AdTechGod Pod Ep. 100 The Future of Ad Tech & Agencies: AI, Giving Back, Walled Gardens & People-First Innovation
4 snips
Oct 2, 2025 
In a captivating discussion, Ari Paparo, an ad tech entrepreneur, and Terence Kawaja, an industry veteran, explore how AI and consolidation are reshaping the advertising landscape. Tom Deerlein shares the inspiring story of the TD Foundation, emphasizing the impact of rapid crisis aid for veterans. Agency leaders Lauren Wetzel and Sam Bloom delve into the evolving role of agencies, the importance of data autonomy, and fostering people-first cultures in AI-driven environments. Tune in for insights on authenticity, live advertising, and the future of the industry!
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Authenticity Will Survive AI Content Flood
- Algorithms prize attention metrics, not intrinsic content quality, which distorts creator incentives.
- Authenticity and credibility will differentiate creators as cheap AI content floods feeds.
How TD Foundation Began In Iraq
- Tom Deerlein started TD Foundation after being deployed to Iraq and finding humanitarian aid hard to access, rallying his industry network to send supplies.
- Early grassroots shipments of vitamins, school supplies and toys were distributed directly in war-torn neighborhoods.
Tom's Injury Sparked Deeper Support
- Peter Naylor recounted Tom being shot by a sniper and surviving, which galvanized industry support for the foundation.
- Industry leaders formed the foundation and mobilized resources to help affected families.