Talk us through an average day in your role.
One of the best things about my role as a product manager in the Ad Tech space is that there’s no such thing as an “average” day. Most days, I work closely with my incredible team of product owners and engineers, ensuring that I’m supporting them in the best way possible. A significant part of my role is outward-facing, which I really enjoy. I regularly connect with customers to gather valuable feedback on our products and explore how we can continue to support their evolving business needs.
Attending tradeshows and conferences is another key part of my role, providing the perfect opportunity to stay informed about industry trends and insights from my peers. I also frequently join our sales team for demos and discovery calls with new prospects. Of course, there’s the less glamorous—but equally important—side of my job, where I find myself knee-deep in spreadsheets and financials!
How did you get started in the media industry?
Growing up, I had a passion for theatre, film, and television and was convinced I was destined for a career in TV production—how wrong I was! After university, I landed a role as a scheduler with a sports broadcaster in Dublin, hoping to eventually transition into a production-related department.
Instead, I discovered a new passion for technology and software. I loved working directly with vendors, scoping out new system requirements, validating and testing enhancements, and rolling them out to production. That experience ultimately led me to take the leap to the vendor side, and I haven’t looked back since.
What training did you have before entering the industry?
While my formal education was in Film, Television, and Theatre Studies, I’d be lying if I said I draw on much of that in my day-to-day work! My real learning has come on the job, as I’ve pushed myself to develop new skills, do courses and attain new accreditations (like ITIL, SAFe and CSPO), and navigate my way into my current role.
Some of the best people that I work with have had no prior formal training in this field, but they come armed with the right attitude and a strong willingness to learn. In this industry, curiosity and adaptability are just as valuable as formal qualifications.
Why do you enjoy working in the industry?
I’m incredibly lucky to work for a global company that gives me insight into many different markets—each with its own unique challenges and opportunities. The complexity and constant evolution of the media tech landscape keep things exciting, and I love tackling those challenges head-on.
The rapid pace of change in our industry—i.e., viewing habits, measurement, and the way advertising is bought and sold—makes my role more important than ever. We’re always looking ahead, developing solutions that meet not just today’s needs, but also the demands of tomorrow.
What piece of advice would you offer someone looking to explore a role similar to yours?
Product management touches so many different areas of a business, so it’s essential to have a solid understanding of all the pieces of the puzzle – from support to finance and everything in between. If you have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in these areas, it will make you a more well-rounded product manager. If not, take the time to build relationships across departments and learn as much as possible from the people around you.
Finally, I would say that when new opportunities arise and others have faith in your ability to take on a challenge or a new role, trust their judgment—don’t let self-doubt hold you back! The next step might feel too big or too soon, but stepping outside your comfort zone is always worth it.
