AdTechGod Pod: Episode 85 – Instinct Meets Innovation: A Conversation with Matt Black

Release Date: June 27, 2025

In Episode 85 of the AdTechGod Pod, host AdTechGod engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Matt Black, a seasoned professional in the advertising technology (AdTech) industry. This episode delves into Matt's unique career journey, his perspectives on the evolving role of AI in AdTech, the balance between intuition and data-driven decisions, and his aspirations for future opportunities. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the essence of their discussion.

1. Matt Black’s Journey into AdTech

Matt Black's entry into the AdTech realm was unconventional. Initially pursuing a career in 3D animation for video games, Matt faced a pivotal shift due to the 2010-2011 market crash, which disrupted his plans. This setback led him to explore other avenues where his skills could be valuable.

At a small startup in San Francisco, Matt took on the role of a production coordinator, where he was responsible for trafficking ads. This exposure sparked his interest in understanding the mechanics behind digital advertisements. Matt reflects:

“[...] I never thought, like, who's the one putting these ads up? Or how do they get there?... and something that really caught my curiosity.” (03:38)

His transition continued at Dictionary.com, where he honed his skills in trafficking, campaign reporting, and account management. Matt credits a supportive manager for connecting the dots between his diverse background in web development, 3D animation, and early web streaming technologies, ultimately grounding his career in the AdTech sector.

2. Strengths and Career Goals

With experience spanning various roles and companies—including Stitcher, Mobi, Goodr X, and Bliss Point—Matt possesses a multifaceted understanding of both the creative and technical aspects of AdTech. When asked about his strengths and career objectives, Matt emphasizes his versatility and desire to assist others:

“I just want to go help. I want to take everything that I've learned and everything that I will learn and go help somebody do it better.” (07:31)

Matt is open to diverse opportunities, whether it's within publishers, agencies, or programmatic platforms like DSPs and SSPs. His primary goal is to contribute effectively, leveraging his extensive experience to foster improvement and innovation within any team he joins.

3. Perspectives on AI in AdTech

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the AdTech industry. Matt shares a balanced view, acknowledging both the potential and the limitations of AI:

“I think there will be efficiencies that we get and it'll make things easier in some cases and will provide a great alternative... but I don't think we're going to see the all-in-one type solution or the revelation that people are expecting it to be.” (08:44)

He cautions against overly optimistic expectations, stressing that while AI can enhance efficiency and provide valuable insights, human oversight remains crucial, especially in strategic areas like Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and nuanced campaign optimizations.

4. The Role of Gut Instinct vs. Data in Ads Operations

Matt delves into the balance between intuition and data-driven strategies in Ads Operations. He highlights scenarios where gut instinct plays a pivotal role, especially when historical data is scarce or when experimenting with innovative approaches:

“[...] sometimes there's a gut instinct without any data that you think may or may not perform better...” (12:33)

He shares a personal anecdote from his time at Stitcher, where he challenged Google's ECPM definition by applying a "rule of three"—cost of goods, overhead, and profit—to better understand and optimize revenue. This approach significantly boosted Stitcher's monthly revenue from $7,000 to $45,000 within three months.

“...it took our general. When I took over Stitcher Programmatic, it was about $7,000 a month. After I vetted a few partners... I was able to increase that to about $45,000 a month...” (15:21)

5. Ideal Employer and Work Environment

Discussing his ideal work environment, Matt emphasizes the importance of appreciation, respect, and the ability to contribute meaningfully. Having worked remotely since 2015, he prefers remote opportunities but remains flexible regarding company size and structure.

“I just want to find someplace that I really fit... I just want to be. I don't want to say appreciated for what I know...” (16:10)

Matt values collaborative environments where his insights and experiences are valued, allowing him to share knowledge and influence strategies positively.

6. Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

As the conversation wraps up, both host and guest express mutual appreciation. AdTechGod underscores the importance of individuals in the industry:

“All I want is people work, make money, support their families. [...] we all have families to feed. That's all that matters.” (20:31)

Matt echoes this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share his journey and insights, hoping to connect with potential collaborators or employers through the podcast.

Key Takeaways

• Diverse Background: Matt Black's career showcases the value of diverse skills and adaptability in the AdTech industry.

• AI Integration: While AI offers significant efficiencies, human expertise remains essential for strategic decision-making and nuanced optimizations.

• Intuition in Operations: Gut instinct, combined with data analysis, can lead to substantial improvements and innovative solutions in Ads Operations.

• Collaborative Work Environments: A supportive and appreciative work culture enhances individual contributions and drives collective success.

Connect with Matt Black: Interested listeners can reach out to Matt via LinkedIn to explore potential opportunities or collaborations.

Stay Tuned: For more insightful conversations and updates in the AdTech space, subscribe to the AdTechGod Pod and follow AdTechGod on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.