In our blog series “Life in Adtech,” we’re showcasing the different ways in which StackAdapters are driving innovation in adtech, and creating a progressive tech culture. From using modeling and data to create advanced algorithms to building stylish and robust user interfaces, everyone at StackAdapt is contributing to evolving the StackAdapt platform, and providing the best product and service to our clients.
Next up is Samantha Allison, Director of Client Services, EMEA at StackAdapt. In this post, Samantha shares her journey into adtech, what her role entails, and how her team is supporting StackAdapt’s global growth.
1. Can you share your career progression into a leadership role in Client Services at StackAdapt?
I first joined StackAdapt in 2019 as a Business Development Representative (BDR), and I strongly believe the experience I gained in this role set the foundation for my success. BDRs uncover potential clients’ needs and challenges in the market. In this role, I learned and experienced the full sales cycle, which has benefited me in my current role.
From BDR, I moved into a programmatic strategy position, which grew my skill set even further. In this role, I developed technical skills by learning the post-sales campaign execution process and overall platform knowledge. I was able to speak better to sales solutions strategies at StackAdapt with this combined experience.
I then moved into an account manager role, which for me, was where I felt most at home. In this role, I was able to combine my sales skills with my technical skills as well. Eventually, I became Director of Client Services, EMEA. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to grow with StackAdapt and to have experienced a number of different roles across the revenue team.
2. What is the main focus of the EMEA-based Client Services team at StackAdapt, and how do you support the team?
StackAdapt expanded into EMEA in early 2021. We immediately became aware of the unique opportunity we had as a team to expand into new markets while having the backing of a larger, more established team in North America.
One of the most important pieces for me was ensuring we maintained our core StackAdapt values, like stellar customer support, while expanding into a new market. Within the client services team in EMEA, we always try to provide a consultative approach when working with our clients. Our aim is to form long-standing relationships with our clients, and ultimately, for them to see us as an extension of their own teams.
When it comes to how I support the team, I definitely like to roll up my sleeves and get stuck in specific details of what team members are working on, while offering a strategic approach. This has allowed me to deeply understand our clients and their needs.
3. Can you explain how Client Services is supporting StackAdapt’s global growth?
Ways of working can be vastly different from market-to-market. It’s so important for growing companies to offer a tailored approach, recognize the nuances that exist across different markets, and adapt accordingly.
StackAdapt’s tailored customer service experience is led by Client Services. In EMEA, we have account managers located in several different markets, including the UK, France, Spain, and Germany.
Our team works extremely collaboratively and our account managers are always providing direct-market feedback that has allowed us to truly understand different market trends and ways of working. Having “boots on the ground” has been extremely impactful in maximizing StackAdapt’s global growth.
4. Who do you, and your team, most collaborate with the most within the organization, and why is this collaboration important?
Client Services and Sales definitely have the closest day-to-day working relationship. Our two teams work together to ensure we are a united front to reach our clients goals.
Beyond that, the Client Services team is incredibly collaborative with the rest of the organization. We regularly work closely with Product Management, Marketing, and other teams. The ultimate goal is that all teams are working together to ensure we are providing innovative solutions for our clients, and helping them hit their goals.
5. Do you have tips for people looking to get into a Client Services role?
Always question the “why”. With every task you complete, meeting you’re in, or report you pull, you should always be asking yourself, “why” am I doing this? Why does this matter to the client? By questioning the “why,” you can better understand how you can help your clients achieve and exceed their goals, and start to move the needle.
6. What advice do you have for women who aspire to be in leadership roles in the adtech space?
Put yourself out there and make your presence known. In my experience, times of uncertainty and times in which I felt nervous ultimately ended up being moments of growth in my career. In my opinion, if something seems scary, that’s when you just need to dive in head first.
Interested in joining StackAdapt? See all our open positions and apply.
In each new addition, we will be highlighting our teams and employees in our “Life In Adtech” series—stay tuned for more!
