Live from Cannes with Microsoft: How AI, Creativity & Co-Creation Are Shaping the Future of Advertising

Recorded on the Microsoft Beach in Cannes, this special episode of The Digital Distillery Podcast brings you into the heart of the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity with two of Microsoft’s insightful voices. Host Nadia Koski sits down with Jonathan Stringfield, VP, Global Business Strategy, Analytics & Trust, and Jesus Serrano, Principal Product Manager, to explore how AI is moving beyond optimization and targeting to transform creativity, brand storytelling, and user experience.This episode captures the energy of Cannes while unpacking some of the most pressing conversations in media and advertising today. Jonathan shares his perspective on how gaming is shaping emotional brand engagement and what the advertising industry can learn from this immersive world. Jesus dives deep into GenAI innovation, revealing how brands and fans are beginning to co-create in real time, and how emerging tools are reshaping the future of audience interaction.Listeners will come away with a fresh understanding of how AI is evolving from a behind-the-scenes optimizer to a front-line creative partner. The conversation also highlights the ethical and strategic responsibilities marketers must embrace as intelligent systems become central to the advertising experience.Whether you’re a marketer, a creative, or an AI enthusiast, this episode is filled with forward-looking insights and firsthand reflections from two of Microsoft’s future-facing leaders. Tune in to hear how strategy meets imagination, live from the Croisette.LINKS:Connect on LinkedIn with Jesus SerranoConnect on LinkedIn with Jonathan StringfieldFollow Microsoft: Facebook, XThis episode is brought to you as always by The Digital Distillery.If you would like to get in touch with us you can head to our website or email [email protected] can follow us on:Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInWritten, Produced & Engineered by Phil McDowellExecutive Producer: Nadia KoskiProject Lead: Dennis Kirschner

In this episode of Her Digital Story, host Amelia Parsons speaks with Emma Woodbridge, a Programmatic Analyst at GRV Media. They discuss Emma's inspiring journey through the digital publishing landscape, her experiences at MailOnline and Integral Ad Science, and her current role at GRV Media. The conversation touches on the importance of user experience, ethical advertising practices, and the challenges facing the digital publishing industry, including the impact of AI. Emma shares her insights on work-life balance, building relationships in the industry, and the significance of trying new things in both personal and professional life.Connect with Emma on LinkedInConnect with Amelia on LinkedInThis episode is brought to you as always by The Digital Distillery.If you would like to get in touch with us you can head to our website or email [email protected] can follow us on:Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInWritten, Produced & Engineered by Phil McDowellExecutive Producer: Nadia KoskiProject Lead: Dennis Kirschner

Welcome back to the Digital Distillery Podcast. By popular demand, The Digital Distillery: Women Edition was hosted for the second time in just two months. Held at 4 WALLS in Hamburg May 5th, the second edition explored two main themes between conversation-starting, interactive keynotes and panels: "Why Women Are the Future of Sports Fandom in Sports" and "Abandoning Stereotypes & Breaking Barriers in Brand Communications." Women Lead host, Nadia Koski, sat down with some of the inspirational speakers from the event to bring you the best takeaways from this exclusive content.Hear from:Evangelia Mitoli, Sales & New Business Manager - DACH, DOUGLAS Marketing SolutionsJudy Laumayer-Nerzak, Head of Media & AdTech Solutions - Germany, MicrosoftKim Dammon, Director Strategy & Brand Transformation, OdalineLara Weber, Head of Digital at FC St. Pauli Benjamin Becker, Managing Director, Sports, OMGSome of the key takeaways:Women are increasingly shaping sports fandom across football, F1, tennis, gymnastics, and rising women’s leagues.Female fans aren’t just watching, they’re driving engagement and redefining fan culture. Brands and media must adapt to the growing influence of women as athletes, advocates, and decision-makers.Traditional gendered marketing is becoming obsolete—products once seen as "male" or "female" are now for everyone.Authentic storytelling and inclusive design are crucial for modern brand relevance. Brands must rethink how they connect with diverse audiences in a more inclusive, stereotype-free world.This episode is brought to you as always by The Digital Distillery.If you would like to get in touch with us you can head to our website or email [email protected] can follow us on:Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInWritten, Produced & Engineered by Phil McDowellExecutive Producer: Nadia KoskiProject Lead: Dennis Kirschner

In this episode of Her Digital Story: Publisher Truths, host Amelia Parsons speaks with Ashley Footit, Programmatic and Yield Specialist at The Independent, about the evolving landscape of digital publishing with a focus on sustainability. They discuss the importance of reducing carbon emissions in the programmatic advertising space, the challenges faced by publishers, and the innovative strategies being implemented to achieve sustainability goals. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in enhancing efficiency and creating new job opportunities within the industry.Connect with Ashleigh FootitConnect with Amelia ParsonsThis episode is brought to you as always by The Digital Distillery.If you would like to get in touch with us you can head to our website or email [email protected] can follow us on:Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInWritten, Produced & Engineered by Phil McDowellExecutive Producer: Nadia KoskiProject Lead: Dennis Kirschner

Welcome to the debut episode of Her Digital Story: Publisher Truths with host Amelia Parsons, Head of Supply UK at ShowHeroes, the podcast that unpacks the world of digital publishing through the voices of the women shaping it.In this episode, Amelia speaks with Becca Monahan, Commercial Director, and Lauren Kreisler, Director of Brand & Digital at Official Charts, the home of the UK's biggest music chart moments. Together, Becca and Lauren bring a rich mix of experience across film, music, publishing, and brand development, with previous roles at iconic companies like Bauer and News UK. Amelia discusses their career journeys, how they are helping evolve the Official Charts brand in a fast-changing digital landscape, and the trends they see shaping the future of publishing and media.In this episode, you will learn about:Navigating career pivots across industries — from film to digital musicBuilding a brand legacy in the modern, fast-paced media ecosystemThe unique challenges (and advantages) of working with an iconic media brandAudience engagement strategies in a streaming-first worldLessons in leadership, collaboration, and adaptabilityWhether you're a media professional, a digital strategist, or just curious about the evolving world of publishing, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and real-world advice.Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Her Digital Story. Subscribe, rate, and review to support women’s voices in digital publishing.LINKS & RECSConnect with Amelia Parsons on LinkedInConnect with Lauren Kreisler on LinkedInConnect with Becca Monahan on LinkedInFollow Official Charts on:TikTokLinkedInInstagramX (Twitter)FacebookThis episode is brought to you as always by The Digital Distillery.If you would like to get in touch with us you can head to our website or email [email protected] can follow us on:Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInWritten, Produced & Engineered by Phil McDowellExecutive Producer: Nadia KoskiProject Lead: Dennis Kirschner

SPANISH LANGUAGE EPISODEEN:In this second episode of ChatCTV: Conectando Realidades, Héctor Rodríguez, ShowHeroes Head of Supply CTV, and Víctor Soldevilla, ShowHeroes Head of Strategy, dive deep into the evolving landscape of Connected TV. They discuss the technical challenges around standardization and metadata, the opportunities for incremental reach beyond traditional TV, and the innovations that are pushing the boundaries of CTV advertising.En este segundo episodio de ChatCTV: Conectando Realidades, Héctor Rodríguez, Head of Supply CTV en ShowHeroes, y Víctor Soldevilla, Head of Strategy en ShowHeroes, analizan en profundidad la evolución del ecosistema de la televisión conectada (CTV). Hablan sobre los retos técnicos en torno a la estandarización y los metadatos, las oportunidades de incrementar la cobertura más allá de la televisión tradicional, y las innovaciones que están redefiniendo los límites de la publicidad en CTV.Desde los desafíos de medición hasta los avances creativos, desglosan la complejidad de escalar CTV a nivel global y explican por qué la colaboración en todo el ecosistema es fundamental para su futuro.En este episodio descubrirás:Por qué la estandarización de metadatos de contenido e identificadores de dispositivos es esencial para mejorar la eficiencia programática en CTV.Cómo la CTV ya está generando un alcance incremental real para las marcas — y por qué es clave para campañas que buscan expandirse más allá de la televisión lineal.Qué innovaciones en inteligencia artificial, creatividades contextuales y medición cross-screen están impulsando la próxima ola de publicidad en CTV.Sintoniza para conocer de primera mano las fuerzas técnicas, estratégicas y creativas que están moldeando el futuro de la CTV.Connect with:Marina Gómez on LinkedInHector Rodríguez on LinkedInVictor Soldevilla on LinkedInThis episode is brought to you as always by The Digital Distillery.If you would like to get in touch with us you can head to our website or email [email protected] can follow us on:Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInWritten, Produced & Engineered by Phil McDowellExecutive Producer: Nadia KoskiProject Lead: Dennis Kirschner

In this episode, we’re taking you once again to the breathtaking Austrian Alps — straight to the picturesque slopes of Lech Zürs.But this trip wasn't just about skiing. Amidst the snow-capped peaks, we had the chance to sit down for exclusive conversations with some of the event’s top panelists. From brand suitability and AI to the art of nurturing loyal communities, we covered it all.You can learn more about the event and see our recap video on our website.Connect with our guests:Camilla Von Faber-Castell - Senior Marketing Manager CEE & NordicsJan-Philipp Heinrichs - Executive Director, Global Agency Partnerships, Integral Ad ScienceIsabelle von Medinger - COO, Medinger GmbHDaniel Lublinsky - CEO, Digital Relation Media GmbH Carolin Kunert - Innovation Management, HEADLearn more about the HORIZONT Snowmasters 2025 edition Obsession - Germany’s Top Event AgencyDiscover Lech Zürs, AustriaDiscover Hotel PlatinhoffThis episode is brought to you as always by The Digital Distillery.If you would like to get in touch with us you can head to our website or email [email protected] can follow us on:Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInWritten, Produced & Engineered by Phil McDowellExecutive Producer: Nadia KoskiProject Lead: Dennis Kirschner

Welcome to another TDD episode and the first Spanish-language episode, “ChatCTV: Conectando Realidades”.Bienvenidos al primer episodio en español para The Digital Distillery. En “ChatCTV: conectando realidades”, estaremos acompañados de Hector Rodríguez, ShowHeroes Head of Supply CTV, y Victor Soldevilla, Head of Strategy. Exploraremos el mundo de la television conectada en España, así como el momento actual que atraviesa. De la mano de nuestros expertos, trateremos temas como el contenxto, los actuales modelos de negocio y cómo los habitos de consumo de los usuarios están impactando en las planificaciones digitales. Connect with:Marina Gómez on LinkedInHector Rodríguez on LinkedInVictor Soldevilla on LinkedInThis episode is brought to you as always by The Digital Distillery.If you would like to get in touch with us you can head to our website or email [email protected] can follow us on:Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInWritten, Produced & Engineered by Phil McDowellExecutive Producer: Nadia KoskiProject Lead: Dennis Kirschner

The Head of Advertising at Kleinanzeigen discusses the journey towards a more sustainable and efficient advertising industryWelcome back to another episode of Green About Media.On this episode of the show I got to sit down with Anna-Lena Mikoteit-Zerb from reselling platform Kleinanzeigen, and discuss how and why she made a professional switch further into sustainability, what other can do to do the same, and how can we have positivity in a world that suddenly seems interested in everything but sustainability.LinksAnna-Lena Mikoteit-Zerb on LinkedInBVDW Sustainability LabThis episode is brought to you as always by The Digital Distillery.If you would like to get in touch with us you can head to our website or email [email protected] can follow us on:Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInWritten, Produced & Engineered by Phil McDowellExecutive Producer: Nadia KoskiProject Lead: Dennis Kirschner

Join us for the first ever Women's Edition of The Digital Distillery, held in Hamburg in February 2025, and the first Digital Distillery event of the year. We had a record number of guests on this one, each discussing the topics and issues that were presented in the panels at the event.You can connect with the guest on LinkedIn below:Yasemin Efiloglu - Volt EuropaKatja Garff - makers & breakersNatalia Hilgers - EquativFranziska Brückner - VodafoneLena Schütze - DOUGLASPatrick Stoltze - Integral Ad ScienceJulia Wittich-Sauer - GoogleKathrin Franssen - OMDAnja Jeremias - pilot AgenturgruppeKatharina Jäger - BVDWThis episode is brought to you as always by The Digital Distillery.If you would like to get in touch with us you can head to our website or email [email protected] can follow us on:Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedInWritten, Produced & Engineered by Phil McDowellExecutive Producer: Nadia KoskiProject Lead: Dennis Kirschner