SheSpeaks: Women of Influence

SheSpeaks, Inc.
  • 4.9 (205)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Women of Influence podcast, hosted by Aliza Freud and presented by SheSpeaks. Each episode features candid conversations with creators, CMOs, and media leaders shaping today’s marketing landscape, exploring how storytelling, trust, and paid media work together to move consumers from discovery to purchase. Built for marketers, brands, and creators, the show delivers practical insight into the strategies shaping the next era of advertising.

  1. 3d ago

    M&A Moves in Ad Tech with Mary Matyas

    Mary Matyas has spent twenty-five years moving across every layer of the digital media ecosystem — from operating leadership at Criteo, The Trade Desk, and MediaMath, to the deal table as COO and Managing Partner at Ironbound Group, a boutique M&A advisory firm specializing in FinTech, AdTech, and MarTech. What sets her apart from most advisors: she's been the operator on the other side of the table. In this episode, Mary unpacks what the Publicis acquisition of LiveRamp could mean for identity, RampID, and the future of "neutral" data infrastructure. She breaks down how platforms like Meta are pushing advertisers toward open targeting and message-first strategies, why better creative works with modern algorithmic delivery rather than against it, and what acquirers actually look for when evaluating ad tech and martech businesses. Plus: a firsthand look at the Criteo/Hook Logic integration, the retail media consolidation coming, the creator economy's missing infrastructure, and where AI is actually moving the needle. Episode Highlights What the Publicis/LiveRamp deal really signals — what a $2B acquisition tells us about the future of identity, RampID, and whether "neutral" data infrastructure can survive inside a holding company.Open targeting and the creative imperative — how Meta and other platforms are nudging advertisers away from tight audience controls, and why message-first creative is the new competitive advantage.The M&A playbook from both sides of the table — what strategic buyers and private equity look for differently when evaluating ad tech, martech, and agency businesses, including the role of leadership and culture.Why earnouts don't have to be a trap — the structural conditions that make earnouts a feature rather than a fight waiting to happen.Criteo and Hook Logic as a retail media origin story — a firsthand account of integration friction that ultimately helped define an entire category.The creator economy's unfinished business — why measurement, contracts, and brand safety remain the missing infrastructure holding the space back.Where AI is actually delivering — why the real impact is showing up in data quality, fraud detection, and supply path optimization rather than in replacing authentic creative voice.Links and Resources Connect with Mary Matyas on LinkedIn Connect with Ironbound Group on LinkedIn Learn more about Ironbound Group Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at podcast@shespeaks.comWATCH our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

    35 min

  2. May 13

    From Shopper to Screen: Inside the Evolution of Retail Media

    Amy Vollet has spent her career at the intersection of media, commerce, and retail — watching the entire landscape transform around her. Now leading the digital commerce practice at Saatchi X, part of Publicis Commerce, she brings together media planning and buying, data and analytics, and e-commerce into one end-to-end approach that reflects how consumers actually shop today. In this episode, Amy shares her perspective on how retail media has evolved from shopper marketing, why the brand-retailer relationship is more complicated than ever, and what it takes to stay competitive when private label is growing and AI is rewriting the rules of media buying. She also gets candid about leadership, the lost art of humanity in business, and what the next generation is teaching us about intentional personal branding. Episode Highlights How the retail media conversation has expanded to include the retailer as a full partner — and why that changes everythingWhy social media has collapsed the traditional purchase funnel, turning a single piece of content into an end-to-end brand experienceThe "four shelves" framework: digital, physical, social, and agentic — and what it means for content strategyWhy brand-building remains the most powerful answer to private label competitionHow AI agents are already changing media planning — and why the human 20% is what separates good from greatHer "no dead ends" philosophy and what it really means to be omni-channelWhy she defines influence as advocacy — and how that shapes the way she leadsLinks and Resources Connect with Amy Vollet on LinkedIn Learn more about Saatchi X and Publicis Commerce Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at podcast@shespeaks.comWATCH our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

    37 min

  3. Apr 8

    Think It, Become It: How Your Mindset Shapes Your Outcomes

    When Sarah Centrella hit a breaking point in her life, she was left with uncertainty, pressure, and no clear path forward. In that moment, a simple shift in thinking opened the door to something new: the idea that her future could be shaped by what she chose to believe. As an author, speaker, and coach, and the author of multiple books including her newest release Think It, Sarah has spent over a decade helping individuals and executives reprogram their mindset, aligning their thoughts with the outcomes they want to create.  In this episode, she breaks down how internal dialogue shapes reality, why many people unknowingly reinforce the same patterns, and how small, intentional shifts in thinking can unlock entirely new possibilities.  Episode Highlights The moment that sparked her mindset shift and changed the trajectory of her lifeHow thoughts influence outcomes and why repetition plays a key role in rewiring the brainWhat mental fitness looks like in practice and how to apply it dailyWhy negative self-talk is often the biggest barrier to growthSimple tools, including the Power of Pause, to interrupt unhelpful thinkingHow visualization and future planning can create clarity and momentumSarah offers a practical and grounded perspective on influence, showing that real change starts internally. By becoming more intentional with our thoughts, we can begin to shape better outcomes in both our personal and professional lives. Links and Resources Connect with Sarah Centrella on LinkedIn Learn more about Sarah’s Mindset & Vision Setting Purchase Sarah’s Books Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at podcast@shespeaks.comWATCH our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

    38 min

  4. 10/09/2025

    Changing the Game: The Power of Investing in Women

    When Thayer Lavielle joined Wasserman, she recognized an opportunity to drive change from within one of the world’s leading sports and entertainment agencies. What began as a conversation about how to better support women across industries became The Collective—a global initiative dedicated to advancing the power of women through data, strategy, and storytelling. As Managing Director, Thayer has helped transform how brands and organizations view women’s impact as consumers, fans, and leaders. In this episode, she discusses the evolution of women’s sports, the cultural moments fueling its momentum, and why authentic influence starts with service and purpose. Episode Highlights The inspiration behind The Collective and how it’s elevating women across sports, music, and entertainmentResearch-driven insights revealing the true scale of women’s fandom and purchasing powerKey cultural milestones that have shifted public perception of women’s sportsThe challenges and rewards of building a new brand within a global agencyLessons from Thayer’s early career in journalism and beauty that shaped her leadership approachWhat influence really means and how it’s best expressed through service and authenticityThayer’s perspective offers a thoughtful look at how advocacy, business, and storytelling can come together to create lasting impact for women everywhere. Links and Resources Connect with Thayer Lavielle on LinkedIn Connect with Wasserman on LinkedIn Learn more about The Collective Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at podcast@shespeaks.comWATCH our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

    31 min

  5. 09/18/2025

    Turning Grief Into Grit: Breaking Barriers in Fertility

    When Diana Thomas became one of the first women in the United States to give birth through donor egg IVF in 1996, there were no guidelines, agencies, or contracts. It was determination and uncharted territory. Today, as Founder and CEO of The World Egg and Sperm Bank, she is on a mission to bring transparency, ethics, and rigorous standards to a rapidly growing and often misunderstood industry. Episode Highlights Diana’s groundbreaking 15-year journey through infertility and how it shaped her mission to protect and empower future familiesEye-opening truths about the global egg donation landscape, including trafficking, exploitation, and overlooked legislative gapsWhy transparency and rigorous screening are critical—and the essential questions every hopeful parent should ask their clinicPractical advice for women navigating fertility challenges, including how to advocate for themselves in an emotional and complex processWhether you are navigating fertility yourself or want to understand an industry that touches millions, Diana’s insights are both eye opening and inspiring. Links and Resources Connect with Diana Thomas on LinkedIn Connect with the The World Egg and Sperm Bank on LinkedIn Learn more about The World Egg and Sperm Bank Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at podcast@shespeaks.comWATCH our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

    32 min

  6. 09/10/2025

    Proof of Value: Measuring What Matters Most

    Rikki Marler, Vice President of Client Development at Pēq, joins Women of Influence to share how she helps brands move beyond surface-level metrics to understand the true incremental impact of their campaigns. With a background in shopper marketing and lessons learned from early mentors, Rikki talks about why today’s marketers need real-time insights, how transparency has guided her career, and the importance of staying curious when navigating change. Episode Highlights: The shift from proof of performance to proof of value in marketing.Why in-flight optimization is essential as budgets tighten.Lessons in transparency from early career mentorship under Walmart’s first COO.Staying curious and using an “advisory board” to navigate career twists.Influence as making people feel seen, heard, and empowered.Links and Resources Connect with Rikki Marler on LinkedIn Connect with Pēq on LinkedIn Learn more about Pēq Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at podcast@shespeaks.comWATCH our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

    15 min

  7. 08/25/2025

    Unlocking Trust: Data, Privacy & Leadership

    Ad fraud and data privacy are changing the way advertisers and consumers interact. In this episode of Women of Influence, Nina Talcott, Director of Research Communications and Media Engagement at Pixalate, explains how fraud drains billions from the industry, what new privacy laws mean for consumers, and why transparency is critical. She also shares her perspective on influence, the value of mentorship, and the advice she would give her younger self. Episode Highlights: How Pixalate combats ad fraud and protects consumer data.Billions lost to bots, spoofing, and fake apps on connected TV.Why consumer privacy and new data laws matter.Influence built through one-on-one connections.Advice to her younger self: be authentic and embrace individuality.Links and Resources Connect with Nina Talcott on LinkedIn Connect with Pixalate on LinkedIn Learn More about Pixalate Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at podcast@shespeaks.comWATCH our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

    17 min

  8. 08/07/2025

    Inside the Shopper’s Mind: What Every Brand Needs to Know

    Retail media is rewriting the rules of marketing, and Cyndi Loza is here to break it all down. As Senior Editor at Path to Purchase Institute, she shares what brands need to know about AI, shopper behavior, and why in-store still matters more than you think. Cyndi also reflects on her journalism roots, defining influence, and navigating work-life balance as a parent and professional. Episode Highlights How retail media is reshaping the marketing funnelWhat shoppers really want in-storeThe role of AI in measurement and optimizationWhy social content is showing up in TV adsAdvice on career growth, failure, and finding your voiceConnect with Cyndi Loza on LinkedIn Connect with Path to Purchase Institute on LinkedIn Learn more about Path to Purchase Institute Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at podcast@shespeaks.comWATCH our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

    21 min
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About

Welcome to the Women of Influence podcast, hosted by Aliza Freud and presented by SheSpeaks. Each episode features candid conversations with creators, CMOs, and media leaders shaping today’s marketing landscape, exploring how storytelling, trust, and paid media work together to move consumers from discovery to purchase. Built for marketers, brands, and creators, the show delivers practical insight into the strategies shaping the next era of advertising.

Information

  • Creator
    SheSpeaks, Inc.
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    227
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 SheSpeaks, Inc
  • Show Website
    SheSpeaks: Women of Influence