Rarely do you get to hear from someone who built an entire advertising business from the ground up — inside a company that wasn’t even known for ads.In this episode, James Deaker (The Yield Doctor) talks with Shane Dwyer, Head of Sales for Lyft Ads, about how Lyft created a thriving advertising ecosystem from scratch — from its first in-app placements to national brand campaigns.Shane shares what it takes to launch and scale a media business inside a non-media company — the challenges, lessons, and innovations that made it work.In this conversation:The origin story of Lyft Ads. - Turning ride intent and destination data into a unique first-party signalHow Lyft balanced rider experience with monetizationThe unconventional cost-per-ride pricing modelWhat’s next — from programmatic expansion to international growthBuilding culture in a startup-within-a-company environment🎧 Whether you’re in ad ops, retail media, or digital strategy, this is a masterclass in how to build an advertising business from zero to one.📍 Guest: Shane Dwyer, Head of Sales, Lyft Ads📍 Host: James Deaker – The Yield Doctor📍 Topics: ad tech | commerce media | programmatic | pricing | yield management

What can yield analysts really take away from Ari Paparo’s new book Yield?This isn’t a book review — it’s about the gold inside the book that every pricing or yield analyst should highlight and study. In this video, I break down 4 key lessons that will make you sharper and faster in digital advertising yield management.If you’re new to the industry, or even if you’ve been around a while, these insights will help you connect the dots between theory, practice, and results.Related: The book review of this book: https://youtu.be/C_Yym-Xf_6w

Why is yield management so much harder in digital advertising than in airlines or hotels?In this video, I break down why pricing and yield management in digital media is uniquely complex — from the explosion of ad formats, currencies, and targeting options, to the lack of market transparency and the fragmented supply chain.You’ll see:A real-world example using the Yahoo homepageHow auctions, banners, video, native, and affiliate deals fit togetherWhy price response in advertising differs so much from airlinesWhat publishers and ad tech companies can learn from the broader pricing industryI first shared these ideas at Pricing Week, a conference for pricing professionals — but I’ve reworked them here specifically for publishers, ad tech teams, and anyone working in digital media.👉 Even if you’re an expert in digital advertising, you’ll want to stay until the end, where I highlight what our industry can learn from the discipline and rigor of traditional pricing teams.About meI’m James Deaker — The Yield Doctor. On this channel, we explore frameworks, stories, and strategies that help publishers and ad tech companies unlock more value from their inventory.If you found this useful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with your team.

In this video, I review Ari Paparo’s new book Yield: How Google Bought, Built, and Bullied Its Way to Advertising Dominance.As “The Yield Doctor,” I’ll share my perspective on:Who should read this bookThe key themes and stories insideWhat it reveals about Google’s rise to power in ad techLessons that publishers, ad ops teams, and ad tech professionals can take awayIf you work in digital advertising, ad tech, or publishing, this book (and my take on it) will give you valuable context on how we got here—and what it means for the future.👉 Subscribe for more content on yield management, ad tech strategy, and revenue growth for publishers.

Some of the biggest names in digital media still run blind ad networks—and advertisers keep buying. But why? In this video, I break down the differences between blind vs. transparent ad networks, showing how each model works, what advertisers see, and why publishers and network owners choose one over the other.You’ll learn:The key attributes of blind ad networks (and why definitions are shifting)How margins, transparency, and business models differExamples of $100 advertiser spend flows in blind vs. transparent setupsWhy some tech, retail, and social platforms succeed with blind networksHow publishers unintentionally create blind networks when extending audiencesWhat to consider when deciding which model fits your strategyWhether you’re a publisher, ad network operator, or ad ops professional, this video will help you understand how these models impact trust, revenue, and long-term success.I’m James Deaker, The Yield Doctor. I’ve spent 20+ years helping publishers and platforms maximize yield through pricing, ad operations, and marketplace strategy. If you’re grappling with blind vs. transparent networks—or want tailored advice for your business—this is exactly what I do.👉 Drop your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more insights on pricing, yield management, and ad tech strategy.📺 Related video: https://youtu.be/qaSuicw9DIs

Ad tech vendors often warn publishers: “Don’t lower your price floors.” But what if that advice is holding you back from seeing your true demand curve?In this video, I explain why starting lower isn’t about giving away value—it’s about uncovering hidden demand, attracting new buyers, and making data-backed decisions that maximize long-term yield. You’ll learn:Why “optimal” floors from vendors may not align with your definition of successHow first-price auctions have changed the dynamics of bidding and floorsThe overlooked benefit of discovery—for both publishers and advertisersHow to run temporary floor tests without devaluing your inventoryCommon traps like buyer anchoring and perceived value (and how to avoid them)Lowering floors isn’t a race to the bottom. It’s a strategic experiment to reveal demand you can’t see when floors are set too high. Start low, learn quickly, and then raise floors with purpose.If you’re leaving money on the table because of high floors—or relying solely on “auto-optimized” exchange settings—this video will show you why it’s worth grabbing the wheel yourself.👉 Watch to learn how to test, optimize, and drive higher long-term yield.

When publishers move to programmatic, one of the biggest fears is losing control.Will buyers cherry pick your best inventory and leave you with the scraps? Will premium deals dry up?In this video, I break down:What “cherry picking” means in ad tech and programmatic advertisingWhy it’s a real risk — and when it’s notHow smart channel management can protect your premium sales while unlocking new demandUsing a simple orchard-and-cherries analogy, I show how publishers can set guardrails, balance legacy sales with new revenue streams, and avoid the trap of over-protecting inventory at the cost of growth.Chapters:0:00 – The fear of cherry picking in programmatic0:49 – Cherries as an analogy for ad slots1:45 – Premium sales vs. self-pick model2:27 – Guardrails to protect premium deals3:16 – What channel management looks like in ad tech3:46 – The risk of over-protection4:48 – When inventory shouldn’t go programmatic5:20 – Balancing direct sales with programmatic

What makes a deal desk truly successful? Faster approvals? Higher margins? Fewer escalations?Be careful—optimizing for the wrong metric can backfire. In this (5-minute) Yield Doctor episode, James Deaker explains why many common deal desk KPIs are Goldilocks metrics—they shouldn't be too high or too low.Learn how to monitor approval rates, turnaround time, and margin without turning them into dangerous performance goals. Discover why dashboards are better than dogma when it comes to deal desk success.👉 If you're a publisher, platform, or pricing leader trying to improve your yield, subscribe for more insights or reach out for consulting support.🔗 More from The Yield Doctor: youtube.com/@jamesdeaker

The Perils of Predictable Discounting | Yield Story with The Yield DoctorIn this Yield Story, James Deaker (The Yield Doctor) shares a cautionary tale about the dangers of predictable discounting and pulling revenue forward — a trap that many pricing and yield leaders fall into.Based on real (but anonymized) consulting experiences, this story dives into how one company’s quarter-end discounting habits trained customers to delay purchases, eroded pricing power, and created operational chaos.You’ll learn:✅ What "pulling demand forward" really means✅ How predictable discounts damage long-term revenue✅ Practical strategies to break the cycle and retrain your customers✅ Why sales incentives must be designed with cautionIf you're a pricing, sales, or yield management leader, this is a must-watch.🔔 Subscribe for more insights on digital pricing, yield strategy, and monetization: [Your Channel URL]📧 For consulting inquiries, reach out at [Your Email or Website]#PricingStrategy #YieldManagement #RevenueGrowth #B2BSales #EndOfQuarter #Discounting #TheYieldDoctor

What Do CMOs Really Care About? | A Candid Conversation with Lauren WeinbergWhat does a CMO actually look for in a media partner? And what publisher metrics matter... or don’t?In this exclusive interview, James Deaker (The Yield Doctor) sits down with Lauren Weinberg—former CMO at Square and Peloton, and co-author of Self-Made Boss—to explore how top marketing executives make media investment decisions.Lauren shares tactical insights on:✅ How CMOs evaluate publisher performance✅ What drives budget shifts mid- and post-campaign✅ The role of MMM, MTA, and incremental ROI✅ Why impressions and CPMs may not mean what you think✅ What actually sets a media pitch apartWhether you're a publisher, ad tech pro, or just trying to understand how to win a marketer’s trust, this is a must-watch conversation.🔗 Connect with Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenweinberg13/📘 Her book: Self-Made BossChapters0:00 – Introduction: What CMOs value in publishers0:56 – Audience fit and planning considerations2:22 – Metrics that matter: Performance vs. brand campaigns4:48 – How brand media impacts lower-funnel performance5:30 – Mid-flight vs. post-campaign optimization7:49 – Decoding MMM and MTA8:30 – Publisher metrics: What’s meaningful vs. table stakes10:14 – Disconnects between CMOs and publishers12:03 – Do CMOs care about “premium” publishers?13:06 – Custom ad formats: Barrier or opportunity?15:10 – A winning pitch: Peloton × Twitch case study17:30 – CPMs vs. ROI: What really matters19:05 – The reality of measuring incremental ROI20:25 – Wrap-up and how to follow Lauren

Why don’t publishers have good pricing software anymore?Back in 2007, Yahoo, AOL, and Microsoft used a tool called Rapt to optimize rate cards in real time. Today? That software is gone—and no one has replaced it.In this video, I explain why Rapt disappeared, why nothing has filled the gap, and what it would take for a new solution to emerge. Drawing on my own experience working at Rapt, I break down the key challenges—including programmatic dominance, product complexity, and the lack of transparent market signals.📈 If you're a publisher or ad tech leader grappling with pricing, yield, or programmatic strategy, this one’s for you.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – The 2007 Era: When Rapt Ruled00:20 – Why I Know This: My Time at Rapt00:47 – What Pricing Software Should Do01:32 – How Rapt's Price Director Worked02:16 – Microsoft Acquisition and Decline02:23 – Why No One Replaced It: My Take02:34 – Reason #1: Rise of Programmatic03:25 – Reason #2: No Public Pricing Signals04:11 – Reason #3: Ad Products Are Too Complex05:38 – The Need for Customization (Compliance)05:58 – Why Ad Tech Hasn’t Solved This Yet06:16 – What the Future Might Look Like06:35 – Closing Thoughts & Call to Comment🔔 Subscribe to stay ahead of yield management and ad tech trends: youtube.com/@jamesdeaker📬 Need help with pricing, inventory, or programmatic strategy?Reach out via LinkedIn or at theyielddoctor.com#DigitalAdvertising #YieldManagement #AdTech #RateCards #JamesDeaker #TheYieldDoctor #Programmatic #PricingSoftware

There’s a lot of hype around AI in ad tech — but where is it really having an impact today?In this episode, I speak with Nagarajan Chakravarthy, Chief Digital Officer and founding team member at iOPEX Technologies. We go deep into practical examples of AI transforming advertising revenue operations — from media planning to campaign optimization, and even creative generation.You’ll hear:What “Agentic AI” really means in Ad TechWhich parts of the ad ops workflow are being automatedThe biggest cultural and organizational blockers to adoptionWhy AI may actually level the playing field for smaller advertisers📧 Contact Naga: naga@iopex.com🌐 Learn more: https://www.iopex.com—Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction: Why AI in ad tech needs more real examples1:01 - Meet Nagarajan Chakravarthy, CDO at iOPEX2:07 - What iOPEX does and their approach to transformation3:35 - What are “command agents” and how do they work?3:52 - AI use cases in advertising revenue operations6:41 - How AI accelerates creative and campaign execution7:35 - From media plan to standardized IOs8:02 - Speed vs. oversight: the new trade-off10:08 - Skill shifts: From execution to prompting11:08 - Quality control and changing error patterns13:02 - Real-world example: AI-generated media plans16:07 - Where AI still falls short: the EQ of creative17:22 - Where human judgment remains indispensable19:02 - Common misconceptions about AI in ad tech21:31 - 4 areas where AI will be most disruptive24:35 - Internal blockers: Skills, data, and expectation-setting27:39 - Will AI level the playing field or boost the giants?29:41 - Why AI is a net positive for publishers31:38 - Final thoughts and how to connect with Naga—If you enjoyed this video, please like and subscribe.More content coming soon from the front lines of ad tech and monetization.

Meta Goes All-In on AI Ads: What It Means for Advertisers & AgenciesMeta just announced plans to fully integrate AI into its advertising platform by the end of next year — enabling brands to create and target ads using artificial intelligence with little to no manual input.In this video, I break down what this shift means for:Facebook/Meta advertisersAgencies whose value lies in creative and targetingThe broader digital advertising ecosystemI’ll also share my perspective on how this move fits into the long-term trend of AI in ad tech, and why it might give Meta — and other walled gardens — an even greater advantage.Timestamps:0:00 – Meta’s AI Ad Announcement0:42 – Implications for Facebook Advertisers2:10 – How Agencies Should Respond3:45 – Industry-Level Disruption5:20 – My Speculation: What Meta Might Do Next6:30 – Final Thoughts + Your InputIf you’re in ad ops, media buying, or agency strategy — this one’s for you.Let me know in the comments: Do you think this makes Meta more effective — or more dangerous?

In this episode of The Yield Doctor, James Deaker sits down with Alanna Laforet—CEO of Laforet Productions and former head of the IAB Tech Lab—to unpack where AI is actually transforming digital advertising today, and where it's headed next.With experience spanning DoubleClick, Google, Omnicom, and Conde Nast, Alanna brings deep insight into how AI is reshaping media planning, creative optimization, and the ad tech stack itself.We explore:What’s real vs. hype in current AI implementationsHow startups and holding companies are approaching AI differentlyWhether AI will democratize the industry or entrench the big playersThe potential for AI tools like ChatGPT to act as publishersThe risks of fraud, fake content, and over-optimization in a post-AI worldWhether you're a publisher, advertiser, or just curious about the future of ad operations, this conversation is packed with insight and candid perspective.📌 Chapters included in the description below🔗 Connect with Alanna Laforet:LinkedIn: [Insert Link]Email: alana@stillmagazine.xyzAlanna discusses the areas where GenAI will have the most impact on the AdTech ecosystem00:00 Introduction & Guest Background 01:07 Current AI Impact in Digital Advertising 03:01 Real AI Adoption Inside Companies 04:45 Startup Frenzy & Market Fragmentation 06:00 The “Layer Cake” Problem in Ad Tech 08:13 Toward End-to-End Systems with AI Plugins 09:45 Where AI Will Have the Most (and Least) Impact 11:08 Could AI Platforms Become the Next Big Publishers? 13:36 Democratization vs. Walled Gardens 15:33 AI and the Return of Imagination 16:54 Publishers: Winners or Losers in the AI Shift? 17:38 The Ethics & Dangers of AI-Generated Content 19:53 What Excites Alanna About AI's Future 21:31 Where to Find Alanna + Closing Remarks

Alex Roucourt discusses the challenges to effective advertising measurement in a post-cookie environment and offers solutions to address these challenges

Shiv Gupta from the U of Digital breaks down the trends from the Q1 Earnings cycle in Digital Advertising and Ad Tech

A short story on the problems with setting a "sell-through" goal for a website and what should be done instead to maximize revenue through good Yield Management

Publishers struggle with when and how to run their own ads ("House Ads"). This video outlines the best approach to run House Ads for maximum efficiency

A short story about a lesson-learned in Yield Management - when increasing Price Realization was the wrong goal