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.

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.