My guest this week is Jeremy Corray, the EVP of Digital Engagement at Coolfire Studios. We discuss the evolution of video content strategies over the past decade, the accessibility and democratization of video production, and the rise of social video platforms like YouTube and TikTok. We touch on the importance of authenticity and storytelling in brand videos, the power of video in humanizing brands and individuals, the need for a comprehensive video strategy, and the value of creating content that educates, entertains, and inspires. Later, we discuss the power of viral videos and the importance of finding a unique voice in marketing. We explore how companies can break through the noise in boring industries and stay relevant. We also touch on the significance of nostalgia in marketing and the need for authentic connections and diverse perspectives. The conversation emphasizes the importance of storytelling and the responsibility of marketers to give back and create meaningful content.

Stacy Bohrer, Vice President of Buyer Development for OpenX, discusses her career in ad tech and the challenges of scaling operations. She emphasizes the importance of servant leadership and creating a safe and authentic work environment. Stacey also addresses the issue of made-for-advertising sites and how OpenX is addressing inventory quality and pricing transparency. She highlights the shift towards real outcomes and the increase in brands engaging directly with OpenX. Stacey also discusses the importance of forming closer relationships between brands and publishers to improve transparency and support the struggling publishing industry. The conversation primarily revolves around the concept of supply path optimization (SPO) and its benefits for publishers. The main theme is the importance of addressability in the open internet and how SPO can help monetize publishers' inventory. The conversation also touches on the role of alternative IDs, integrating with identity solutions, and the need to detangle supply paths. The potential environmental impact of ad calls and the use of AI in analyzing granular reports are discussed. The conversation concludes with a discussion on entrepreneurship, the value of networks like Chief, and the importance of knowing one's value and saying no when necessary.

This week, my guest is Scott Moore, the Founder and CEO of Covalent Partners. In his illustrious career, he has served as the CMO of Best Buy Mobile and Wynn Resorts, as well as an Advisor for several venture capital firms. We explore the definition of innovation and its importance in business. We also delve into the conditions necessary for companies to innovate in a productive and profitable way. The conversation then shifts to the role of leadership in fostering innovation and the need for outside expertise in certain areas. We touch on the significance of brand-to-brand collaborations and how they have evolved over time. Finally, we discuss the shift from a tell-centric marketing approach to one that emphasizes co-creation with customers. The conversation explores the importance of innovative strategic partnerships, innovative projects, and cultivating and supporting innovative people. It discusses the need for a balance between optimization and creativity in marketing strategies. The conversation also touches on the challenges of search and discovery in the digital age and the role of branding in today's market.