This week’s Meeting of the Minds sees Nikola Small and Keelin Shaughnessy from Magnite reveal their leadership heroes, current streaming binge, and career goals.
The Mediaweek series showcases diverse perspectives, thoughts and opinions by bringing together two different points of view from an industry rookie and an experienced expert.
Nikola Small, Associate Director for DV+ (Display, Video, Audio), Magnite
Favourite podcast/read – Anything Mel Robbins! Her energy is infectious (especially at 5am), and I really appreciate the diversity of guests she brings on her show. She covers a wide range of topics with authenticity and insight, which always keeps things engaging and thought-provoking.
Current streaming binge – The Pitt. Outstanding show – anyone that knows me, knows I love any type of intense medical drama or medical reality show (not really sure why though haha).
Misconception about your role – That it’s repetitive, when in reality, it’s anything but. I have the privilege of being involved in a diverse range of exciting and impactful projects behind the scenes at Magnite, particularly across the DV+ platform. From the earliest stages of ideation to fully developed features and live implementations, the work is constantly evolving. I’m lucky to collaborate with incredibly talented teams, not only in Australia, but around the world. The innovation and energy at Magnite make every day unique and inspiring. After nearly nine years, I’m still learning and growing and there’s so much more ahead!
In addition, one of the most rewarding aspects of my role is managing and mentoring two incredibly talented account managers. Supporting their development and watching them grow in their careers has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey at Magnite.
Best career advice – “The loudest voice isn’t always the smartest.”
True insight often comes from those who listen thoughtfully and speak with intention. Valuing substance over volume has taught me to lead with curiosity, seek diverse perspectives, and never underestimate the power of quiet confidence.
Leadership hero – Rebecca Ackers, VP Commercial UK & DV+ EMEA. I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with Rebecca since the early Rubicon Project days, and it’s been inspiring to watch her build an incredible career with inspiring leadership. She’s been a fantastic mentor—always generous with her support, guidance, and insight. I genuinely look forward to seeing her in person during our annual offsite trips—it’s always a highlight!
How do you stay motivated – My kids are my biggest motivation. Everything I do is for them. That drive comes from watching my own parents work incredibly hard when I was growing up. My dad ran his own business, and my mum returned to full-time work early on. Seeing their dedication and sacrifices for our family shaped my values and work ethic. It’s something that’s deeply ingrained in me.
Best training course/session – Working with my business coach, Nicole Hartherly, has been one of the most transformative experiences of my career. She supported me as I transitioned back to work after consecutive maternity leaves, providing honest guidance, practical tools, and the kind of insight that only comes from deep experience. Her support was truly invaluable, and I continue to value every opportunity I have to work with her.
I wish someone had told me – To back myself from the very beginning. Starting out in media, it’s easy to second-guess your instincts or hold back your voice. But confidence builds when you trust your perspective and lean into new opportunities. It’s something I’m still learning, especially after returning from maternity leave, when it can feel like you’re starting all over again and imposter syndrome is at its peak. Rebuilding that confidence takes time, but it’s a powerful part of the journey.
Something that’s surprised you about the industry – That not much has fundamentally changed. It’s just become a lot noisier and more crowded. While platforms, tools, and buzzwords continue to evolve, the core principles of connection, value, and performance remain the same. What truly drives progress, though, is the people behind it all. That’s why I see real longevity with Magnite—our ability to stay focused, cut through the noise, and deliver meaningful results is powered by the talent, passion, and commitment of our team.
What is your hot take on the industry – We’re heading toward more consolidation. Unless a company’s offering spans multiple touchpoints, it will eventually reach a tipping point. Scale, interoperability, and full-spectrum capabilities are no longer a nice-to-have. They are essential for long-term relevance and survival in our world.
Favourite way to switch off from work – At the moment – KPOP Demon Hunters, on repeat with my kids! I think we’re up to our 25th viewing, complete with countless mini dance parties in the living room. It’s become a fun little ritual, and honestly, I love every minute of it.
Career goal for 2025 – To become more deeply engaged in the programmatic audio and digital out-of-home (DOOH) space—two areas that are completely new to me and outside my comfort zone. I’m excited by the opportunity to broaden my expertise, challenge myself, and gain hands-on experience in channels that are rapidly evolving and full of potential. I’ve been actively brainstorming what that path could look like with our MD, Yael Milbank, and look forward to pushing into new territory.
Keelin Shaughnessy, Senior Account Manager, Demand, Magnite
Favourite podcast/read – This feels controversial to say working in media, but I actually don’t listen to podcasts! My favourite non-industry read is Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels and I’m currently reading Jane Gardam’s Old Filth.
Current streaming binge – The Studio on Apple TV. It’s a pretty merciless satire on the film industry in Hollywood, which feels apt at a time when the rise of digital content and franchise-driven models have really shifted consumption habits. Ironically, its success proves that there is still hope for truly incredible acting, writing, and direction on streaming even as traditional media evolves.
Misconception about your role – That it’s all about client entertainment and simply closing a deal. It’s the most visible part of the job, but the reality is that it’s supported by a significant amount of strategic work behind the scenes. This is especially true at a company like Magnite, where we’re not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Our clients (agencies, brands, and DSPs) are smart and can see through the fluff – they want strategic partners offering tangible ways to benefit their business. So we have to understand the full complexity of our clients’ needs and create unique opportunities for them through strategic consultation and supply insights, exclusive deals, and thought leadership.
Best career advice – Never turn down an opportunity to meet someone new or build a relationship just because it doesn’t serve an immediate purpose. Your network is everything.
Leadership hero – I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of incredible mentors in my career, all with incredibly different leadership styles. I can’t say just one is my hero – I’m grateful for the unique experiences and support they’ve all given me.
How do you stay motivated – I crave novelty and fear monotony. Thankfully I work in media.
Best training course/session – A shameless but necessary plug – Magnite University! My go-to resource for all things programmatic.
I wish someone had told me – How to properly use Excel.
Something that’s surprised you about the industry – This is my first year in Melbourne after making the move from New York City. I’ve been so pleasantly surprised by the industry down here.
It feels less transactional – there’s an authenticity and a genuine love for people here. You can feel it when you meet someone for a coffee catch up or even at bigger industry events like Melbourne Programmatic Collective.
What is your hot take on the industry – We’ve become obsessed with immediate, measurable ROI at the expense of building brands for long-term growth. The fixation on performance media, while vital, is inherently reactive. Unless you’re a locksmith or tow service, sustainable growth isn’t about capturing demand, it’s about creating it.
Favourite way to switch off from work – Cooking from scratch to Steely Dan Radio.
Career goal for 2025 – To continue to build our partnerships in the Australian market across both buyers and sellers. I’m looking forward to working more closely with Nik and her team across Magnite’s display, online video, and audio formats in addition to streaming.
–
To take part in future editions of Meeting of the Minds, please email: [email protected]
Past editions of Meeting of the Minds.
–
Top image: Nikola Small and Keelin Shaughnessy