EP98: The Mindset Era: Building Authentic Connections In Digital Marketing

Leader Generation

What if the key to future-proofing your digital marketing strategy lies in human connection?

In this episode, Phil Schraeder, CEO of GumGum, talks about a contextual-first approach to marketing. He shares how this AI-powered strategy allows brands to connect with consumers by focusing on their real-time experiences rather than relying on personal data.

Phil explains how understanding a consumer's environment helps brands deliver ads that resonate more authentically. He introduces the idea of the "mindset era," where technology helps marketers match the right message with the right moment, driving stronger engagement.

Listeners will also hear about the challenges of modern marketing, including the need for immediate results and the limitations of identity-based targeting. Phil offers insights into how brands can stay relevant by anticipating cultural moments and building meaningful, lasting connections.

Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op. For an executive guide to growth and transformation, check out our book Getting Digital Done, now available on Amazon.

About Phil Schraeder:

Phil Schraeder is an executive and recognized thought leader in digital advertising and contextual technologies…who loves fashion and EDM music. As Chief Executive Officer of GumGum, the leading contextual intelligence company, Phil Schraeder believes that we don’t need to know who people are in order to deliver relevant, engaging and effective digital advertising. As the CEO, he is responsible for GumGum’s success in leading the industry in privacy-first, contextual intelligence technologies based on a consumer’s mindset, and not their personal data. Phil is passionate about making advertising experiences better for consumers by ushering the industry into mindset-first, privacy-forward solutions in an exciting and fast-moving digital ecosystem. Be sure to follow Phil on LinkedIn.
About Tessa Burg:

Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at [e-mail].