The Programmatic Digest

Sign up to our FREE workshop on March 31st: Optimization with AI for Programmatic Traders Site Lists + Geo Insights (DMA) — from Pivot Tables to Prompts In this episode of Programmatic Digest, Hélène Parker sits down with Assetou Kone, programmatic expert and consultant, for a real conversation about resilience in programmatic advertising and agency life. Assetou shares her journey into ad tech, from studying political science and mass communication to discovering programmatic during a digital marketing bootcamp. What started as a curiosity about digital media quickly became a career built on solving complex marketing problems across multiple verticals, including political campaigns, retail, e-commerce, banking, and pharmaceutical brands. The conversation dives into the softer skills that often determine long-term success in programmatic, including active listening, observation, and understanding the internal structure of the organisations you work within. Assetou explains why knowing how a company operates and who influences decisions can dramatically improve how traders execute campaigns and support client goals. Hélène and Assetou also unpack the reality of agency work, including burnout, under-resourced teams, and the pressure traders face when managing dozens of campaigns at once. They discuss why deep work is essential for campaign optimisation, insights, and meaningful reporting, and why many agencies underestimate the time required to generate true strategic value from programmatic data. The episode also explores what resilience actually looks like for traders and buyers, from documenting your work and protecting yourself with clear communication to learning from campaign mistakes and using those lessons to grow stronger in the role. They close the conversation with thoughts on the future of AI in programmatic, highlighting how automation could relieve traders of repetitive tasks while allowing them to focus on insights, strategy, and deeper analysis. 🧠 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. Join once, stay learning forever. Past workshops, paid gems, and every new recording + resource added as we go. This library isn't a one-time thing, it's the full vault plus all future trainings, recordings, and guides.Access it here: https://heleneparker/com/library ⏱ Timestamps: • [00:00] – Welcome and introduction to Assetou Kone • [04:20] – From political science to programmatic advertising • [09:15] – Why programmatic stood out during digital marketing training • [14:40] – The soft skills every trader needs: observation and active listening • [20:30] – Understanding organisational structure and client vision • [27:10] – Agency realities: burnout, campaign overload, and team structure • [35:20] – Deep work in programmatic: optimisation, insights, and reporting • [42:00] – Learning from mistakes and building trader resilience • [49:15] – Documentation, communication, and protecting your work • [54:30] – The future of AI in programmatic workflows SIGN UP TO OUR FREE WORKSHOP HERE: https://www.heleneparker.com/liveworkshop/ 👤 Meet Our Guest: Assetou Kone – Programmatic Marketing Specialist and Consultant Assetou Kone is a programmatic marketing expert with experience across multiple industries, including political campaigns, retail, finance, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce. Her work focuses on campaign optimisation, data-driven insights, and helping brands deliver the right message to the right audience through programmatic media. 📎 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/assetou-kone 💻 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-/ 🎓 Learn Programmatic: For Individual Buyers: https://heleneparker.com/library Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://heleneparker.com/newsletter Be the first to find out free programmatic training workshop: https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/ 📲 Follow Us: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest

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. Join once, stay learning forever. Past workshops, paid gems, and every new recording + resource added as we go. This library isn't a one-time thing, it's the full vault plus all future trainings, recordings, and guides. Access it here: https://heleneparker/com/library ⏱ 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-/ 🎓 Learn Programmatic: For Individual Buyers: https://heleneparker.com/library Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://heleneparker.com/newsletter Be the first to find out free programmatic training workshop: https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/ 📲 Follow Us: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest #ProgrammaticAdvertising #AdTechCareers #Mentorship #WomenInAdTech #Leadership

Our Let's Talk Curation series was created in partnership with GDB, our curated data partner, to help demystify curated audiences, what they are, how they work, and when and why you should consider using them. Check out this lesson on CTR vs Conversions real performance examples. #ProgrammaticAdvertising #Curation #AdTechEducation #MediaBuying #ProgrammaticTips About our Partner: https://f.mtr.cool/ulwuqldzqt GDB is a curated audience data partner focused on combining quality inventory and audience signals to support smarter testing and cleaner measurement in programmatic campaigns.

In this episode of Programmatic Digest, Hélène sits down with Dominique Robinson, an integrated media planner at Luquire, for an insightful conversation on how media planning is evolving in today's programmatic-first world. Dominique shares his personal journey into advertising, from early inspiration through marketing and design to building integrated media strategies that blend traditional channels like broadcast with digital and programmatic media across streaming, social, and online platforms. Together, they break down what "integrated media planning" really looks like inside an agency — including how teams collaborate across departments, develop strategic client briefs, define audiences, and build media plans that align with both business goals and consumer behavior. Dominique also explains how tools like Resonate help planners create detailed audience profiles and uncover where target consumers are most engaged — supporting the philosophy of truly "following the eyeballs" across channels. The episode wraps with a thoughtful discussion on the role of AI in advertising, how teams are using tools like ChatGPT for idea generation and validation, and why human expertise and foundational planning skills remain critical as the industry shifts toward automation. ✨ And don't miss the YouTube vodcast version of this episode, where Hélène shares a live demo of the agentic DSP technology mentioned in the conversation — showing what the future of AI-powered media buying could look like in practice. 🧠 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. Join once, stay learning forever. Past workshops, paid gems, and every new recording + resource added as we go. This library isn't a one-time thing — it's the full vault plus all future trainings, recordings, and guides. Access it here: heleneparker/com/library ⏱ Timestamps: • [00:00] – Guest introduction and career origins. • [07:45] – Defining integrated media planning and channel management. • [11:50] – The strategy mindset: Case study on travel and tourism goals. • [19:40] – Audience research using the Resonate tool. • [25:35] – The "full-frontal" approach to planning and reporting. • [36:20] – Leveraging AI and ChatGPT for plan validation. • [43:00] – Agentic AI with the Infillion platform and streamlining the trader workflow. • [47:15] – The impact of AI on junior talent and fundamental knowledge. • [53:10] – Closing wisdom: "You are your greatest resource". 👤 Meet Our Guest: Dominique Robinson – Integrated Media Supervisor at Luquire 📎 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiquelamontrobinson/ 💻 Meet The Team: Hélène Parker – Chief Programmatic Coach 🌐 heleneparker.com🔗 LinkedIn Manuela Cortes – Co-Host, Programmatic Digest en Español 🔗 LinkedIn 🎓 Learn Programmatic: For Individual Buyers: heleneparker.com/library Subscribe to the Newsletter: heleneparker.com/newsletter Be the first to find out free programmatic training workshop: https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/ 📲 Follow Us: 🔗 LinkedIn ▶️ YouTube

🎧 Summary: In this episode of the Programmatic Digest, Hélène sits down with Alexa Fulmer, a seasoned programmatic buyer and advocate for inclusion, to discuss what it's really like navigating agency life as a gay woman of colour. From microaggressions and being the only person of colour in the room to building confidence and community, Alexa shares her story with vulnerability, insight, and strength. They unpack how authenticity in the workplace often comes at a cost, the emotional labour tied to identity, and why representation matters—especially in leadership. Alexa also reflects on her early career decisions, the pressure to conform, and how she now leads with empathy and purpose. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about inclusion, equity, or simply trying to show up fully in their career. 🧠 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: Executive Membership – For mid- to senior-level programmatic pros seeking ongoing growth Join here Accelerator Program – 6-week intensive training with live coaching Sign up Self-Paced Course – Learn at your own speed Enroll here ⏱ Timestamps: (00:00) – Welcome & how Hélène and Alexa connected (02:17) – Alexa's path from hospitality to programmatic media (06:28) – Publicis, programmatic vs. digital, and career pivots (09:15) – Diversity at big vs. small agencies in the US & UK (13:02) – Launching (and losing) a DEI newsletter (17:35) – Microaggressions: "Can I touch your hair?" moments (22:41) – Hélène's story on being erased in client meetings (27:15) – Allyship, proximity, and true support (30:55) – Communities to join: Our Third Place, TWIP, Sisters in Sales (35:10) – Authenticity in corporate culture: what it costs (40:27) – Advice to early career professionals: "Feel the fear and do it anyway" 👤 Meet Our Guest: Alexa Fulmer – Programmatic Buyer & Inclusion Advocate 📎 Connect on LinkedIn 💻 Meet The Team: Hélène Parker – Chief Programmatic Coach 🌐 heleneparker.com🔗 LinkedIn Manuela Cortes – Co-Host, Programmatic Digest en Español 🔗 LinkedIn 🎓 Learn Programmatic: For Teams: heleneparker.com/workshop For Individual Buyers: heleneparker.com/library Subscribe to the Newsletter: heleneparker.com/newsletter

Our Let's Talk Curation series was created in partnership with GDB, our curated data partner, to help demystify curated audiences, what they are, how they work, and when and why you should consider using them. Check out this lesson on Curation 101. Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wJam0Sa9q4 About our Partner: https://www.gdb.net GDB is a curated audience data partner focused on combining quality inventory and audience signals to support smarter testing and cleaner measurement in programmatic campaigns. #ProgrammaticAdvertising #Curation #AdTechEducation #MediaBuying #ProgrammaticTips

Find YouTube link to watch here: https://youtu.be/uh99t38qgxw Shownotes Welcome to the first Programmatic Digest episode of 2026 with Ellen Parker and Manuela Cortez. This is a quick check-in, plus a trader-friendly breakdown of the biggest 2025 shifts and what to watch in 2026. We cover five trends from 2025 (AI everywhere, privacy and cookieless reality, CTV growth, RMNs going more programmatic, and supply quality/transparency). Then we close with three 2026 predictions: curation becoming "default infrastructure," AI as a co-pilot (not autopilot), and multi-identity strategies becoming standard. This episode also includes the 2026 community focus: subscribe to YouTube + the newsletter, confirm your subscription, and reach out if you want to contribute (writing, audio, or guest spots). Here's What You'll Learn What "AI everywhere" means for traders: less manual tuning, more strategy and interpretation Why privacy-first is still a day-to-day skill, even if cookies hang around longer than expected Why CTV is no longer "experimental" and how measurement expectations are changing Why more RMNs going programmatic changes how you think about signals and audiences What "supply quality + transparency" should actually include (fees, paths, reporting depth) 2026 prediction: curation becomes the baseline (SSP curation vs curation houses vs curation desks) 2026 prediction: AI moves from rules-based automation to agent-style workflows (co-pilot mindset) Why you still need foundations first (know how to do it manually before you let AI help) Subscribe to the Programmatic Digest Podcast on your favorite platform (including Spotify) https://www.heleneparker.com/programmatic-digest-podcast/ Subscribe to the Programmatic Digest YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@programmaticdigest Join the newsletter and confirm your subscription: https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/ Access the Programmatic Training here: https://www.heleneparker.com/library/ No String Attached - MediaMath DSP (including Agent AI Connector): helene.parker@infillion.com Timestamps • 00:00 – Intro: Welcome to the first Programmatic Digest of 2026. • 01:15 – Channel Updates: YouTube growth and the importance of the weekly newsletter. • 03:30 – Hands-on Support: Tips, hacks, and activation-focused support in the newsletter. • 05:45 – Calling for Contributors: Opportunities to host, write, and build industry authority. • 08:20 – The Programmatic Training Library: Combining six years of workshops and courses. • 11:00 – Micro-Workshops: Real-world DSP setup support and "programmatic ninja" coaching. • 13:15 – 2025 Trend #1: AI Everywhere—Automated bidding, optimization, and predictive modeling. • 16:00 – AI for Productivity: Using tools like ChatGPT to simplify industry jargon and workflows. • 19:45 – 2025 Trend #2: Privacy-First & Cookieless—The multiple identity approach. • 22:10 – 2025 Trend #3: CTV and Audio—Moving from experimental to action-driven channels. • 25:30 – 2025 Trend #4: Retail Media Networks (RMN)—New players like Loves Media and Go Puff. • 28:45 – The Value of Diversification: How audience insights drive revenue for traders. • 31:15 – 2025 Trend #5: Supply Quality & Transparency—Demanding log-level data and fee clarity. • 34:00 – 2026 Prediction #1: Curation as Default—SSP curation, Curation Houses, and Desks. • 38:15 – 2026 Prediction #2: AI as Co-Pilot—Moving from "automated" to "agentic" intelligence. • 41:30 – Media Math Agent Connector: Managing campaigns via AI prompts without UI clicks. • 45:00 – The "Rice Cooker" Analogy: Why you must understand manual foundations before using AI. • 48:15 – Advanced Reporting: Tying campaign data to real-world consumer behavior and brand impact. • 51:45 – 2026 Prediction #3: Dual Identity Strategies—Using the Media Math X Graph. • 54:30 – Under the Hood: Investigating "proprietary" tech and demanding the "Carfax" for AdTech. • 57:00 – Final Takeaways: "Grace over Guilt" and putting your 2026 plans into action. • 1:00:15 – Closing Encouragement: Mental and spiritual health for the year ahead 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/channel/UCBGMMRsZkw0IIUbQIJmMBxw 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 Sign up to this FREE workshop: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/sell-side-workshop YouTube Keywords programmatic advertising, The Trade Desk, TTD update, OpenPath, SSP, reseller definition, IAB, transaction ID, TxnID, header bidding, prebid, SPO, DPO, supply path optimization, demand path optimization, PMP, curation, publisher ad stack, viewability, ad density, ad quality, InfoLinks, Magnite, AppNexus, Gamera, Programmatic Digest Podcast, Hélène Parker

Preview of the Sell-Side Foundations for Traders workshop sponsored by GDB! Sign up to this FREE workshop: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/sell-side-workshop Summary: A fast, practical deep dive into how GDB redefined programmatic curation from their early roots as a DSP to becoming an SSP focused on "Curation as a Service." John Dittar and Felipe share how refining supply paths, removing low-quality inventory, and layering intelligence into deals leads to cleaner, smarter buying. They explain how curation powers stronger brand safety, reduces pre-fraud exposure, and replaces guesswork with predictable, high-performing inventory. This conversation moves beyond CTRs and surface metrics to show how curated deals create meaningful engagement, improved conversions, and simpler workflows for traders. Here's What You'll Learn Curation as a Service, explained: how GDB cleans, classifies, and enhances every impression in real time. DSP to SSP evolution: why GDB shifted its focus to smarter supply and what that means for buyers. Beyond CTR: how removing low-quality inventory leads to real engagement and conversion gains. Operational simplicity: how curated deals reduce manual work while improving transparency and brand safety. Trader takeaways: how to use curation and clean supply paths to optimize faster, layer insights into DSP workflows, and focus on performance that actually matters. Sign up to this FREE workshop: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/sell-side-workshop 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: 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 – Intro & welcome of GDB sponsors of the Sell-side foundations for traders workshop 06:13 – Curation explained: beyond the buzzword 07:35 – CTR vs. Conversions: real performance examples 13:37 – From data to insight: how curation drives smarter optimization 18:21 – Efficiency and scale: working with the right curation partner 20:48 – Collaboration, trust, and better partnerships 23:16 – Final takeaways: the "Refuse to Lose" mindset Meet Our Guests: GDB: https://www.gdb.net/ John deTar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndetar/ Felipe Matheus Ramos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boyzao/ 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/channel/UCBGMMRsZkw0IIUbQIJmMBxw 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 Sign up to this FREE workshop: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/sell-side-workshop

A fast, practical deep dive into The Trade Desk's move to label all SSPs as "resellers" — what that label actually means, why it has a bad rap, and where it's fair vs. misleading. Gareth breaks down value-add resellers (e.g., unique widgets/placements) vs. pure pass-through reselling, explains OpenPath in plain English, and demystifies the Transaction ID debate: what it is, why TTD wants it, and how it impacts buy-side efficiency and supply transparency. We wrap with actionable steps for traders — how to pressure-test paths, when to go direct with publishers/PMPs, and how to optimize beyond a basic domain list. Here's What You'll Learn Reseller ≠ automatically bad: the original IAB intent vs. today's nuanced reality. OpenPath vs. exchanges: what "direct to publisher" actually changes (and what it doesn't). Transaction ID, explained simply: one auction ➝ one ID ➝ fewer dupes and smarter SPO. How to buy smarter right now: talk to publishers, ask for goal-specific PMPs, and evaluate placements/experiences — not just domains. Buyer playbook upgrades: site list ➝ supply-path & placement-level decisions; pair KPI outcomes with quality signals (viewability, density, layout). Sign up to this FREE workshop: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/sell-side-workshop 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 – Intro & why this special episode 02:05 – Gareth's background (AppNexus ➝ RTK ➝ Magnite ➝ Gamera) 07:45 – "Reseller" 101: what the IAB meant vs. how it's used today 12:30 – Value-add resellers & unique placements (widgets, comments, InfoLinks) 18:20 – Why TTD labeled SSPs as resellers; how OpenPath fits 23:40 – Optics, trust, and buyer confusion: are we only supposed to buy OpenPath? 28:15 – Transaction ID in plain English + why it matters for SPO 34:50 – What changes for traders day-to-day (and what doesn't) 39:25 – Practical playbook: talk to publishers, ask for KPI-aligned PMPs 44:10 – Gamera's approach to real-time, on-page quality signals 49:00 – Final takeaways & where buyers should focus next 52:30 – How to reach Gareth (site & LinkedIn) Meet Our Guest: Gareth Glaser – CEO of Gamera https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethglaser 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/channel/UCBGMMRsZkw0IIUbQIJmMBxw 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 Sign up to this FREE workshop: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/sell-side-workshop

In this episode of the Programmatic Digest, host Helene Parker sits down with Jana Meron, programmatic veteran and sell-side expert, for a deep dive into how the buy side and sell side can finally bridge the gap. This episode serves as a preview of their upcoming joint workshop — The Sell-Side Programmatic Foundation for Buyers — designed to help traders, buyers, and ad ops professionals better understand how publishers, SSPs, and ad tech integrations actually work. Jana shares her fascinating career journey, from early media buying days to leading programmatic and data operations at Business Insider and The Washington Post. She brings her insider perspective on what really happens behind the publisher ad stack, the complexity of SSP integrations, and how demand path optimization (DPO) mirrors the buy-side's supply path optimization (SPO). Together, Helene and Jana explore: The disconnect between buy-side traders and sell-side ops teams How publisher ad stacks function behind the scenes The real meaning of SPO vs. DPO What "wrappers," "pre-bid," and "open bidding" actually mean in practice Why traders should collaborate directly with publishers (not just SSPs) How building relationships with publishers strengthens campaign results Why understanding the sell side helps buyers optimize smarter Whether you're a buyer, trader, or publisher, this conversation will transform how you see the other side of the programmatic equation — and why it's time to build more collaboration, transparency, and trust across the ecosystem. Sign up to this FREE workshop: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/sell-side-workshop 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 03:14 – Jana's Career Journey: From Media Buyer to Programmatic Leader 08:33 – How the Sell-Side Ad Stack Actually Works 13:22 – SPO vs. DPO: What's the Difference? 19:45 – What Buyers Need to Know About Publisher Integrations 25:08 – How Traders Can Communicate Directly with Publishers 30:41 – Building the Bridge Between Supply & Demand 36:28 – Why Collaboration and Education Are the Future of Ad Tech 40:55 – Workshop Preview: The Sell-Side Programmatic Foundation for Buyers 45:12 – Closing Thoughts & Sponsor Shoutout Meet Our Guest: Jana Meron – Programmatic & Data Consultant, Former VP at The Washington Post https://www.linkedin.com/in/janameron 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/channel/UCBGMMRsZkw0IIUbQIJmMBxw 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 Sign up to this FREE workshop: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/sell-side-workshop