Meet Johanna Lubinski, Sr. Director, Programmatic Operations, in our San Mateo office. Johanna has been a part of the AdColony family for seven years, and truly puts the emphasis on “family” as she manages her tight-knit team. She’s been able to take advantage of 2020 work-from-home life by teaching her five-year-old son how to ride a bike! Get to know her better in this week’s AdColonized spotlight.
What exactly does a Sr. Director of Programmatic Operations do at AdColony? What’s an average day like for you?
I manage the awesome Open Exchange Operations team! We integrate, manage, monitor, and optimize all of our DSPs on our exchange. We are also responsible for maintaining the integrity of our demand and ensuring we don’t run malicious ads on our supply. My day, like everyone’s, looks a little different these days. Working from home with my 5-year-old son is both entertaining and challenging, but we are embracing our new normal. I am truly enjoying increased family time.
Tell us a little about your experiences prior to joining AdColony and how they have prepared you for your role here.
Prior to AdColony I worked for a couple tech and gaming companies. I started in engineering, tried out sales, and then found a perfect fit with operations.
What makes AdColony the right fit for you?
I genuinely love what I do, and the people I am lucky to do it with. I get to interact with such a variety of people, and the work is interesting and ambitious. I have to think fast on my feet, be able to adjust quickly, and make decisions that could have significant impacts on our business.
AdColony values employee development. How do you keep growing and learning in what you do?
I don’t stick to one thing. I try to expand my horizons and get involved with as many projects as possible at work. Our industry as a whole is a fast-paced one that is exciting to follow. I try to stay on top of what is happening so I can apply holistic knowledge to the details I work within.
How do you act as a resource for the rest of your team?
We are a busy group! I go out of my way to ensure that everyone I work with regardless if they are on my direct team or not, knows they are important. I genuinely believe to be a good manager you need to constantly encourage open and honest communication, praising team members when they excel and providing constructive feedback when necessary.
Is there someone you turn to personally or professionally?
My mother is one of the strongest people I know and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. She has always unconditionally supported me, and I try to bring that sense of support to the people I work with. I am also beyond lucky to have a true leader as my manager, mentor, and friend, Camila Franklin.
Many AdColony employees globally are still working from home. Do you have any work-from-home tips for success you can share?
Don’t overthink things. It is a trying time for all of us right now. Do your best, even if your best may not feel the best sometimes. Love the people around you. We are all in this together.
What are your hobbies or activities that you look forward to doing on the weekends or after work?
Currently I am trying to take advantage of this novel situation and spend as much time as possible with my five-year-old son. Teaching my son to read, cook, and ride a bike has brought immeasurable joy recently.
Which app is keeping you engaged lately? Why?
I am unashamedly addicted to Fishdom right now. The repetitiveness is calming.
Tell us one or two fun facts about you.
I grew up in Hong Kong, as my family moved there for work when I was still an infant, and then moved to England for just under a decade before I decided to make California my home. I am proud to have partaken in a charity trip to Thailand where a small group of us dug up the ground, laid water pipes, and connected a water pump to a river, providing a small town with unlimited, clean, and free water. I have also walked on hot coals barefoot.
What is your favorite moment you’ve had with the AdColony team so far?
There are so many truly amazing moments that it is hard to narrow down to a single memory! I have 7 years of incredible memories and hope to have many more. Right now I am enjoying regular virtual gaming hours with my team, they definitely provide a lot of laughter.
What are you listening to lately (music, podcasts, etc.)?
I love Sarah and Vinnie’s radio podcasts from the Bay Area and listen daily.
What are you looking forward to most in the next 5 years?
I am hopeful for a better world – for all friends and loved ones to get through these crazy times together and come out stronger for it.
About AdColonized
Each AdColonized feature shines a light on a different member of the AdColony team. From favorite apps and hobbies to fun facts, we cover it all! Who do you want to see on the next AdColonized? Tweet it to @AdColony. For the latest AdColony mobile news and updates, follow @AdColony on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or connect on Linkedin.
- Partner Spotlight: Kochava - January 7, 2021
- AdColonized: Getting to Know Chris Manibog - January 6, 2021
- AdColonized: Getting to Know Britany Scott - December 16, 2020
