatic Media Planning with a Data-First Mindset
Programmatic Digest
This is the second episode in a special 3-part series sponsored by Drako! Check out the YouTube Interview here: In this episode, I talk with Natalia Ruelas from Drako about her journey from studying marketing in Canada to becoming an account manager in programmatic advertising. She shares how important it is to research and measure everything to help campaigns perform better. We discuss why small teams and good communication matter in this complex ad world. We also dive into campaign optimization. Natalia explains why it’s not enough to have a plan, you need SMEs that can...
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176. Choosing The Right Data Partner In The Crowded Programmatic Market
Programmatic Digest
This is the first episode in a special 3-part series sponsored by Drako! In this episode, I talk with Stewart Sullivan, CEO of Drako, about his journey from being a marketing student at Concordia University to leading a fast-growing programmatic data company. Stewart shares what it’s like to work in ad tech as a former trader and why it’s so important for media buyers and data partners to work closely together. You’ll learn how Drako grew from just reselling a DSP to building their own powerful location data tools that help solve real problems for advertisers. We talk about: How to...
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175.5. Programmatic Hands-On Keyboard Training (June Specials)
Programmatic Digest
What it is: A 4-week live accelerator for programmatic traders and ad ops pros who want to level up fast inside the DSP, using real campaigns and walkthroughs. Who it's for: Junior traders who want hands-on experience Client service or ad ops pros managing campaigns In-house marketers pivoting to programmatic Traditional Media Buyer What they’ll get: Weekly live DSP walkthroughs (recorded if they miss it) Campaign optimization using real examples (Bring your own or use our case studies) Slack channel access for Q&A and peer support Hélène’s personal feedback on one campaign...
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175. Reaching Hispanic Audiences with Premium Video + Programmatic Power
Programmatic Digest
In this episode, we’re joined by Augusto Romano, co-founder of Digo, and Anthony Gonzalez from JWP Connatix, to break down how smart video strategies and real partnerships are helping brands connect with the growing U.S. and Hispanic audience. Augusto shares how Digo was built to serve vibrant communities such as Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Salvadorans, and more through premium video content. Meanwhile, Anthony shows us how JWP Connatix powers this mission with advanced tech to deliver and monetize video content effectively. Together, they explain how viewer habits are shifting;...
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S.20 - Video First: Estrategias para Maximizar Ingresos en Medios Digitales con Álvaro Al. Cuesta
Programmatic Digest
En este episodio hablamos con Álvaro Cuesta sobre cómo los publishers pueden optimizar sus estrategias de monetización a través del video. Álvaro comparte recomendaciones clave, incluyendo la elección de los mejores vendors de video, la importancia de revisar el archivo ads.txt y seleccionar partners estratégicos. Además, ofrece consejos tanto para publishers grandes como pequeños, destacando el valor de asistir a eventos de la industria, mejorar la oferta de producto y sumar video como un pilar central en la estrategia digital.
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174. Curation & SPO: Simplifying Programmatic with Bob Regular at Infolinks
Programmatic Digest
In this episode, we sit down with Bob Regular, CEO of Infolinks, to explore the evolving world of programmatic advertising and the rising importance of curation. Bob walks us through his journey in digital media—from the dial-up days to today’s complex ad tech ecosystem—offering valuable insights along the way. We dive into how Supply Path Optimization (SPO) is playing a critical role in improving the connection between advertisers and publishers by enhancing media quality and eliminating unnecessary middlemen. Using the analogy of choosing the best billboard location, Bob explains how...
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173. Adtech Economic Forum Discussion with Shannon Rudd and Allie Lichtenberg
Programmatic Digest
In this episode of the Programmatic Digest Podcast, Shannon Rudd and Allie Lichtenberg joined us to talk about their experience at the AdTech Economic Forum, an event created by Rob Beeler and Tom Triscari. Allie shared how excited she was to win a free ticket, showing how helpful it is to give new professionals chances to grow. Shannon talked about how the forum felt welcoming and praised the organizers for including different voices, especially in talks about money and business deals in ad tech. They also discussed big changes happening in the ad tech world — like how people’s online...
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172. Marketecture Live Takeaways: Privacy, Diversity, and Identity Discussion with Shannon Rudd and Allie Lichtenberg
Programmatic Digest
In this episode of the *Programmatic Digest Podcast*, we hear the unique career journeys of Shannon Rudd and Allie Lichtenberg into adtech. Allie, who started in biology and chemistry, now runs her own programmatic media buying company, Ad Lucem. Shannon shares her experience moving from publishing to consulting for midsize publishers, showing how the ad tech world is always changing. We also talk about important industry topics like privacy (specifically PETs) and diversity at tech conferences. Women and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) representation matters, and we...
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171. Women Leading the Way in Ad Tech with Ann Tarasevich
Programmatic Digest
Ann Tarasevich, the visionary leader of Access Marketplace, joins us to unravel the complexities of leadership in the ad tech world. With her rich experience at the intersection of academia and digital marketing, Ann takes us on a journey through Ukraine's evolving programmatic advertising landscape. Discover how her company’s innovative technology connects advertisers and publishers and gain insights into the programmatic SSP platform, all while understanding the dynamics between buy-side and sell-side players. Ann’s story is not just about technology; it's about her personal evolution...
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170. Trailblazing Women in Ad Tech: Balancing Expertise, Strategy, and Curiosity
Programmatic Digest
Trailblazing Women in Ad Tech: Insights from StackAdapt Leaders In this episode, we welcome three inspiring women from StackAdapt who share their journeys and wisdom on navigating the ad tech industry with confidence and curiosity: Anna Grodecka-Grad, Senior Vice President of Global Client Services, discusses balancing technical expertise with strategic business acumen. Lydia Berlacher, Head of Commercial Strategy and Operations, reveals how she filters valuable insights amid distractions. Zeynep Akkalyoncu, Lead Data Scientist, explores how curiosity fuels interdisciplinary...
info_outlineThis is the first episode in a special 3-part series sponsored by Drako!
In this episode, I talk with Stewart Sullivan, CEO of Drako, about his journey from being a marketing student at Concordia University to leading a fast-growing programmatic data company.
Stewart shares what it’s like to work in ad tech as a former trader and why it’s so important for media buyers and data partners to work closely together. You’ll learn how Drako grew from just reselling a DSP to building their own powerful location data tools that help solve real problems for advertisers.
We talk about:
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How to choose the right data partner (and why it’s often confusing)
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The biggest myths about using custom data in campaigns
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Why location data is key for reaching the right audience and beating competitors
How to use geo-targeting and data signals to improve campaign performance
Stewart also gives great advice for marketers: Ask questions, dig into your data, and don’t just stick with what’s familiar.
This episode is packed with tips for making smarter programmatic decisions — and it’s just the beginning. Stay tuned for parts 2 on Media Planning with a Data-First Mindset and 3 on Data Measurement and Attribution of this special series with Drako.
Sign up to the Live podcast Episode 178 via LinkedIN Live:
Audience First, Attribution Always: A Practical Workshop for Traders
https://www.linkedin.com/events/audiencefirst-attributionalways7333313761019142144/theater/
About Us:
We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer:
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Programmatic L&D Support: A monthly retainer providing hands-on training, strategy, and troubleshooting for programmatic teams. Book a Discovery Call: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/
Programmatic Training & Coaching:
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Executive Membership: for the busy mid-level to senior or director-level programmatic ninja looking for a structured, high-impact way to stay ahead of evolving trends, sharpen your optimization skills, and connect with like-minded experts Join Here: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership
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Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program
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Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course
Timestamp:
(00:00) - Choosing Data Partners in Programmatic
(07:48) - Choosing the Right Data Partner
(17:05) - Optimizing Data Onboarding and Segmentation
(26:16) - Customizing Data Signals for Campaign Success
(37:54) - Customizing Data Segments for Success
Meet Our Guest:
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Stewart Sullivan
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Drako
Meet The Team:
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Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach
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Manuela Cortes - Co-Host
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Programmatic Digest In Espanol
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Learn Programmatic
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Programmatic Digest
Looking for programmatic training/coaching?
Sign up to our Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset
https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program
Self-Paced Course:
Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility.
https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course
Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below:
https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/