How did you get into the industry and what has been your journey so far?
Interestingly, I didn’t start in digital media at all. I was originally working as a sound engineer in Soho after studying Audio Engineering following my degree. Being in that part of London meant I was surrounded by creative and technology companies, and adtech felt like a natural transition because it sits right at the intersection of creativity, data, and technology. At the time, it was also a great place for record shopping!
What started as a nearby opportunity quickly turned into a career path. Since then, I’ve worked across a number of roles in the adtech and programmatic space, building experience in sales, partnerships, and strategic growth, covering myriad disciplines such as video, ad verification, measurement and performance marketing. It’s been an evolving journey, but one that has kept me engaged because the industry itself moves so quickly.
What struggles, if any, have you had as a women in the industry?
There have definitely been challenges along the way. One thing I’ve learned is that not every business development or sales role in ad tech is the right environment, and that company culture matters just as much as the intelligence or talent of the people you work with, let alone trying to go to market with a product that’s wrapped around with sticky tape!
Like many women in the industry, I’ve experienced moments where I felt I had to prove my expertise more than others in the room. I’ve been questioned on fairly basic concepts by colleagues who assumed I didn’t have the technical knowledge. Situations like that can be frustrating, but they also reinforce the importance of trusting your own expertise and choosing workplaces that genuinely support diverse voices.
There have also been plenty of meetings where I’ve been the only woman in the room, particularly in more technical or trading-focused environments. Early on that could feel intimidating, but I learnt early on the value of speaking up and being confident in the perspective and experience you bring.
Which women do you look up to and why?
From an industry perspective, Danielle Wykes is someone I’ve always admired. We worked alongside each other early on in our careers, and later she became my boss in another role. She’s someone who has consistently built high-performing sales teams while also balancing family life and raising children alongside a demanding leadership role.
Beyond her professional success, Danielle also been incredibly supportive during some of the ups and downs that inevitably happen in both career and life. Having leaders like that makes a huge difference for me.
Where you would like your career to go over the next five years?
Over the next five years I’d like to continue growing at the intersection of technology and media, particularly as AI and advanced analytics reshape how digital advertising works. I’m currently expanding my skills through a Data Analytics certification, which I believe will complement my commercial experience and allow me to contribute more strategically and technically.
Having recently joined Fenestra, my focus is now on helping brands and agencies maximise outcomes via algorithmic bidding and curation: solutions that simplify complex workflows while improving programmatic performance, and essentially using our tech to augment human expertise rather than replace it. Alongside that, I’d like to continue contributing to industry communities and helping create more pathways for diverse talent to enter the programmatic space.
Ultimately, I’d like to move even further into leadership and advisory roles where I can help organisations navigate complex digital ecosystems while also mentoring others coming into the industry.
What advice would you give other women in the industry?
There’s a saying that you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with, and recently, I’ve found that to be very true both personally and professionally especially and most recently whilst navigating periods of loss and bereavement. Surrounding yourself with supportive, ambitious, and thoughtful people can make an enormous difference to your confidence and growth. Having a real and healthy supportive system is invaluable.
There are also some fantastic industry communities worth getting involved in, such as Media For All (MEFA) and The Women in Programmatic Network (TWIPN). MEFA in particular runs an excellent mentorship programme, and it’s equally valuable to give back as a mentor once you’re in a position to do so.
I’d also encourage people to keep learning beyond their immediate role, or volunteering. Expanding your skills into adjacent areas. For example Data Analytics/Science, AI or even learning a new language can strengthen your perspective and open up new opportunities.
And finally, remember that balance is essential. Work can be meaningful, but it isn’t everything. Protect your mental health, protect your time, and build a career that supports your life, not the other way around.
Ren Kainth, Director, Business Development at Fenestra