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Programmatic Digest

Programmatic Digest

By: Helene Parker and Co-host: Manuela Cortes
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About this listen

 The Programmatic Digest is a 20-30 minutes weekly podcast where we discuss with fellow industry expert programmatic and digital media news. Our mission on this podcast is to share knowledge, highlight Diversity & Inclusion in AdTech, and educate ourselves as we build this community of programmatic and digital ninjas. Would you like to learn more about programmatic? Check our Reach and Frequency™️ Course - https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ We offer customized training programs to you and your team - https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/Helene Parker Consulting LLC 2019-2025 Career Success Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • 181. How Programmatic Buyers Think About UGC Andrew Super from Nextdoor - Live Episode from Cannes Lions 2025

    181. How Programmatic Buyers Think About UGC Andrew Super from Nextdoor - Live Episode from Cannes Lions 2025
    Jul 23 2025

    Direct from La Croisette, The Programmatic Digest lands at Cannes Lions 2025 to unpack the biggest stories, trends, and power players shaping the future of advertising. Join us as we interview industry leaders, innovators, and disruptors live from the Croisette—diving into everything from UCG to data privacy and the evolving programmatic landscape.
    Bite-sized insights. Big-league conversations. Fresh from the beach.
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    13 mins
  • 180. From History Major to MadTech Leader: Heather Macaulay on Tech Stack Clarity, Connectivity, and Career Advice

    180. From History Major to MadTech Leader: Heather Macaulay on Tech Stack Clarity, Connectivity, and Career Advice
    Jul 16 2025

    In this episode of the Programmatic Digest, we sit down with Heather Macaulay, President of MadTech, an AdTech consultancy transforming how teams approach data, integrations, and strategy. Heather shares her unexpected journey into ad tech—from Newbury Street project management to Pubmatic to founding MadTech—and the lessons she’s picked up along the way.

    We dive into what it really means to have a strong, scalable tech stack, the common mistakes advertisers make when choosing tools, and why platform connectivity is now mission-critical. Heather also breaks down how MadConnect, MadTech’s integration engine, is solving industry-wide challenges around data orchestration and interoperability.

    We also talk about early career growth, preparedness as a power move, and the importance of being a lifelong student. Plus, Heather shares how AI is shaping her workflow and offers tactical advice for making the most of tools like ChatGPT. If you're in your first few years in the industry—or managing a team that is—this episode is gold.

    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:

    Programmatic Training & Coaching:

    • 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

    • 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

    • Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course

    Timestamps:
    (00:00) - Welcome & Guest Intro
    (01:49) - Heather’s Origin Story: From Literature to Ad Tech
    (04:28) - Events, Community, and Female-Forward Activations
    (06:28) - What MadTech Does: Product + Data Consultancy
    (07:26) - Solving Integration Challenges with MadConnect
    (08:55) - Advice for Newbies: Be Curious, Prepared & Over-Invest
    (11:47) - Tech Stack Talk: Common Gaps and Evaluation Strategy
    (15:18) - API Gaps & the Cost of Poor Connectivity
    (17:31) - Real-World Examples: Activating Audiences with MadConnect
    (20:35) - Emerging Trend: AI in Strategy, Sales & Workflow
    (25:03) - How to Use AI as a Junior Team Member
    (27:27) - Heather’s Tips for Prompting, Positioning & Product Copy
    (30:27) - Final Thoughts & Where to Connect

    Meet Our Guest:
    Heather Macaulay – President, MadTech
    Connect on LinkedIn

    Meet The Team:

    • Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach

      • https://www.heleneparker.com/

      • https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/

    • Manuela Cortes - Co-Host

      • Programmatic Digest In Espanol:

      • https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/

    Learn Programmatic:
    As a TEAM: heleneparker.com/workshop
    As a Programmatic Ninja: heleneparker.com/course
    Newsletter: heleneparker.com/newsletter

    Programmatic Digest
    LinkedIn
    YouTube
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    31 mins
  • 179. From Intern to Programmatic Media Director: Navigating Career Growth and Industry Insights with David Wiener

    179. From Intern to Programmatic Media Director: Navigating Career Growth and Industry Insights with David Wiener
    Jul 3 2025
    In this episode of the Programmatic Digest, we talk with David Wiener, Director of Programmatic Media at a large agency group. He shares how he got started in programmatic as an intern at a small shop while studying at Hofstra and how he worked his way up through companies like Quotient to his current leadership role. David talks about how he stayed motivated during career changes and the challenges many face in this industry, like job stress and feeling stuck. We also talk about how to keep growing and knowing when it’s time to make a move. We then break down what makes campaigns work well. We explain why building strong partnerships with platforms like Pubmatic and OpenX matters. We also explain the difference between focusing on performance and focusing on brand goals—and when each one is more important depending on your campaign’s goal. Later, we talk about personal growth and the power of networking. I share how to keep learning at work and how to handle the guilt some feel when changing jobs. We also talk about favorite TV shows like Night Agent and Peaky Blinders. We end by thanking each other and reflecting on the great conversations this podcast brings. 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: 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: 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 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 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: (00:02) - Programmatic Media Director on SPO Strategy (14:48) - Navigating Performance Marketing and Career Growth (24:51) - Career Growth and Personal Development (32:41) - Gratitude and Connection in Podcasting Meet Our Guest: David Wiener https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wiener-169523121/ Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach https://www.heleneparker.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/ Manuela Cortes - Co-Host Programmatic Digest In Espanol: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/ Learn Programmatic As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ Programmatic Coaching Newsletter:https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/ Programmatic Digest https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest 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/
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    33 mins
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