Unlocked with Austin and Elizabeth

Unlocked with Austin and Elizabeth
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Marketing

Hosted by Austin Leonard and Elizabeth Donovan, this podcast takes you behind the scenes of the third wave of advertising—where digital innovation, brand storytelling, and data-driven strategies collide. Featuring candid conversations with the industry insiders who lived it, we uncover the real stories, game-changing moments, and lessons learned from the frontlines of modern marketing.

Episodes

  1. Jun 4

    Episode 12: Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, featuring Sarah Hofstetter

    How AI Pioneer Sarah Hofstetter is Unlocking the Future of Marketing Operations Sarah Hofstetter, co-founder of 37Arc, host of Brave Commerce, & Board Member of both the Campbell Soup Company & Kenvue reveals how she spotted the e-commerce revolution before COVID hit and why she believes AI will transform work more dramatically than search, social, or even e-commerce ever did. From predicting Walmart's dominance through parking spot analysis to launching an AI-powered solution for marketing operations, Sarah shares candid insights about navigating non-linear careers, the myth of demographic-limited online shopping, and why being exceptionally honest has been both her superpower and kryptonite throughout three decades of riding consumer behavior waves. Tune in to this episode as Austin & Elizabeth explore: (00:00) Sarah's career philosophy on filling your cup (04:57) The Walmart parking lot revelation that predicted e-commerce (08:43) How learning through podcasting became public service (11:37) The 92-year-old grandfather who broke shopping stereotypes (16:08) Introducing 37Arc's AI-powered marketing workflow solution (19:46) Why AI adoption requires overcoming the fear factor (24:05) Career navigation advice for non-linear professional paths (28:04) MMA training as the ultimate workplace survival kit

    33 min

  2. May 15

    Episode 11: Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, featuring Paul Brenner

    In this episode of Unlocked, we dive into one of the hottest questions of 2026: Why has in-store retail media growth stalled despite representing where 85% of purchases actually happen? Paul Brenner, SVP, Global Retail Media and Partnerships at In-Store Marketplace, reveals how organizational silos and inconsistent metrics are holding back the channel that should be driving the most impact for retail media networks. Drawing from proprietary research and real-world client stories, this conversation explores why he thinks that measurement matters less than you think, how one retailer achieved 10x growth through process changes alone, and what it takes to bridge the gap between digital innovation and in-store reality. See the full report here. Tune in to this episode as we explore: (00:00) Why attribution made in-store more compelling than radio (04:09) How COVID accelerated in-store retail media adoption (08:27) The organizational challenge between merchants and RMNs (12:20) Why in-store measurement differs from digital targeting (15:13) Consistent metrics matter more than perfect measurement (17:08) How omnichannel studies drive 10x revenue growth (19:57) Behind the scenes organizational feuds at major retailers (22:22) Moving from 1% to 3% contribution margin expectations (24:01) Why patience beats technology in two-year sales cycles (25:29) The survival kit essential for retail media executives

    27 min

  3. Apr 29

    Episode 10: Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, featuring Claire Wyatt

    In this episode, Claire shares her journey through retail media, insights on industry growth, and her efforts to build community and standards in the space. Discover her perspectives on AI, career advice, and the future of retail media.

    24 min

  4. Apr 15

    Episode 9: Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, featuring Kiri Masters

    In this episode of Unlocked, Kiri Masters, a leading voice in retail media, shares her journey from banking to founding an Amazon marketing agency. She discusses the evolution of retail media, the impact of AI on content creation, and the changing landscape of consumer behavior. Kiri emphasizes the importance of storytelling in marketing and the need for collaboration in the retail media space. The conversation also touches on career insights and the value of platforms like LinkedIn for industry professionals.

    29 min

  5. Feb 27

    Episode 8: Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, featuring Drew Cashmore

    Join Austin, Elizabeth & Drew Cashmore as they unpack the evolution of retail media, from the rise of Walmart Connect to the forces redefining modern advertising. This episode explores how digital innovation, brand strategy, and growing standardization are shaping the future of commerce. A must-listen for marketers, brands, and anyone navigating the next wave of retail media.

    31 min

  6. 12/19/2025

    Episode 7: Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, featuring Amie Owen

    In this episode of Unlocked, hosts Austin Leonard and Elizabeth Donovan engage with Amie Owen, a veteran in the retail media industry. They explore the evolution of retail media, the importance of consumer behavior, and the role of data in shaping marketing strategies. Amie shares her insights on innovation, experimentation, and the need for brands to adapt to changing consumer habits. The conversation emphasizes the significance of having a clear North Star for retail media networks and the necessity of simplifying strategies to stay relevant in a fast-paced industry.

    29 min

  7. 10/24/2025

    Episode 6: Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, featuring Cara Pratt

    In this episode of Unlocked, Austin and Elizabeth sit down with Cara Pratt, the new president of global retail and media at Circana. They discuss the evolution of retail media, the importance of data analytics, and the future of AI in the industry. Cara shares her insights on leadership, the necessity of personalization in marketing, and the long-term vision required for success in retail media. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration, trust, and continuous learning in navigating the rapidly changing landscape of retail and media.

    19 min

  8. 07/10/2025

    Episode 5: Ascendant Inside Out #2 Ft. Parbs from CVS

    In this episode of Unlocked, Austin and Elizabeth engage in a deep conversation with Parbinder Dhariwal (Parbs), a pioneer in the retail media space. They explore the evolution of retail media, the importance of community and collaboration, and the role of events in networking. Parbs shares insights from his personal journey, emphasizing the significance of understanding consumer behavior and the omnichannel experience. The discussion also highlights the importance of education, feedback, and continuous learning in the industry, providing valuable career advice for aspiring professionals.

    22 min
  9. Episode 4: Ascendant Inside Out #1

    06/04/2025

    Episode 4: Ascendant Inside Out #1

    In this special episode of Unlocked, hosts Austin and Elizabeth revisit the place where it all started: the Ascendant Network. Featuring a candid conversation with Mark Donohue, they reflect on the first spark that led to launching the podcast and dive into the behind-the-scenes of building community in retail media. From navigating an ever-evolving landscape to the role of operational efficiency in modern marketing teams, this episode covers the challenges, triumphs, and real talk that define the space today. Whether you're brand-side, agency-side, or somewhere in between, this is a must-listen on what it really takes to succeed.

    21 min
  10. Episode 3: Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, featuring Lauren Griewski

    05/01/2025

    Episode 3: Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, featuring Lauren Griewski

    In this episode of Unlocked, we sit down with Lauren Griewski, head of sales and partnerships at Chase Media Solutions. We discuss Lauren's impressive career journey, the evolving landscape of commerce media, and the pivotal role financial institutions like Chase play in this ecosystem. This conversation delves into the importance of trust, personalization, and first-party data in enhancing consumer engagement and driving value. As the industry continues to evolve, Lauren shares insights on the future of retail and commerce media, emphasizing collaboration and innovation.

    22 min
  11. Episode 2: Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, featuring Mark Donohue

    03/28/2025

    Episode 2: Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, featuring Mark Donohue

    In this episode of Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, we sit down with Mark Donohue—strategic leader and former GM at The Gap and Western Union—to explore what it takes to successfully lead a retail media commerce network. From navigating organizational complexity to scaling growth and innovation, Mark shares leadership insights, strategic frameworks, and lessons from the field. Austin and Elizabeth know these challenges firsthand, bringing their own perspective to the conversation as experienced operators in the space. Plus, don’t miss Mark’s exciting new career announcement. Tune in for a sharp look at the evolving role of GMs in the retail media commerce space.

    36 min
  12. Episode 1: Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, featuring Andrew Lipsman

    02/27/2025

    Episode 1: Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, featuring Andrew Lipsman

    In the debut episode of Unlocked with Austin & Elizabeth, we sit down with Andrew Lipsman to explore the rapid rise of retail media networks. From digital advertising’s early days to today’s booming retail and commerce media landscape, we break down key trends, challenges, and what’s next for brands, agencies, and advertisers. Tune in for expert insights and a fresh take on the future of retail media networks!

    32 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Hosted by Austin Leonard and Elizabeth Donovan, this podcast takes you behind the scenes of the third wave of advertising—where digital innovation, brand storytelling, and data-driven strategies collide. Featuring candid conversations with the industry insiders who lived it, we uncover the real stories, game-changing moments, and lessons learned from the frontlines of modern marketing.

Information

  • Creator
    Unlocked with Austin and Elizabeth
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Unlocked with Austin and Elizabeth
  • Show Website
    Unlocked with Austin and Elizabeth

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