
Life in Digital
By Sphere Digital Recruitment
Brought to you by Sphere Digital Recruitment


Programmatic Rewired: Rethinking Supply, Curation and Efficiency with BRAVE's Alex Heng
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ryan Stewart is joined by Alex Heng, Director of Demand Strategy & Partnerships at BRAVE, to explore the forces reshaping today's programmatic ecosystem. Alex shares his career journey and explains BRAVE's role in the supply chain as buyers and sellers navigate an increasingly complex market.
The conversation dives into traffic shaping, why Supply Path Optimisation hasn't fully solved fragmentation, and how advertisers can find opportunities within an increasingly diverse ecosystem. Ryan and Alex also unpack the rise of curation as a go-to-market strategy for SSPs, the future of identity as privacy expectations evolve, and why bid fidelity is becoming increasingly important for campaign performance and supply chain efficiency.
Looking ahead, Alex shares his perspective on where programmatic is heading over the next three to five years, the role BRAVE hopes to play in that evolution, and the developments he's most excited to see.
🎧 Tune in for a conversation on smarter supply, evolving programmatic strategies and the future of the digital advertising ecosystem.

Beyond the Algorithm: Building B2B Brands That Get Found with Gilroy's Gareth Clark
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Holly Simpson is joined by Gareth Clark, Managing Director at Gilroy, to explore how B2B marketing is evolving in the age of AI. Gareth shares his career journey and why developing the next generation of B2B marketers is becoming increasingly important as the skills, expectations and demands of the industry continue to change.
The conversation explores how agencies and brands can better identify and develop future leaders, why agencies need to rethink their role in an AI-driven world, and the value of building a connected ecosystem rather than trying to do everything in-house. Holly and Gareth also discuss how changing search behaviour is reshaping brand discoverability, from traditional search engines to LLMs, and the practical steps marketers can take to ensure their brands are found.
Looking ahead, Gareth shares his perspective on what makes a connected buying experience, why it can give B2B brands a competitive advantage, and the traits that will define successful organisations over the next five years.
🎧 Tune in for a conversation on the future of B2B marketing, AI-powered discoverability and building brands and teams ready for what comes next.

Publisher Reset: Rethinking Monetisation in the Age of AI with Freestar's Kurt Donnell
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Daniel Bolter is joined by Kurt Donnell, CEO of Freestar, to explore the changing landscape for digital publishers and what it will take to build a healthier publisher ecosystem in the age of AI. Kurt reflects on Freestar's journey over the past decade and how its publisher-first approach has evolved as the industry has become increasingly complex.
The conversation dives into pubOS, Freestar's new publisher operating system, and the challenge of bringing fragmented monetisation tools together. Daniel and Kurt also unpack what real value looks like from a monetisation partner, the industry's growing flight to quality, and whether advertisers are being too cautious when it comes to brand safety and premium inventory.
AI is another major focus, from the danger of accelerating inefficient processes to the impact AI-driven discovery is having on publisher traffic. Kurt shares what he believes publishers are getting wrong about the current shift, how Freestar is helping partners navigate it, and what a healthy publishing ecosystem could look like over the next year.
🎧 Tune in for a conversation on publisher monetisation, AI, quality media and what comes next for the open web.

Creative That Converts: Balancing Volume, Quality and AI with Illuminate Digital's Josephine Phipps
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Jenny Dunford is joined by Josephine Phipps, CEO of Illuminate Digital, to explore what it really takes to drive ecommerce growth in an increasingly challenging market. Josephine shares her career journey and insights from leading an agency working with brands across creative, media and performance marketing.
The conversation dives into the growing pressure for brands to produce more creative in response to AI-driven platforms like Meta's Andromeda, and why volume shouldn't come at the expense of quality or originality. Jenny and Josephine also explore the evolving role of influencer content, the rising cost of customer acquisition, and the risks of relying too heavily on automated media buying.
They also unpack one of marketing's biggest challenges: measurement. Josephine explains why platform-reported ROAS doesn't always tell the full story, and how approaches such as incrementality testing and Marketing Mix Modelling can help brands understand what's really driving growth. Finally, she looks ahead at what will separate the ecommerce brands that thrive from those that struggle in the years ahead.
🎧 Tune in for a conversation on smarter growth, better measurement and navigating the new realities of ecommerce marketing.

Marketing in Motion: How Community Is Changing Brand Partnerships with Strava's Jennifer Starr
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Daniel Bolter is joined by Jen Starr, Director of North America at Strava for Business, to explore how brands can build meaningful connections through community. Drawing on her experience across BuzzFeed, Nextdoor and Strava, Jen shares how her approach to community has evolved and what makes Strava’s active audience such a unique opportunity for advertisers.
The conversation explores how Strava is opening up new opportunities for brand partnerships, from creating campaigns that resonate with its community to turning everyday movement into meaningful engagement. Jen shares what makes a successful sponsored challenge, how brands can become part of people’s routines rather than interrupt them, and which industries are finding new opportunities on the platform.
Daniel and Jen also discuss the lessons that have shaped her leadership approach, the importance of community in the fitness and wellness space, and what the future holds for brands looking to connect with audiences through shared passions.
🎧 Tune in for a conversation about community-led marketing, creative brand partnerships and the power of connecting with people through what they love.

The She Suite: From First Employee to CMO, The Power of Mentorship with Hester Bates
In this episode of The She Suite, host Sonia Atwal is joined by Hester Bates, CMO at True Rights, to explore her career journey from being Influencer’s first employee to becoming a CMO and leading marketing at True Rights. Hester reflects on how growing with a business from its earliest stages shaped her approach to leadership, as well as the lessons she has carried throughout her career.
Hester shares what she has learned from both being mentored and mentoring others through initiatives such as Girls in Marketing, the advice that has stayed with her, and why some of her most influential managers have been men. Sonia and Hester also discuss what meaningful allyship looks like in practice and how leaders can better support and champion women in the workplace.
The conversation also explores Hester’s experience as a female leader at board level, the progress still needed around representation and inclusion, and the advice she wishes she could give her younger self.
Tune in for an honest conversation about mentorship, allyship and what it really means to build a career and lead with purpose.

Buying Smarter: How AI Is Reshaping Programmatic with OpenX's Stacey Bohrer
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Daniel Bolter is joined by Stacey Bohrer, SVP Global Buyer Development at OpenX, to explore how programmatic is evolving around the needs of modern media buyers. Stacey shares her perspective on OpenX today, the changing expectations of buyers and partners, and the challenges facing the industry as technology continues to move at pace.
The conversation dives into OpenXBuild and OpenX IQ, exploring how OpenX is developing new tools to help buyers make smarter decisions and navigate an increasingly complex programmatic landscape. Daniel and Stacey also unpack where AI is delivering genuine value for media buyers, where the industry may be getting ahead of itself, and what buyers are really looking for from their technology partners.
Stacey also shares her approach to leadership and building high-performing teams in a fast-moving industry, before looking ahead to what she hopes will change across OpenX, its customers and the wider programmatic ecosystem over the next year.
Tune in for a conversation on smarter buying, practical AI and the future of programmatic.

The She Suite: Embracing the Squiggly Path to Leadership with Lauren Berkemeyer
In this episode of The She Suite, host Sonia Atwal is joined by Lauren Berkemeyer, CMO at YuLife, for a conversation about building a career without following a traditional path. Lauren reflects on her journey across high-growth brands, startups and scale-ups, sharing what has guided her decisions and why embracing a “squiggly career” has opened up unexpected opportunities.
Lauren also discusses making the move from New York to London, building a career in a new market and the lessons she’s learned from working in entrepreneurial environments. The conversation explores the challenges of taking brands international, adapting to fast-growth environments and building marketing strategies that can scale.
Sonia and Lauren also dive into female leadership, navigating moments that challenge your confidence and what effective leadership looks like today. Lauren shares advice for anyone considering a less obvious career path, taking risks and making choices that could shape their next chapter.
Tune in for an honest conversation about career curves, taking risks and finding your own path to leadership!

Audio Advantage: Shaping the Next Era of Programmatic Audio with Soundcast’s Violaine Cabrol
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Daniel Bolter is joined by Violaine Cabrol, US Managing Director at Soundcast, to explore the evolution of digital audio and the opportunities shaping the next era of programmatic advertising. Violaine shares her career journey into AdTech and audio, as well as how SoundCast is helping publishers and advertisers navigate the unique challenges of the audio ecosystem.
The conversation explores the changing SSP landscape, the shift from buying on pure scale and reach towards quality, curation and intent, and why audio requires a different approach to technology and measurement. Daniel and Violaine also discuss the differences between the US and European markets, the importance of local insight when scaling internationally, and why high-touch client service remains central to Soundcast's approach.
They also dive into the role of AI in audio advertising, from automating processes and identifying patterns to why human judgement and relationships still matter. Finally, Violaine looks at the growth of digital audio, the challenges around fragmentation and measurement, and what needs to happen for the channel to realise its full potential.
Tune in now for a conversation on the evolution of digital audio, smarter programmatic buying and what comes next for the industry!

Measurement Rebuilt: Navigating Fragmentation, Scale and AI with Happydemics' Michael Isaacs-Olaye
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Marnie Senior is joined by Michael Isaacs-Olaye, VP of Sales & Partnerships at happydemics to explore how marketing measurement is evolving in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. Michael shares his career journey and the work Happydemics is doing to help marketers understand campaign effectiveness across channels, audiences and markets.
The conversation explores the challenges of omnichannel measurement, the importance of measuring campaigns at scale, and whether the industry is moving towards a more unified view of performance. Marnie and Michael also discuss where AI is delivering genuine value in measurement and insights, the lessons Happydemics has learned from international expansion, and how marketers can balance global consistency with local audience understanding.
Looking ahead, Michael shares his perspective on the next three to five years of marketing measurement and the key things marketers should be doing now to prepare for what comes next.
Tune in for a conversation on smarter measurement, practical AI and the future of omnichannel marketing.

The She Suite: Chasing Growth, Taking Risks and Making Moves with Hannah Baker
In this episode of The She Suite, host Sonia Atwal is joined by Hannah Baker, CMO of Brave Bison, for an honest conversation about career growth, taking risks, and building a career around opportunity. Hannah reflects on making an international move early in her career, the decisions that accelerated her progression, and the mindset and skills that have helped her rise through the ranks.
The conversation also explores Hannah’s experience marketing multiple agencies within a growing group, from building distinct identities to repositioning acquired businesses for growth. Sonia and Hannah discuss the realities of balancing high levels of professional responsibility with major personal milestones, the lessons that come from operating at pace, and why taking calculated risks can be so important early in your career.
Tune in for an honest look at fast-tracking your career, embracing opportunity, and navigating the highs and challenges that come with it.

Tech by Design: Powering the Modern Agency with Ben Foster
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Holly Simpson is joined by Ben Foster, COO at The Kite Factory, to explore how technology is reshaping the modern media agency. Ben shares his career journey and the thinking behind The Kite Factory’s investment in proprietary tools, including how they were built to solve real operational and client challenges and how they’re changing the way teams work day-to-day.
The conversation also looks at how agency expectations are evolving, from changing client demands and new hybrid skill sets to the growing pressure around new business pitches. Holly and Ben discuss whether the traditional pitching model is still fit for purpose and what the agencies that succeed in the next era of media and marketing will need to do differently.
Tune in to stay up to date about how technology is being used to power today’s leading agencies.

Programmatic Reimagined: Rebuilding Trust Through Transparency with @Curate's Rhys Denny
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ryan Stewart is joined by Rhys Denny, Co-Founder of @curate, to unpack why programmatic advertising has become so complex, and what the industry can do to rebuild trust, transparency, and efficiency.
Rhys shares the story behind @curate, the thinking that inspired its creation, and how products like Wanda are helping media teams reduce operational friction, improve decision-making, and make AI work for them, not against them. Together, Ryan and Rhys explore the realities of modern media buying, from increasing pressure on traders and agencies to the growing demand for genuine transparency across the ecosystem.
They discuss the future of programmatic, where AI is delivering real value beyond the hype, and what a healthier, more sustainable advertising landscape could look like for brands, agencies, and the people behind the campaigns.
Tune in to discover technology and a mission for rebuilding trust, helping shape a more transparent future in AdTech

Connected Performance: The Next Era of Marketing with Criteo’s Todd Parsons
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Daniel Bolter is joined by Todd Parsons, Chief Product Officer at Criteo, to explore why performance marketing is undergoing one of its biggest transformations yet. Todd shares how Criteo is helping brands navigate a rapidly evolving landscape, and why traditional approaches to planning, measurement, and optimisation are no longer enough.
Together, Daniel and Todd discuss the shift away from channel silos towards a truly cross-channel, full-funnel strategy, the role product teams play in driving innovation, and where AI is delivering real business impact beyond the buzz. They also look ahead to the future of performance marketing, exploring the trends, technologies, and mindset shifts that brands and agencies need to embrace to stay ahead.
Tune in to stay ahead on the hottest topics in AdTech! This is one you won't want to miss!

OOH Amplified: AI and the Next Era of Media
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ryan Stewart is joined by Shanil Chande, Chief Programmatic Officer at Talon OOH, to explore how AI is transforming the world of Out-of-Home advertising.
Shanil shares his career journey and explains how OOH has evolved into a dynamic, data-driven channel at the heart of today’s media ecosystem. The conversation dives into how AI is impacting OOH differently from other digital channels, where the biggest opportunities lie for smarter planning, targeting, and measurement, and how Talon’s new AI-powered planning tool is helping advertisers make better decisions and drive stronger campaign outcomes.
Ryan and Shanil discuss the future of OOH, the emerging technologies set to reshape the industry, and the skills marketers need to develop now to stay ahead in an increasingly intelligent advertising landscape.
🎧 Tune in to discover how AI is redefining OOH, and what lies ahead for the ever changing channel

Entertainment Revolution: The Rise of Creator-Led TV with Gaggl's Greg Miall
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ed Steer sits down with Greg Miall, Co-Founder of Gaggl, to explore how the worlds of television, social media, and the creator economy are colliding to create entirely new forms of entertainment.
Greg shares the story behind Gaggl, the platform often described as "Gogglebox for creators," and explains why reaction-led, community-driven content is resonating with audiences in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. The conversation explores the evolution from traditional TV to streaming and examines how platforms like YouTube and TikTok are reshaping the way content is created, consumed, and shared.
Ed and Greg also discuss what this shift means for brands, diving into standout campaigns with Cash App and Netflix's Stranger Things, before looking ahead to the future of creator-led viewing and where Gaggl fits into the next chapter of digital entertainment.
🎧 Tune in to discover how creators are redefining the viewing experience, and why the future of entertainment may be more interactive than ever.

Humans, Machines & Marketing: The Future of Talent with Ryan Kangisser
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ed Steer is joined by Ryan Kangisser, Chief Strategy Officer at mediasense, for a discussion on the future of talent in an AI-driven marketing landscape.
The conversation centres around mediasense's upcoming Humans, Machines and Marketing survey and the questions it aims to explore across brands, agencies, and technology providers. Ryan shares his perspective on how talent requirements are evolving, whether AI is widening or narrowing skills gaps, and the characteristics that will define high-performing teams in the years ahead.
Ed and Ryan also examine how agency models are adapting to changing client expectations, the common pitfalls organisations face when building talent strategies, and what the industry should be paying attention to as Cannes 2026 approaches.
Tune in for an insightful conversation on how AI is reshaping the ever evolving relationship between people, technology, and marketing

The She Suite: Leading Through Craft, Not Climbing the Ladder with Michelle Urwin
Welcome to the very first episode of The She Suite, a new podcast series from Life In Digital spotlighting inspiring female leaders and their journeys to being a CMO.
In this debut episode, Sonia Atwal is joined by Michelle Urwin, CMO at Skai, for a candid conversation on career growth, modern marketing leadership, and the evolving role of today’s CMO.
Michelle reflects on her journey across agency and client-side roles, the experiences that shaped her leadership style, and why she never set out with the ambition of becoming a CMO. Together, they discuss the growing commercial pressures facing marketers, balancing short-term performance with long-term brand transformation, and how AI is reshaping creativity within the industry.
Michelle also shares her thoughts on mentorship, the key traits needed to succeed in leadership, and advice for marketers who are driven by a passion for the craft rather than chasing titles.
If you work in marketing, digital, media, or leadership, this is an episode packed with valuable insight and perspective you won’t want to miss.

Scaling Sustainably: Growth Without Burnout with Assertive Yield’s Richard Ottoy
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ed Steer is joined by Richard Ottoy, SVP Sales EMEA at Assertive Yield to explore the evolving publisher landscape and what it takes to drive sustainable revenue growth in today’s market. Richard shares what drew him to Assertive Yield, the company’s mission, and how its products help publishers unlock greater performance and control over their monetisation strategies.
The conversation dives into the unique dynamics of the European market, how Assertive Yield is approaching growth in the region, and what success looks like when building high-performing, revenue-focused teams. Richard also shares his philosophy on developing sales talent, creating a culture that drives results without burnout, and how to set individuals up for long-term success, even when working across global time zones.
🎧 Tune in to hear how leading publishers are driving smarter revenue growth and what it takes to build high-performing teams in the process.

Discovery Disruption: How Glance Is Transforming AdTech with Inmobi’s Kunal Nagpal
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Daniel Bolter sits down with Kunal Nagpal, Chief Business Officer at InMobi, to explore how AI is reshaping discovery, engagement, and the future of digital advertising. Kunal shares his career journey and what’s driving focus at InMobi right now, before diving into GlanceAI and GlanceTV, and how it’s reshaping the way consumers interact with content and brands.
The conversation unpacks the shift from “search and scroll” to discovery-led experiences, and what that means for advertisers trying to capture attention in an increasingly crowded landscape. Kunal also cuts through the noise around AI, sharing what’s genuinely transformative versus overhyped, and how InMobi is applying it in a way that delivers real value.
Looking ahead, Kunal highlights the trends many in the industry are underestimating, what the ecosystem is getting wrong today, and how things could look radically different in just a few years.
🎧 Tune in to discover how AI-powered discovery is changing the rules, and what it means for the future of advertising.

The Real Time Race: Why Real Time Marketing Wins with Sightly’s Rob Trotter
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ed Steer is joined by Rob Trotter, Managing Director, EMEA at Sightly to explore how real-time marketing is reshaping the digital advertising landscape. As Sightly launches in Europe, Rob shares an overview of the business, his career journey, and how the company is helping brands activate more dynamic, responsive campaigns.
The conversation unpacks the concept of walled gardens, breaking down what they are and the role they play in today’s media. Rob and Ed dive into the risks and rewards of real-time marketing within these environments, and how this shift is challenging traditional planning and buying approaches.
Looking ahead, they explore what’s next for this space, from evolving technology to the changing expectations of brands, and what marketers need to do to stay ahead.
Tune in to discover how real-time marketing is changing the rules, and what it means for the future of digital advertising!
Life in Digital is brought to you by Revving, the solution enabling flexible access to revenue and greater control over capital across the digital economy through their Transactional-Based Funding model. Find out more at revving.io

Protocol Power: Inside Ad Context Protocol with Scope3’s Alexander Oakden
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ed Steer is joined by Alexander Oakden, Director, UK & Northern Europe at Scope3, to unpack how AI, transparency, and open standards are reshaping digital advertising.
Alexander shares how Scope3 has evolved over the past three years and explains the thinking behind the AdContext Protocol, what it is, why it matters, and how it helps buyers make smarter decisions while giving publishers more control over how their inventory is understood and valued. The conversation also explores what the rise of AI-driven buying means for the future of the ecosystem and where the biggest opportunities are emerging.
If you want to stay up to date on the latest in programmatic and how AI unlocks a more efficient, transparent media landscape this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

From Metrics to Meaning: Measuring Brand Lift with Alistair Hill
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ed Steer is joined by Alistair Hill, Co-Founder at On Device, to explore how brands can measure what really matters in an increasingly complex digital advertising landscape.
Alistair shares an overview of On Device and his role in shaping the company’s mission, before diving into the challenges marketers face when it comes to ad effectiveness and brand lift measurement. From outdated measurement models and poor-quality data to fragmented media consumption, the conversation unpacks why proving true impact has never been harder or more important.
Looking ahead, Alistair discusses the factors behind On Device’s success, how its technology helps brands overcome modern measurement challenges, and where companies should be focusing their investment next. He also offers insight into the channels and verticals primed for innovation and what’s on the roadmap for On Device over the next 12 months.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how smarter measurement is shaping the future of digital advertising.

Attention IRL: The Future of Brand Connection with Outernet’s Lisa Miles
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Marnie Senior sits down with Lisa Miles, Director of Strategic Growth at Outernet London, to explore why real-world, immersive experiences are cutting through in today’s fragmented media landscape. Lisa shares her journey into experiential media, as well as what’s driving the growing complexity of how brands reach audiences today.
Together, they unpack why physical, sensory experiences remain so powerful in a screen dominated world, and how brands can strike the right balance between real world and digital touchpoints. Lisa also discusses the risks for brands that fail to invest in meaningful experiences and why attention is no longer something that can be taken for granted.
Tune in for an expert insight into experience-led marketing and why it is becoming increasingly important in today’s media landscape!

Analytical Edge: How Data is Shaping Retail with Oliver Spark
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ed Steer sits down with Oliver Spark, CEO of Sweet Analytics, to unpack why customer data is the cornerstone of modern retail growth, and how brands can use it to scale smarter and faster.
Oliver gives us an inside look at Sweet Analytics and what sets their platform apart in a crowded market. He dives into why customer data is the most critical asset for retailers today, how it directly fuels eCommerce success, and why understanding actual profitability is essential for long-term performance.
The discussion explores Sweet Analytics’ five key growth levers for eCommerce and how retailers can prioritise effectively to maximise results. Oliver also shares how Sweet Analytics is leveraging AI to enhance decision-making, sharpen targeting, and give retailers a genuine competitive edge.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay informed on the evolving role of data in retail and how the smartest retailers are using data to drive growth.

Beyond Beauty: Shira Feuer on Building a Resonating Brand
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Niall Phelan sits down with Shira Feuer, Chief Marketing Officer at Beauty Pie, to unpack what it takes to build, scale, and sustain a direct-to-consumer brand that customers genuinely love.
Shira takes us through her impressive career journey, from shaping global brand strategy at Disney, Burberry, and Trinny London, to helping Beauty Pie redefine what a modern beauty brand can be. She shares how her experience with major global brands informs her approach to growing a challenger business, and how Beauty Pie’s unique membership model has resonated so strongly with consumers.
Together, Niall and Shira explore how to balance brand building with performance, where DTC marketing is headed next, and how customer feedback drives everything from product innovation to brand storytelling.
From navigating growth challenges to turning customer feedback into brand power, Shira shares invaluable lessons, perfect for marketers and founders alike, make sure to tune in!

IP Intelligence: VPNs, Security & the Future of Digital Data with Charlie Johnson
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Marnie Senior is joined by Charlie Johnson, VP International at Digital Envoy, to unpack the fascinating world of IP intelligence and explore how businesses are navigating the challenges of VPNs, proxies, and location data in an increasingly privacy-conscious world.
Charlie shares insights from her journey in the industry, including how the landscape has evolved, why IP intelligence matters more than ever, and what it takes to lead in such a fast-paced environment.
Together, they explore how geolocation data powers decision making across industries, from advertising and cybersecurity to compliance, and how Digital Envoy is innovating to ensure accuracy in a world of shifting digital identities.
Whether you’re a marketer, data strategist, or tech leader, this episode offers insight into the role of IP data today keeping you up to date on how the industry is evolving.

Curation Decoded: The Secret to Smarter Advertising with Fern Potter
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ryan Stewart is joined by Fern Potter, SVP Strategy & Partnerships at Multilocal, to explore the fast-moving world of AdTech and the role of curation in shaping its future.
Fern shares insights into why curation has become central to its success, and gives insight into what curation really means for advertisers and publishers.
Together, they dive into the biggest challenges in advertising today and how Multilocal’s technology is designed to solve them. Looking ahead into what brand’s and agencies should be doing and what’s next on the horizon for Multilocal over the coming year.
Whether you’re an advertiser, publisher, or digital strategist, this episode will help keep your finger on the pulse of the rapidly changing world of AdTech.

Powerful Personalisation: James Taylor on Building AI-Driven Experiences
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ed Steer sits down with James Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO of Particular Audience, to trace his journey from first-time founder to leading one of the most innovative personalisation platforms in adtech.
James shares key lessons from building two companies, the evolution of AI-driven personalisation, and how data is transforming decision making in retail and commerce media. Together, they explore the rise of retail media, search, SEO, geo-targeting and agentic AI—and what these shifts mean for brands and consumers.
At the heart of the conversation is James’s passion for creating personalised, data-driven experiences that enhance the way people discover and shop online. He also offers practical insights for anyone building or scaling a tech-driven business.

Retail Reinvented: How Media and Commerce is Evolving with Skai's David Sequeira
In this episode of Life in Digital, host James Everett sits down with David Sequeira (DSeq), EVP at Skai, to unpack his journey from media and advertising into the rapidly evolving world of digital commerce.
They explore Skai’s transformation from its origins as Kenshoo to a cutting-edge platform harnessing AI to drive smarter, more scalable retail media strategies. David shares insights into Skai’s newest AI offering—a breakthrough innovation that’s revolutionising how brands plan, optimise, and activate campaigns across the digital shelf.
The conversation also touches on the shifting role of search, the explosive growth of retail media, and how social commerce is reshaping the path to purchase. With deep industry insight and a forward-looking view, David outlines where brands should focus next.
Whether you’re a marketer, media strategist, or tech leader, this episode is packed with takeaways for staying ahead in a fast-changing digital landscape.

Creative Control: Media Strategy, AI & ROI with Luke Bristow
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ed Steer sits down with special guest Luke Bristow, CEO at MNC, to unpack the evolving world of media, advertising, and creative production.
Together, they explore Luke’s career journey across in-house and agency roles, the pros and cons of outsourcing creative, and how brands can maximise ROI through smarter media planning. The conversation also dives into the impact of AI on content production, the value of transparent rate cards, and the shift towards full-funnel, agnostic media buying strategies.
Whether you're a marketer, media buyer, or brand leader looking to get more from your ad spend, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to make modern media work harder.

Smarter Screens: Innovation in CTV and Retail Media with Joe Evea
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ed Steer sits down with special guest Joe Evea, SVP Advertising & Retail Media at Titan OS, to explore the evolving landscape of CTV and retail media.
Together, they dive into the rise of FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels, the growing opportunities for advertisers within CTV, and how to reduce wastage and maximise inventory across digital TV platforms. Joe also shares his perspective on how Titan OS is reshaping Retail Media to create more efficient, data-driven ecosystems for both consumers and brands.
Whether you're a digital strategist, media buyer, or just curious about the next frontier in TV advertising, this episode offers a forward-looking view into the technologies and trends shaping the future of CTV.

Powerful Play: The Future of In-Game Advertising with Natalia Vasilyeva
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ed Steer sits down with special guest Natalia Vasilyeva, EVP of Marketing at Anzu.io, to explore how gaming has rapidly evolved into a powerful social and advertising channel.
Together, they discuss the rise of intrinsic in-game advertising, how Anzu.io is bridging the gap between Out-of-Home (OOH) and digital media, and why gaming is becoming part of the modern media mix. Natalia also shares her perspective on the importance of viewability, attention measurement, and brand uplift in proving the real impact of in-game campaigns.
Whether you're a brand marketer, media strategist, or simply curious about the future of gaming and advertising, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the fastest-growing areas in digital media.

Optimising Outcomes: Search, Strategy & AI with Andy Crestodina
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Matheus Maier sits down with special guest Andy Crestodina, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Orbit Media, to explore how digital marketing has transformed over the past 25 years.
Together, they unpack the evolution of search engines, the rise of AI in marketing, the impact of SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages), and what today’s marketers need to know about search traffic and website optimization to drive real revenue. Andy also shares valuable, actionable advice for those just starting out in the digital space—offering insights from decades of hands-on experience.
Whether you're a seasoned marketer or a newcomer to the digital world, this episode is packed with practical strategies, industry trends, and timeless wisdom to help you thrive.
#LifeInDigital #SEO #Marketing

Curated Connections: Smarter Media Moves with Lotame's Alison Harding
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ryan Stewart sits down with Alison Harding, VP of Data Solutions at Lotame, to unpack one of digital advertising’s hottest topics: curation.
With deep experience in data strategy and adtech, Alison shares her career journey and gives insight into Lotame’s evolving role in the programmatic space.
They explore how the industry has shifted over the past year, why curation has become more than just a buzzword, and how it’s delivering real value to publishers, agencies, and brands alike. Alison also breaks down how curated solutions are helping advertisers reach audiences more effectively—while streamlining spend and improving outcomes.
Plus, they discuss the future of curation, its impact on programmatic, and how adtech companies can stay consumer-focused in today’s cost-sensitive market.
Whether you're in publishing, media buying, or data strategy, this episode is packed with insights on where digital advertising is heading next.

Funding the Future: Ending Payment Delays with Revving’s Founder, Chris Pettit
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Tina Smith sits down with Chris Pettit, founder of Revving, to uncover the hidden financial crisis impacting digital businesses. With two decades of experience across film, TV, music, and gaming, Chris shares how unfair financial gatekeeping led him to founding Revving.
They dive into why longer payment terms have become the norm, how industry giants are leveraging power, and why service providers are often left financially exposed. Chris also unpacks the systemic changes needed—and how Revving is working to fix the imbalance.
Whether you're a digital creator, agency leader or policymaker, this episode shines a light on a critical issue that's long overdue for change.
#LifeInDigital #Podcast #FinTech #AdTech

Navigating Nuance: Mastering Media Across Continents with Sebastien Lepez
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Stephanie Levinson sits down with Sebastien Lepez, founder of media agency Jolt Digital, to explore his dynamic journey through the world of media. From launching his career in Europe to navigating the fast-paced markets of Asia, Sebastien shares how his global experience shaped his vision for disrupting traditional media with data and tech.
Together, they dive into the local nuances of media strategy across regions, the evolving role of AI in the industry, and the challenges agencies face today. Sebastien also opens up about the reality of juggling entrepreneurship with personal life, and shares the kind of dream clients that fuel his passion.
Whether you're working in the industry or just curious about how the media landscape is transforming, this episode is packed with insights and industry news.
#LifeInDigital #Media #Localisation

Algorithmic Advantage: Unlocking Ad Value with the Founders of Chalice AI
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Richard Morris is joined by Ali Manning and Adam Heimlich, co-founders of Chalice AI, to discuss how AI is reshaping the AdTech landscape.
Ali and Adam share their career journeys and what led them to launch Chalice, starting as a custom algorithms company and evolving to a platform integrating AI across the media buying process. They explain how Chalice is increasing the value of each ad opportunity and working to eliminate bias in digital advertising.
The conversation also touches on the wider adoption of AI in AdTech, the shifts they’re seeing across the industry, and how they’re navigating the challenges of growing a company while balancing family life.
Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on innovation, leadership, and the future of AI in advertising!

Supercharged Storytelling: Maximising Brand Lift with Nativo's Greg Friend
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Daniel Bolter is joined by Greg Friend, VP of Content, Strategy and Insights at Nativo, for a candid conversation about the changing landscape of AdTech and the power of content in modern advertising.
Greg walks us through his career journey and shares how Nativo is carving out a unique space in the industry by focusing on meaningful content experiences and smarter ways to measure success. From brand lift to ROI, Greg explains how brands can create more impact through strategy, storytelling, and innovation. He also offers honest advice for brands looking to cut through the noise and shares valuable tips for those just starting out in their careers.
It’s an insightful and inspiring conversation about making advertising better — for brands, publishers, and audiences alike.

Decarbonising Digital: AdTech's Greener Future with Michael Hanbury-Williams
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Marnie Senior sits down with Michael Hanbury Williams, UK Managing Director at Greenbids to discuss sustainability within the AdTech industry. Michael shares his journey into the role, what drew him to Greenbids, and how the company’s products help reduce the carbon footprint of digital advertising.
The conversation explores how AI is being used to decarbonize digital ads, the evolving state of sustainability in the AdTech space, and the challenges still faced by the industry. Michael also discusses Greenbids’ future plans, including new markets and upcoming collaborations.
Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of technology and sustainability in the digital advertising world.

AdTech Accelerated: AI, CTV and Brand Safety with Verve’s Alex Stil
In this episode of Life in Digital, Ed sits down with Alex Stil, CCO at Verve to discuss Alex’s career journey, exploring his experiences and key moments that have shaped his path in the industry.
Together they dive into the hot topics in AdTech today, including brand safety, the rise of Connected TV (CTV), and the impact of AI on media planning and productivity. Alex shares his expert insights on the challenges brands and advertisers face, the shifting media landscape, and how AI is driving efficiency and innovation across the industry.
If you’re interested in staying up to date on all things AdTech, make sure to tune in!

Email Evolved: Rethinking Email with esbconnect's CEO, Suzanna Chaplin
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ryan sits down with Suzanna Chaplin, Founder and CEO of esbconnect, to dive into her career journey and the transformative power of email in the digital landscape.
They explore how Suzanna has switched up the culture at esbconnect to drive both productivity and innovation. Plus, Suzanna shares how her company is helping businesses enhance targeting, maximize ROI, and implement advanced email strategies.
They also tackle the growing importance of identity resolution and how AI is shaping the future of marketing. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on optimizing digital communication, boosting customer engagement, and the technologies that are changing the marketing game.

Social Switch-Up: The Future of Brands and Talent in the Digital World with Feenix Talent's Michael Djan
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Marnie Senior sits down with Michael Djan, Managing Director at Feenix Talent, to dive into his career journey, and the fast-changing world of AI, tech, and youth culture. They explore how gaming is becoming the new social hub and what brands are really looking for in today’s market. Michael also shares expert advice on navigating challenges like redundancy.
Want to stay up to date on the ever-evolving digital landscape? This is a must-listen episode!

Digital Dominance: Dianomi’s Ken Johnston on Trends, Growth & Innovation
In this episode of Life in Digital, Dan sits down with Ken Johnston, Global Head of Sales at Dianomi, to explore the evolving world of digital advertising.
They dive into the latest marketing trends shaping financial and luxury brands, and key strategies for refining digital advertising. Ken also gives us a glimpse into what’s next for Dianomi in terms of growth and innovation.
Whether you’re a marketer, advertiser, or just curious about the world of digital media, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
Tune in!

Culture Catalysts: Crafting Stronger Communities in the Digital Age with SBS's Jason Warner
In this episode of Life In Digital, Ed sits down with Jason Warner, Managing Director UK and EMEA at SBS, to explore creating inclusive workplaces in the age of hybrid working.
They explore embracing DE&I initiatives, building thriving communities, and the future of flexible working in a post- pandemic world.
Make sure to tune in!

Maximising Media: How PubX is changing the game with Founder, Andrew Mole
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Ed Steer sits down with Andrew Mole, Founder and CEO of PubX, to explore the dynamic world of media publishing. Andrew shares how PubX helps its customers maximise revenue in an increasingly competitive market. They dive into the challenges publishers face today, including the role of AI in content creation and curation, as well as how outsourcing and flooring are transforming business strategies. If you're interested in Ad/Pub Tech, this is a must listen!

Data Unlocked: Talking AdTech Innovation with Liveramp's Oliver Klander
In this episode of Life In Digital, host Ed Steer sits down with Oliver Klander, Commercial Director, MENA at Liveramp to discuss his career journey, sharing insights into his work launching the Middle East market and how Liveramp enables businesses to connect platforms and unlock data, leveling up their media strategies. For an insightful conversation on innovation, data connectivity and the future of the retail media space, make sure to tune in!

AI Revolution: How Marketing is Evolving with Tau Marketing's Rob Webster
In this episode of Life in Digital, host Dan Bolter sits down with Rob Webster, founder of TAU Marketing Solutions, to dive into the future of AI in marketing.
Rob reveals how his company is helping brands harness AI, the challenges the industry faces, and the exciting possibilities ahead. From building trust in AI to predicting the future of marketing, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Digital Disruption: Decoding Privacy, SPO & AI with OpenX's Matt Sattel
In this episode, Dan Bolter sits down with Matt Sattel, Chief Revenue Officer at OpenX, to discuss his transition from the buy-side to the supply side and the evolution of digital advertising. He shares his views on Supply Path Optimization (SPO) as well as OpenX’s approach to privacy and compliance, how they’re handling curation, and what's coming next in the industry. Plus, he offers his predictions for the future of AI in digital advertising.
Make sure to tune in!

Programmatic Unplugged: AI, CTV and the Future of Advertisements with Audience Store's Ben Beishon
In this episode, Ryan Stewart sits down with Ben Beishon, Head of Client Services at AudienceStore, taking us through the fast-evolving world of programmatic advertising. From his early days at TMWI to now, Ben shares how the industry has transformed and how AI is driving smarter marketing – while still keeping that human touch.
If you're looking to stay ahead in programmatic, this is not one to miss!