In this episode of Founder@50, Jeremy sits down with the remarkable Debra Williamson, a trailblazer in the world of digital marketing and media. From her early days as a copy editor at Advertising Age to leading the social media practice at eMarketer, Debra’s career is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities and adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of technology and media. With a background in music and English literature from Northwestern University, Debra’s journey is as diverse as it is inspiring, showcasing her ability to pivot and thrive in various roles, including her current venture, Sonata Insights.

Debra and I dive into how her role at Advertising Age set the stage for her future successes, and how her work at eMarketer (love the little red graphs!) positioned her as a thought leader in social media marketing. We talk through pivotal moments that shaped her career, including her collaboration with industry giants like John Battelle and her contributions to the groundbreaking publication, the Industry Standard. Other highlights include:

* How Debra’s first job at Advertising Age magazine laid the foundation for her illustrious career in digital marketing.

* Her role as a demographics analyst at eMarketer allowed her to pioneer social media research, leading to a 17-year tenure in the field.

* Shared insights on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in marketing, drawing from her extensive experience in the industry.

* Hear the story behind Debra’s decision to launch Sonata Insights, a venture that combines her passion for music and marketing.

In our chat we Debra also shares her vision for the future of marketing in the age of AI, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs and marketers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, Debra’s journey from the oboe to Sonata offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

In this episode of Founder@50, Jeremy sits down with Tom Matta, a dynamic entrepreneur whose journey from the steel mills of Pittsburgh to the sunny shores of Hawaii is nothing short of inspiring. With a background in material science and engineering from Carnegie Mellon, Tom’s career took a fascinating turn as he pivoted from metallurgy to the world of startups. From his early days at Capital Technologies to his pivotal role in the early days at Carta, Tom’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability and vision.

Tom’s career is a tapestry of diverse experiences, from his internship at a US Steel melt shop to co-founding StatEasy, a media platform for high school sports. His journey through the tech landscape includes stints at Booz Allen Hamilton and his current role at Forecastr, where he continues to innovate in the financial planning space. Along the way, Tom has crossed paths with industry icons like Henry Ward and Manu Kumar, learning invaluable lessons that have shaped his entrepreneurial spirit.

* Discover how Tom’s internship at US Steel led him to pursue an MBA and ultimately shift his focus to tech and entrepreneurship.

* Learn about Tom’s experience at Capital Technologies, where he worked on groundbreaking microwave-assisted hydro processing technology.

* Hear how Tom’s role at eShares (Carta) saw him grow from the 12th employee to a key player in a company with over 2,000 employees.

* Explore Tom’s insights on the importance of finding product-market fit, as learned from his startup StatEasy.

* Understand the impact of mentorship from industry leaders like Manu Kumar and how it influenced Tom’s career trajectory.

As Tom shares his journey, listeners will find a wealth of insights into the world of startups, tech innovation, and the art of pivoting in one’s career. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, Tom’s story offers a fresh perspective on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology. Tune in to hear how Tom’s experiences and connections have shaped his path, and perhaps find inspiration for your own journey.

In this episode of Founder@50, Jeremy Toeman sits down with Barry Lowenthal, a media executive whose journey from Yeshiva student to the heights of the advertising world is nothing short of inspiring. Barry’s story begins in a traditional Jewish household on Long Island, where he initially aspired to be a plastic surgeon. Twists and turns in his vision led him to pivot towards the world of media and advertising. From his early days at NWR and Backer Spielvogel Bates to his influential role as CEO of Media Kitchen, Barry’s career is a testament to adaptability and vision.

Barry’s path is peppered with pivotal moments, including his time at Kirshenbaum + Bond, where he honed his skills in media strategy and creative collaboration. His tenure at BBH under the leadership of Cindy Gallup and John Hagerty further solidified his reputation as a media innovator.

* Discover how Barry’s stint at NWR taught him the importance of staying close to revenue.

* Hear about Barry’s innovative use of the “Red Book” to land job offers in the competitive advertising world.

* Understand the impact of Barry’s leadership at Media Kitchen and its evolution into Crispin.

* Learn about how Barry’s pushed the boundaries of ad tech with AI at Anuvo

* Explore Barry’s insights on the future of AI in advertising and how it reshapes agency models.

As Barry reflects on his career, he shares invaluable insights for anyone navigating the ever-evolving media landscape. Whether you’re an aspiring media professional or a seasoned executive, Barry’s journey offers lessons in resilience, creativity, and the power of strategic networking. Tune in to hear how Barry Lowenthal’s story can inspire your own path to success.