Are you looking to transform your agency or in-house marketing team with cutting-edge programmatic advertising strategies?

Curious how AI in media buying is changing the landscape for independent digital agencies?

This episode dives deep with Mike Hauptman, founder of AdLib, as he shares actionable approaches for media buyers, ad tech specialists, and marketing agencies eager to elevate their campaign performance.

Learn how tools like AdLib offer DSP-agnostic programmatic access, empower mid-market agencies, and deliver game-changing transparency and scale.

Discover the evolution from faxed insertion orders to real-time bidding—and how legacy systems can hinder growth compared to new, lean agency models leveraging API-first platforms and artificial intelligence.

You’ll also hear candid takes on client relationships, defining an Ideal Client Persona (ICP), navigating industry conferences, and the balance between automation and authentic strategy.

Whether you’re a tech-savvy marketer, agency leader, or digital media pro, this conversation is packed with practical tips, trends, and honest reflections that will help you future-proof your advertising strategies and client partnerships.

⏰ Timestamps⏰
00:00 – Introduction & Name Blunders
01:13 – Mike Hauptman's Origin Story in Digital Advertising
02:48 – Evolution and Challenges of Programmatic Buying
04:36 – Founding AdLib & Shifting to Agency Solutions
07:01 – Facebook, Social, and Expanding Programmatic Reach
09:09 – Unlocking Inventory & Maximizing Match Rates
10:52 – Serving Agencies & In-House Teams with Flexible Tech
13:29 – The Rise of AI in Media Buying
15:42 – Legacy Systems vs. Modern Agencies
16:57 – AI Automation, Agency Boutique Models, and Spam Dynamics
22:22 – Balancing AI, Personalization, and Relationship-Building
25:43 – Defining Your Ideal Client & Playing the Long Game
31:00 – Finding New Agency Partners & Prospecting Tools
33:41 – Conferences, Networking, and Industry Standouts
39:36 – Building True Growth Partnerships
40:00 – How to Connect with AdLib
40:19 – Closing Thoughts & Future of AdTech