AdTech's Hidden Bottleneck (with Matt Barash)
In this episode, Nova Chief Commercial Officer Matt Barash joins host Noor Naseer to challenge how the advertising industry works on a fundamental level. As agencies undergo seismic shifts and battle inefficiency, Matt argues that workflow is more than an operational layer: it’s a business system of record. He explores the disconnect between creative, media, and tech teams, the hidden costs of outdated tools, and why most adtech platforms undervalue the infrastructure agencies rely on. From the rise of AI copilots to the future of real-time creative optimization, this episode unpacks how marketing organizations can either evolve or be left behind.
15 Jul 17min
Making Ads Less Hateable (with Terry Taouss)
What makes an ad "acceptable"? And who gets to decide? In this episode, Terry Taouss, President of the Acceptable Ads Committee (AAC), joins host Noor Naseer to explore why user experience is at the heart of ad standardization. Terry discusses the AAC's research-driven approach to setting ad standards, how the committee balances industry needs with user rights, and common misconceptions about ad blocking. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the future of sustainable, user-first advertising.
9 Jul 20min
The Future of MMM (with Greg Dolan)
Fragmentation in the marketing industry isn’t new—but the pressure to make faster, smarter decisions in today's increasingly complex landscape is. In this episode, Greg Dolan, CEO and co-founder of Keen Decision Systems, joins host Noor Naseer to discuss how marketing mix modeling (MMM) is evolving to meet these challenges. Dolan outlines how breaking down marketing silos with a top-down and bottom-up approach can drive better decisions, collaboration, and results across teams and organizations. He and Noor also explore why real-time insights and holistic measurement are critical in a world of shrinking budgets and exploding channels.
2 Jul 11min
Bringing Strategy Back to Adtech (with Tash Walker)
Is too much tech undermining your marketing strategy? In an era where there seems to be a tech point solution for everything, hear why it’s critical to build a strong strategic foundation first before layering on technology and automation. Tash Walker, founder of global research agency The Mix, joins host Noor Naseer to explore how marketers are mistaking data for insight, and why chasing short-term media metrics can derail long-term brand growth. Together, they break down what it takes to craft strong, human-centered strategies in a fragmented media landscape—and why it’s time to rethink how much thinking we’re outsourcing to our tools.
26 Jun 13min
Rethinking Work in Adtech (with Rishad Tobaccowala)
Host Noor Naseer sits down with author, podcaster, and ad industry visionary Rishad Tobaccowala to discuss how leaders should be rethinking work in today’s adtech landscape. Rishad explores how work has fundamentally changed, details the evolving priorities of the modern workforce, and shares why the adtech industry must broaden its perspective to stay relevant. Listen in for candid conversation and actionable advice on navigating the future of work in advertising and adtech.
31 Mai 37min
Understand Adtech Like a Pro (with Shiv Gupta)
In the fast-evolving world of programmatic media and adtech, staying informed is key to advertising success. In this episode, U of Digital Founder Shiv Gupta joins host Noor Naseer to discuss how advertisers need sources of credible information to build sound adtech perspective. Gupta explores how education can help advertisers adapt to rapid industry evolutions, from AI-driven programmatic advertising to evolving privacy regulations. This episode equips advertisers with the mindset shift needed to stay competitive as changes like these redefine the advertising ecosystem.
14 Apr 42min
Uncovering Human Insight for Programmatic Success (with Albert Thompson)
In a time of obsession over AI and automation, are too many media buyers choosing to set it and forget it? Albert Thompson, Managing Director of Digital Innovation at Walton Issacson, thinks so. In this episode, Thompson shares how bringing more human insight to programmatic campaigns is vital for optimal media performance. Together with host Noor Naseer, he explores how buyers can blend automation with human expertise to drive more successful campaigns.
14 Mar 38min
