What if the biggest forces shaping advertising today weren’t just creative ideas, but regulations, algorithms, and AI-driven disruption?
In this episode of Lightning RX, host Colette Nataf sits down with Rio Longacre, Partner at Cordera (part of Omnicom), to explore how data privacy, artificial intelligence, and shifting ad models are rewriting the playbook for brands, publishers, and agencies alike.
Rio shares his journey from media planner to management consultant to ad tech strategist, where he’s worked with global brands, startups, and platforms like AWS to pioneer privacy-first data collaboration and clean room solutions. Along the way, he’s had a front-row seat to how AI and regulation are reshaping the business of advertising.
What You’ll Learn:
- How GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA are forcing companies to rethink data collection and compliance
- Why AI is transforming ad operations from trafficking and placements to brand safety and verification
- The downstream effects of AI-driven brand safety on journalism and publisher revenue
- How AI-powered search engines disrupt referral traffic and threaten traditional advertising models
- Why real-time, AI-driven decision-making is replacing slow marketing mix models
- The impact of automation on junior ad ops roles—and why senior leaders benefit from AI acceleration
- How new jobs and industries will emerge as others disappear, just as UX/UI design did in the digital age
- Why great technology isn’t enough for healthcare startups—go-to-market strategy is critical
💡 Golden Nugget:
“AI isn’t just automating advertising—it’s redefining the economics of media, data, and work itself.”
Connect with Rio Longacre
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/riolongacre
- Fast Company: board.fastcompany.com/profile/Rio-Longacre-Managing-Director-Slalom-Consulting
- Medium: medium.com/@rio.longacre
- Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/0E3peWr2JsFkw5B5q2uW6H
Connect with the Show:
Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
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