193. Community, Confidence, and Career Growth in Programmatic, With Tiffany Wade

In this episode of Programmatic Digest, Hélène sits down with Tiffany Wade, Media Director at Hunter Blue, for a grounded conversation on community building, mentorship, and leadership as a woman in programmatic and ad tech.

Tiffany shares her path into media, from a psychology background and early career pivots to finding her footing through curiosity, asking better questions, and building relationships that opened doors. They talk about what it feels like to be "the only one" in the room, how to stay brave while navigating discomfort, and why finding your community matters, even if you have to build it or move toward it.

The conversation also breaks down what mentorship really is, how to approach mentors with clarity, and why mentorship is a two-way exchange. Tiffany explains her servant-leadership approach to mentoring, how she helps mentees get self-aware about their goals, and why networks, resources, and honest feedback can accelerate growth.

They close with encouragement for anyone feeling drained by work and life pressures, and Tiffany's reminder to protect your peace by understanding what actually replenishes you, not what self-care is "supposed" to look like.

🧠 About Us:

We help historically excluded individuals break into programmatic media buying and land jobs they love. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, coaching, and community, we make learning programmatic clear, practical, and welcoming.

Our mission is simple: DSP access and education should be for everyone, not just a few. That's why we teach new talent and support independent agencies and brands through my work at Infillion (MediaMath), helping more people access the MediaMath DSP.

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⏱ Timestamps: • [00:00] – Welcome and why Tiffany's story matters right now • [04:30] – From "future lawyer" to psychology to media • [10:45] – Breaking into marketing, early career fear, and learning on the job • [16:20] – Curiosity + intention: the career growth combo • [22:10] – Being the only one in the room, and choosing bravery • [28:40] – Mentorship that changes careers, how it starts and how it grows • [36:10] – Paying it forward: mentoring 35+ professionals, what she learned back • [43:50] – What makes a good mentor, and how to pick one for your goals • [50:30] – Communities to join: NAMIC, She Runs It, and more • [57:40] – Protecting your peace, staying grounded, and remembering your why

👤 Meet Our Guest: Tiffany Wade – Media Director at Hunter Blue 📎 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-wade/

💻 Meet The Team:

Hélène Parker – Chief Programmatic Coach 🌐 heleneparker.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker/

Manuela Cortes – Co-Host, Programmatic Digest en Español 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-/

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#ProgrammaticAdvertising #AdTechCareers #Mentorship #WomenInAdTech #Leadership