Smooth Operator Blake Saunders

Lauren Newman, EVP of Revenue at Red Ventures, discusses her background in media and publishing and her experience in direct ad sales and commerce. She emphasizes the importance of innovation and relationship management in both areas. Newman shares her success in taking back influence in the beauty industry by showcasing editors as the original influencers. She also highlights the need for publishers to find unique experiences that can only be offered through direct sales, such as CNET’s coverage of the iPhone release. Newman then discusses her transition to Skimlinks and the value it provides to publishers in terms of marketplace intelligence and efficiency. She explains how Skimlinks can be a gateway drug to affiliate for new publishers and offers insights into the selling points and ROI of the platform. Lauren Newman discusses the challenges publishers face in making a million dollars and the investment required to succeed. She highlights the importance of publishers being prepared to invest in hiring, content production, and refreshes. Lauren also talks about her move to CNET and the opportunity to bring media expertise to Red Ventures. She explains the partnership between CNET and Best Buy, where CNET’s expert opinions and reviews are integrated into Best Buy’s store and online experience. This partnership allows for a seamless consumer journey and the ability to measure the entire funnel.

In this episode of the Smooth Operator Podcast, we chat with Jamie Miles, Vice President of Penske Media’s commerce division. Jamie shares her journey from a journalism graduate to leading e-commerce operations across multiple brands, detailing the strategic shifts from traditional content management to integrating e-commerce solutions. She delves into the evolving landscape of online marketing, the importance of adapting to changing consumer behaviors, and the innovative approaches to monetization and affiliate marketing at Penske. Join us as Jamie offers invaluable insights into navigating the dynamic world of digital commerce and content creation.

In episode seven, Emily Welsh discusses her rich background in publishing, tracing her journey from the bustling newsrooms of Advertising Age to her innovative contributions at Vogue and Conde Nast. Transitioning into the digital realm, Emily has played a pivotal role in navigating the challenges of digital content at WSJ before embarking on launching Buy Side at WSJ. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on the evolution of publishing and advertising, underscoring the significance of audience engagement and the strategic implementation of SEO in today’s digital age. Her insights into the integration of content and commerce, coupled with a forward-looking approach to the impact of AI, offer invaluable perspectives for anyone navigating the complexities of the modern media landscape.

In episode six, Amro discusses his unconventional path into performance marketing and his role in transforming Agent Ace, a real estate startup that merged data-driven decision-making with ethical consumer practices. He highlights his collaboration with Chad Smolinski in launching 360 Reviews at U.S. News & World Reports, a venture aimed at revolutionizing the review industry with unbiased, data-oriented evaluations. Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities in the evolving digital landscape, Amro emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consumer-centric approach in the face of AI advancements.

In the fifth episode of Smooth Operator, we engage with Camilla Cho, SVP of e-commerce at Vox Media. With an extensive career spanning nearly two decades, Camilla has adeptly shifted from business development to mastering the art of commerce and affiliate marketing. This episode offers an in-depth look at her pivotal role in establishing The Strategist at New York Magazine, a glance at Vox's overarching commerce strategy, and insightful predictions on the evolving landscape of media commerce. Join us as we uncover the innovative tactics behind engaging audiences and driving revenue in the digital age with a seasoned industry expert.​

In Episode 4 of Smooth Operator, Paige Hart-Smith, VP of Performance Marketing at The Daily Beast, delves into her journey in shaping Scouted, the publication’s shopping and e-commerce vertical. Drawing from her experiences at Publisher’s Clearing House and Slate Magazine, Hart-Smith highlights the strategic integration of programmatic advertising and affiliate marketing to bolster revenue and engage The Daily Beast’s loyal readership. She also sheds light on how Scouted maintains editorial integrity while effectively leveraging sponsored content to inform its editorial strategy. The episode offers valuable insights into the evolving best practices in commerce content within media organizations.