Welcome to another edition of the ADOTAT Show, where your fearless host, Pesach Lattin, takes you on a no-holds-barred tour through the labyrinthine world of adtech. Buckle up (metaphorically, of course) because today’s episode is not for the faint of heart. We're joined by Jesse Redniss, the maverick behind Qonsent, who’s been stirring up the privacy pot with the audacity of a Silicon Valley disruptor who’s just
discovered unlimited VC funding.
Pesach doesn’t waste any time, setting the stage with a mix of panache and punch: "Hey there, Adidas show aficionados. I'm Pesach Lattin, your captain on this journey through the digital universe." And just like that, we're off, diving into the deep end with Jesse Redniss, whom Pesach introduces as a "genuine game changer" and a "wizard behind consent with a Q." Jesse’s response is equally charged, a blend of honesty and hype,
confessing to riding the adtech roller coaster with both screams of terror and triumphant fist-pumps.
Jesse is quick to claim his wizard status in the realm of clicks and conversions, aiming to "unlock real human interaction and understanding." He’s not just another tech bro waving a magic wand; he’s in the trenches, mixing potions and casting spells that he promises will connect people in more meaningful ways.
Their conversation whirls through Jesse’s backstory, touching on his Emmy-nominated tenure at NBC Universal before jumping to his current gig at Qonsent. Jesse's journey reads like a "choose your own adventure" book set in the tech world, filled with twists, turns, and the occasional dragon to slay (metaphorically speaking, of course).
Pesach probes into the creation story of Qonsent, seeking that "eureka" moment. Jesse’s tale is a saga
of anticipation, built on the shifting sands of data privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA. He describes a landscape rife with opportunity, ripe for a revolution. “It was really before we had launched consent while I was at Warner Media...” Jesse begins, setting the scene for a revelation spurred by none other than Apple’s privacy maneuvers.
Forget popcorn—grab your notepad because Jesse’s insights on privacy are turning the dry, dusty field of data compliance
into a blockbuster thriller. He talks about making privacy "sexy again," like knitting a sweater in a tornado, a task both ludicrous and mesmerizing. Pesach can’t help but dive deeper, asking Jesse to elaborate on transforming the industry’s view on privacy from a necessary evil to a core feature.
“Was there a eureka moment with consent, or did it simmer on the back burner like a fine sauce?” Pesach asks, ever the wordsmith.
Jesse likens the process to slow-cooking a gourmet meal, seasoned with legal and strategic insights, until it was just right to serve.
As they pivot to the mechanics of Qonsent, Jesse unfolds his vision where privacy intersects seamlessly with user experience. He’s not just building a platform; he’s curating an experience—think of it as a Michelin-starred meal in the world of consumer data protection, designed to delight while it defends.
Jesse shares vignettes of challenges and victories, painting a picture of a digital landscape that he’s both navigating and nurturing. This isn’t just about adapting to the world as it is, but about steering it toward what it could be—safer, more transparent, and infinitely more engaging.
No interview would be complete without a gaze into the crystal ball. Jesse doesn’t disappoint, offering predictions on the
integration of AI in advertising and the ongoing evolution of privacy laws. He’s optimistic yet pragmatic, forecasting a future where technology empowers rather than ensnares.
Pesach’s final questions are as sharp as they are insightful, probing Jesse on his strategies for maintaining leadership and innovation in a sector that never sleeps. Jesse’s responses are a mix of philosophy and action, underscored by a commitment to
ethics and consumer respect that’s as refreshing as it is rare.
As the episode wraps, it’s clear this was no ordinary conversation. It was an exploration of the possibilities that lie at the intersection of technology, privacy, and human connection. Pesach signs off with his usual flair, promising more mind-stretching dialogues in the episodes to come.
For the listeners, it’s been more than
just a podcast; it’s been a masterclass in navigating the complex currents of the digital age with courage, creativity, and a healthy dose of critical questioning. Jesse Redniss may have come as a guest, but he leaves as a guide, pointing the way toward a future where tech serves humanity, and privacy is a promise kept with precision and passion.
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