Podcast Summary: AdTechGod Pod – Ep. 112

"Programmatic Partnerships with Purpose: Andrew Cassin on Growth & Empathy Ad Tech Future"
Aired: December 16, 2025
Host: AdTechGod
Guest: Andrew Cassin (Senior Director of Programmatic Partnerships, Cadent)

Episode Theme

This episode dives into the evolving world of programmatic advertising partnerships, with a special focus on growth through innovation and the role of empathy in business relationships. Andrew Cassin shares insights from his extensive ad tech career, personal journey through adversity, and perspectives on the future of the industry.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Andrew Cassin’s Ad Tech Journey

[02:21–06:29]

• Early days at Forbes:
  • Internship led to a temp role at a pivotal time as Forbes moved from traditional publishing to a digital-first strategy.
  • Exposure to the "wild west" era of programmatic, building knowledge while the industry was still defining itself.
  • Networking with other publishers and ad tech companies set the stage for a broader industry perspective.
• Joining Rubicon Project:
  • Early days on the demand side, just before their IPO; Cassin describes it as being a "startup within a large publisher-facing organization."
  • Wore many hats, learning quickly and widely, which shaped his adaptable, builder mentality.
• Key career moves:
  • Kinetics: Specialized in video, refining focus after broader experience at Rubicon.
  • Equativ (fka Smart AdServer): Helped build out the US business and experienced a company rebrand.
  • Cadent: Current role; describes the last few years as “an amazing ride.”

Notable quote:

“I really am passionate about the industry, about ad tech… The opportunity to build things, you know, to build… each company that I’ve been at, I’ve been able to be kind of on the ground floor.”
— Andrew Cassin [07:21]

2. Passion & the Constant of Change

[07:07–08:23]

• Emphasizes passion as the unifying force across a career marked by constant change.
• Draws a personal analogy between building things at work and constructing Legos as a hobby and a form of therapeutic stress relief.

3. Evolving Industry Partnerships & Solution Selling

[11:49–13:16]

• Transformation of partnerships:
  • Shift from "set it and forget it" programmatic deals to deeper, purpose-driven collaborations.
  • Focus now on, “Why are we setting up this deal? What are the details behind it? It’s not just a handshake agreement and let’s go.”
• Long-term value:
  • Cassin emphasizes aligning current solutions with future partner needs for lasting relationships.

Notable quote:

“We want to build solutions that are aligned with where they're going as well. Not just where they are today, but where they're going… we want to be partners long term, not, not just for the few, you know, few deals that we just set up.”
— Andrew Cassin [12:09]

4. The Pursuit of Transparency & Clean Supply Paths

[13:16–15:23]

• Industry-wide push for greater transparency (SPO, brand safety, visibility into supply chains).
• Cassin details Cadent’s approach:
  • As a relative newcomer to the SSP side, Cadent “wanted to do things the right way,” emphasizing “clean and direct path to the integrations we've done with our publishers.”
• Discussion on where standards originate—arguing that industry bodies come first, with agencies/brands driving adoption around quality.

5. Empathy, Connection, and Cancer Diagnosis

[15:23–19:55]

• Cassin openly discusses his recent cancer diagnosis and its impact on his life and work:
  • Says it has increased his empathy and changed the way he approaches meetings, focusing more on genuine connections rather than transactional relationships.
  • He is more intentional about the people he surrounds himself with, valuing depth over breadth.
• On industry support:
  • Moved by the sincere outreach from former colleagues, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers.
  • The experience reminded him how interconnected and supportive the ad tech community can be.

Notable quote:

“It’s made me truly more empathetic to people in general… you don’t know what people are going through. And I think it’s, it’s made me, you know, more cautious in how I message, how I approach… I want there to be… a little bit of chit chat… so that I am seen as a partner and not just another salesperson.”
— Andrew Cassin [15:53]

6. Advice to the Next Generation

[21:04–22:30]

• Take advantage of resources:
  • Points to abundance of industry publications, certification programs, and mentorship opportunities (like 212 NYC).
• Build a “board of mentors”:
  • Encourages new entrants to connect and learn from experienced professionals in the space.
• Leverage LinkedIn:
  • Describes it as “the most underutilized resource in our industry,” vital for networking and personal brand-building.

Notable quote:

“Building that kind of board of mentors is important in this industry especially. And I wish that I had more, you know, available to me back in the day and. And even now today.”
— Andrew Cassin [21:30]

7. Cadent’s Direction & Industry Outlook

[23:40–26:58]

• ViewPlanner acquisition:
  • Host and Cassin discuss the strategic value of expanding Cadent’s offering across linear, CTV, online video, and now YouTube, bridging fragmented audiences.
• 2026 and beyond:
  • Cassin is excited for a year of “opportunity to innovate,” citing AI, privacy shifts, new CTV solutions, and the emergence of agile companies in the space.
  • Both host and guest caution against media negativity, emphasizing that good news and progress in the industry often go unreported.

Notable quote:

“Innovation is one of the amazing things about ad tech… whether it’s privacy, whether it’s AI… it’s forcing so many companies to pivot, new companies to come out of nowhere that are building unique things.”
— Andrew Cassin [24:02]

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On adapting through change:
  “The constant has been kind of... the excitement, like the passion for the industry... and the opportunity to build things.” — Andrew Cassin [07:21]

• On support through adversity:
  “Even though it feels isolating sometimes… at least there are people who, you know, I can talk to when things do get tough.” — Andrew Cassin [18:44]

• On building community:
  “LinkedIn is the most underutilized resource in our industry... it’s still one of the most useful tools that we have.” — Andrew Cassin [21:30]

Important Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:21] — Career overview, starting at Forbes
• [07:21] — The importance of passion; foundations of “building” in ad tech
• [11:06] — Cadent’s ViewPlanner acquisition and the strategy behind it
• [12:09] — How partnership strategies have evolved
• [13:16] — Supply path optimization, transparency, and brand safety
• [15:23] — Cancer diagnosis and its impact on empathy, relationships, and support networks
• [21:04] — Advice for newcomers and the importance of mentorship
• [24:02] — Industry innovations and what excites Cassin for 2026

Tone & Language

Throughout the episode, the conversation remains warm, candid, and authentic. Cassin comes across as personable, honest, and grounded, with a passion for both the technology and people behind ad tech. The host keeps the tone conversational, peppered with humor and moments of solidarity.

Conclusion

This episode provides a comprehensive look at the human and strategic sides of ad tech innovation, highlighting how personal growth, empathy, technological change, and purposeful partnerships are propelling the industry forward. For newcomers and veterans alike, Andrew Cassin’s journey, vulnerability, and actionable advice offer inspiration and practical insights for thriving in a rapidly evolving field.