AdTech Connect is an inclusive and accessible community for the next generation of AdTech professionals.
Matt Bennathan is joined by experienced, diverse co-hosts and the next generation, bridging the gap between emerging talent and industry leaders.
Providing a platform to learn and an opportunity to shine, the AdTech Connect podcast uncovers the secrets of personal growth and development to take your career to the next level.
Tune in. Be inspired. Get connected.
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 meaning
2:35 The role of competition in personal growth
6:45 Curiosity and continuous learning
10:16 High performance and life lessons
14:39 Strategic thinking in a fast paced environment
19:25 Fostering inclusivity and team dynamics
24:32 Simplifying complexity in communication
2 Apr 2026
Ep.13 - Simi Gill, Head of Digital at Kite Factory
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 Advertising
02:58 Work-Life Balance and Team Management
05:58 Managing Different Personalities
09:08 The Role of AI in Advertising
11:58 Championing Diversity and Representation
14:52 Personal Growth and Networking
17:56 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
21:08 Final Thoughts and Reflections
24 Mar 2026
Ep.12 - Maria Edayakattil, Senior Manager, Audience Solutions at OMD
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 Experience
02:51 The Role of Mindset in Learning
05:58 Cultural Exposure and Empathy
08:50 Navigating AI in a Diverse World
12:08 Personal and Professional Growth
15:00 Balancing Ambition and Gratitude
17:58 Cutting Through the Noise
19:56 Finding Home in Two Cultures
25 Feb 2026
Ep.11 - Jack Ryan, Audience Strategy Director at OMD
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 Connect
01:05 Personal Purpose and Community Building
06:14 Navigating Diverse Work Cultures
09:05 Saying Yes to Opportunities
10:17 Recognition and Leadership
12:08 The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership
18:02 Staying Ahead with AI
24:20 Focus and Personal Growth
18 Feb 2026
Ep.10 Luke Taplin-McCallum, Sales Director at TripleLift
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 Star
A thoughtful conversation on growth, leadership, and building a meaningful career in adtech.
00:00 Introduction to AdTech Connect
02:04 Defining Purpose in Advertising
06:03 Focus and Time Management Strategies
10:37 The Role of AI in Productivity
13:17 Building and Maintaining Relationships
17:50 Leadership Lessons from Influential Figures
24:10 Balancing Career and Personal Life
9 Feb 2026
Ep.9 - Kamran Vahabi, Publisher Development Director, EMEA/APAC at GumGum
We are joined by the 2025 Ad Tech Rising star winner, Kamran Vahabi.
The episode is hosted by Matt Bennathan and Anya Libova
00:00 Introduction to AdTech Connect
01:02 Personal Purpose and Relationships
06:20 Recognition and Authenticity in the Industry
09:21 Networking and Building Relationships
14:26 Balancing Empathy with Commercial Goals
19:22 Career Development and Future Aspirations
20:35 Leadership Qualities and Accountability
27:02 The Role of Women in Leadership
30:06 Personal Development and Future Goals
2 Sept 2025
Ep.8 - Nia Auguste, Senior Manager, DSP Operations at Index Exchange
Nia Auguste, Senior Manager at Index Exchange, discusses purpose-driven leadership and impactful mentorship with hosts Matt Bennathan and Kiessé Lamour.
14 Aug 2025
Ep.7 - Emma Blackshaw, Curation Growth Partner at Sojern
Emma Blackshaw, Curation Growth Partner at Sojern, discusses her career evolution and AdTech insights with hosts Matt Bennathan of Lumen Research and Kiessé Lamour of VML.
This week we are joined by Annika Geiger, Senior Account Executive, Amazon Ads at Amazon.
00:00 Introduction to Ad Tech Connect Podcast
02:57 Finding Purpose in Ad Tech
06:34 Overcoming Challenges in Career Development
11:19 The Importance of Mentoring and Coaching
18:01 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn
24:54 Addressing Diversity in Ad Tech
30 Apr 2025
Ep.5 - Jasper Oswin, Sales Director, Enterprise at StackAdapt
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 Podcast
02:32 Finding Personal Purpose in Ad Tech
06:51 Career Progression and Ownership
12:32 The Importance of Authenticity in Career Choices
13:24 Managing Up: A Key Skill for Career Development
18:20 Navigating Career Moves: The Squiggly Career
25:11 Industry Challenges and Opportunities for Collaboration
29:07 Ad Tech's Evolving Work Culture and Talent Retention
16 Apr 2025
Ep.4 - Babajide Sotande-Peters, Senior Manager, Global Programmatic & Innovation at TeamX (Omnicom)
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 Podcast
02:29 Recognizing Emerging Leaders in AdTech
05:36 The Role of Ego and Confidence in Professional Growth
08:39 The Impact of Recognition on Career Aspirations
13:45 Navigating Ego and Leadership
15:42 Collaboration in Fast-Paced Environments
18:45 Confidence and Client Leadership
21:33 Learning from Experience: The 2024 Reflections
26:18 Pursuing Fulfillment in Career
29:36 The Balance of Drive and Contentment
34:48 Staying Present and Engaged
9 Apr 2025
Ep.3 - Zoe Bruton, Director of Business Development, Agency & AdTech UK EU at AudioStack
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 Engagement
05:28 Creating a Safe Space for Learning and Growth
08:00 Building Personal Brand and Confidence in Leadership
10:14 The Journey of Personal Growth Through Podcasting
12:12 Balancing Confidence and Arrogance in Leadership
17:53 Finding Purpose in Personal and Professional Life
20:10 Navigating Work-Life Balance as a Parent
24:52 The Importance of Transparency in the Industry
2 Apr 2025
Ep.2 - Cameron Armstrong, Product & Strategy Associate Director at KINESSO
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.
26 Mar 2025
Ep.1 - Will Spring, Director Enterprise Sales at ID5
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!
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
14
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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Questions about The AdTech Connect Podcast
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Kiessé Lamour and Matt Bennathan host the show. Published by AdTech Connect.
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