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Astrad Founder Daniel Macia Shares Insights on the Future of Digital Advertising

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Photo courtesy of Astrad

Imagine a world where advertising is no longer a game of chance but a strategic endeavor crafted through data and technology. This is the reality Daniel Macia has brought to life. As the founder of the digital advertising platform Astrad, Macia is challenging the norms of traditional advertising using the platform’s massive processing power and advanced bidding strategies. Ultimately, this delivers tailored data-driven campaigns that resonate with audiences globally. 

Known for his keen eye and impressive vision for emerging trends, Macia has helped Astrad become a notable player in the industry, engaging audiences with precise targeting and creative excellence. He shares his insights on digital advertising in this exclusive interview.

Q: Astrad recently launched a new account-based marketing (ABM) platform. How do you see it transforming B2B engagement in digital advertising?

DM: Astrad’s new ABM platform is set to transform B2B engagement by enabling businesses to target and engage high-value accounts with precision and personalization. 

Our platform allows companies to craft tailored marketing strategies that resonate deeply with their most essential prospects by leveraging advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven insights. 

This shift from a broad, one-size-fits-all approach to a focused, account-specific effort ensures higher engagement rates, more meaningful interactions, and, ultimately, greater ROI for our clients.

Q: What key trends do you believe will shape the future of this sector, and how is Astrad positioned to capitalize on these developments?

DM: Several key trends will shape the future of digital advertising, including the rise of AI and machine learning (ML), increased focus on data privacy, and the growing importance of personalization. I believe Astrad is leading these developments. 

Our investment in AI and ML technologies allows us to offer highly sophisticated targeting and optimization capabilities. Our commitment to data privacy ensures that we remain compliant with global regulations while delivering effective advertising solutions. 

Q: How do advanced data targeting and customization options enable businesses to engage their most valuable accounts more effectively?

DM: Our advanced data targeting capabilities allow businesses to identify and focus on their most valuable accounts accurately. When we use a wide array of data points, our platform creates detailed profiles of target accounts, enabling highly personalized and relevant messaging. 

Customization options also allow for the creation of tailored content that speaks directly to each account’s unique needs and pain points. This level of personalization makes way more robust relationships, enhances engagement, and drives higher conversion rates, ultimately leading to more successful and profitable B2B interactions.

Q: With the global ABM market expected to reach $3.6 billion by 2027, what growth strategies does Astrad have to capture a significant market share?

DM: Capturing a significant share of the growing ABM market is difficult, but we focus on several strategic initiatives to address this.

First, we invest heavily in research and development to continuously enhance our platform’s capabilities and stay ahead of technological advancements.

Second, we are expanding our sales and marketing efforts to reach new markets and educate businesses on the benefits of our ABM platform. 

Third, we are forming strategic partnerships with key industry players to broaden our reach and offer integrated solutions. 

Finally, we prioritize customer success by providing exceptional support and refining our offerings based on client feedback to ensure we meet and exceed their needs.

Q: How do Astrad’s capabilities set it apart from competitors in digital advertising?

DM: Astrad stands out in digital advertising due to our comprehensive and advanced ABM platform. Our AI and ML technologies allow for superior targeting and optimization. 

Additionally, our dedication to data privacy and compliance ensures that our clients can trust us to handle their data responsibly. Our platform’s customization options enable highly personalized marketing strategies that drive engagement and conversions. 

Q: What have been some of the most noteworthy challenges you have faced in building and scaling Astrad, and how have you overcome them?

DM: Building and scaling Astrad has presented its share of challenges, including dealing with the constantly changing digital advertising space. 

To overcome these challenges, manage growth, and maintain a solid company culture, we have focused on hiring and retaining top talent, building agility, and staying closely attuned to market trends and customer needs. Doing this allows us to build a resilient and adaptive organization that can thrive in a competitive industry. 

Q: Is your company using AI and ML to enhance targeting, optimization, and overall campaign performance? If yes, please expound.

DM: These technologies enable us to analyze vast amounts of data to uncover insights, driving better targeting and optimization. For example, AI-powered algorithms allow real-time campaign adjustments, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

Meanwhile, ML helps us predict future trends and behaviors, helping our clients make data-driven decisions that improve their campaign performance.

Q: How does Astrad ensure compliance with data protection and critical concerns while delivering effective advertising solutions?

DM: Astrad takes privacy and data protection very seriously. We have implemented solid data security measures and strict compliance protocols to ensure we adhere to all relevant regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). 

Our platform is designed with privacy by default, meaning that we prioritize data protection in every aspect of our operations. We also provide transparency to our clients and their customers about data usage and ensure that all data is handled ethically and responsibly. 

Q: What inspired you to found Astrad, and how has your vision for the company evolved since its inception?

DM: The inspiration to found Astrad came from recognizing a gap in the market for a highly advanced, data-driven digital advertising strategy that could genuinely deliver personalized and impactful campaigns. 

Since its inception, my vision for Astrad has evolved to drive innovation in digital advertising and set standards for excellence and accountability. While our core principles of using data and technology to drive better outcomes remain the same, our vision now includes adhering to ethical practices, customer success, and continuous development.

Q: What are your plans for further international expansion, and which markets do you see as key growth opportunities?

DM: We plan to expand internationally by entering new markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, where digital advertising is experiencing rapid growth. These regions present ample opportunities due to their increasing internet penetration and growing demand for advanced advertising solutions.

We also want to strengthen our presence in North America by forming strategic partnerships and increasing our local sales and marketing efforts. The goal is to expand our global footprint and solidify our position in the digital advertising industry.

Q: How does Astrad enhance businesses’ engagement with their target audiences in a competitive industry?

DM: Astrad helps businesses stand out by providing the tools and insights to create highly personalized and relevant marketing campaigns. 

Our advanced targeting capabilities ensure that ads are delivered to the right audience at the right time, maximizing engagement and impact. Our platform also offers analytics and reporting features that allow businesses to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns and make data-driven adjustments. 

Q: Can you share any success stories or case studies that demonstrate the impact of your solutions?

DM: One notable success story is our campaign for a leading business-to-business (B2B) software company. Using our ABM platform, the company identified and targeted its highest-value accounts with tailored messaging and content. 

The result was a 35% increase in engagement rates and a 20% boost in conversion rates compared to their previous campaigns. Additionally, they saw a major reduction in customer acquisition costs. 

Q: What is your long-term vision for Astrad, and how do you plan to continue innovating and staying ahead of the curve in the digital advertising industry?

DM: As mentioned, our long-term vision for Astrad is to be the global leader in digital advertising solutions, recognized for our impact. To achieve this, we will continue to invest in technologies to enhance our platform’s capabilities. 

We will also focus on expanding our global reach and forming strategic partnerships to offer comprehensive and integrated solutions. 

Lastly, we will prioritize customer success by continuously refining our offerings based on feedback and market trends. 

Daniel Macia and his brainchild, Astrad, prove that cutting through the clutter with precision and creativity is possible. When data and technology are combined, advertising can become a strategic, impactful pursuit. His insights reveal a future where advertisers are empowered with control and transparency, ensuring that every campaign is successful. 

The idea of Bigtime Daily landed this engineer cum journalist from a multi-national company to the digital avenue. Matthew brought life to this idea and rendered all that was necessary to create an interactive and attractive platform for the readers. Apart from managing the platform, he also contributes his expertise in business niche.

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Business

WorldCC’s Certification Programs: Elevating Standards in Contract Management

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Photo credit: WorldCC

By: Andi Stark

World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC) is widely recognized for its leadership in commercial and contract management.  For over two and a half decades, WorldCC has transformed the discipline, developing comprehensive online certification programs based on rigorous research and industry best practices. These programs equip professionals with the skills to navigate complex contracts and commercial relationships.

With over 75,000 members from 180 countries, WorldCC is the foremost global body advocating for commercial and contract management excellence. It offers certification in Commercial & Contract Management, at four ability levels —Fundamentals, Practitioner, Advanced Practitioner, and Expert—providing a clear progression path for professionals looking to deepen their knowledge and advance in their careers​.

A Structured Path to Mastery

WorldCC’s certification framework is designed to meet professionals at various stages of their careers. For those just entering the field, the Fundamentals of Commercial & Contract Management program is a strong introduction, offering essential knowledge about the contract lifecycle, from drafting and negotiation to post-award management. This certification covers core principles that underpin successful commercial relationships, enabling newcomers to gain a practical understanding of contract management.

The Practitioner level, one of the most popular offerings that has been refreshed for 2024, dives deeper into specialized areas such as negotiation strategies, risk management, and contract design. The curriculum, which runs through six essential courses, emphasizes the importance of balancing legal, operational, and strategic considerations to optimize contract performance and gain better outcomes. As contracts become increasingly complex, the Practitioner level equips professionals with the skills necessary to handle multi-faceted agreements and large-scale projects​.

“We’ve designed our certification programs to be flexible and rigorous,” says WorldCC’s Global CEO Sally Guyer. “The goal is to build both technical proficiency and strategic expertise, preparing professionals to handle the evolving demands of contract management.”

Navigating Advanced Challenges

For professionals at a more senior level in commercial or contract management seeking to tackle more complex and high-stakes situations, WorldCC offers Advanced Practitioner and Expert certifications. These programs address advanced topics such as cross-border contracting, dispute resolution, and strategic supplier relationship management. The focus here shifts from operational contract management to leadership in contract strategy, providing insights on how contracts can serve broader organizational objectives.

At the Advanced Practitioner level, professionals are trained in leadership and business acumen, and they are shown how to manage performance, oversee contract implementation, and handle change management. These are all key skills as contracts increasingly involve multiple stakeholders across jurisdictions. The curriculum includes case studies, workshops, and interactive elements that challenge participants to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

The Expert certification is the highest level of WorldCC’s offerings. It is designed for seasoned professionals who lead contract management teams or play a strategic role within their organizations. Experts are asked to transform their learning into business value with a syllabus that supports the creation of a business case. The purpose is to drive innovation in contracting practices, ensuring their organizations remain competitive.

Tim Cummins, president of WorldCC, notes, “The Expert certification reflects a holistic understanding of the role contracts play in achieving business outcomes. Contracts today are not just legal documents but strategic tools that influence performance, governance, and corporate responsibility.”

Professional Impact and Industry Recognition

WorldCC’s certification programs have garnered widespread recognition, not just for the depth of their content but also for their alignment with industry needs. The certification process has been shaped by ongoing input from WorldCC’s research and benchmark reports, which highlight emerging trends and challenges in commercial management.

According to WorldCC’s latest Benchmark Report, 65% of organizations now use contract management software, and 47% employ advanced contract analytics—a trend driven in part by WorldCC’s advocacy for digital transformation​. These innovations have reshaped contract management, making it more dynamic and data-driven, and WorldCC’s certifications ensure that professionals are equipped to use these technologies.

The organization’s Most Negotiated Terms (the latest of which has been launched October 224) and Benchmark Reports, published biennially, provide a critical resource for contract managers. These reports highlight common sticking points in negotiations, such as liability and payment terms, helping professionals identify areas where they can gain competitive advantage. Certification holders often report enhanced career prospects, with many moving into senior roles within legal, procurement, and finance teams due to their demonstrated mastery of these topics.

Addressing Global Challenges Through Education

WorldCC’s certification programs are particularly relevant as contract managers face challenges due to globalization, digitalization, and regulatory changes. The organization’s focus on relationship management, a recurring theme across all certification levels, helps professionals balance risk mitigation and collaborative partnership. As supply chains become more complex and businesses engage in cross-border contracts, the need for skilled contract managers to ensure compliance and performance is critical.

The global reach of WorldCC’s certifications is evident in the diversity of its membership, spanning much of Europe and Africa, in North America, and a growing contingent in India and the Middle East​. In fact, they have members across 180 countries.

“Contracts are the backbone of modern economies,” says Cummins. “Our certification programs are about much more than compliance—they are about fostering trust and collaboration in commercial relationships across the globe.”

A Focus on Lifelong Learning

Another key feature of WorldCC’s certification programs is their commitment to continuing professional development. As contracts evolve in response to technological and regulatory shifts, WorldCC ensures that certified professionals remain at the lead of industry developments. The organization offers a range of resources, including webinars, market insights, case studies, and networking opportunities, to support ongoing learning. Professionals are encouraged to participate in these events to stay current on best practices and emerging trends.

WorldCC’s certifications are globally recognized, with many organizations mandating them for senior roles in contract and commercial management. By combining academic rigor with practical application, these programs have made the company a thought leader in the field. Guyer emphasizes the importance of this: “Contracting is no longer just about minimizing risk; it’s about creating value and building relationships. Our certifications equip professionals to manage contracts not as legal obligations but as opportunities for strategic growth.”

WorldCC’s certification programs set the standard for commercial and contract management excellence in an environment where contracts govern complex and often high-value relationships. You can access the full suite of learning programs via their website. They are currently running an online guided learning program at the CCM practitioner level, with learners beginning on 18 November 2024. You can register to join here – https://info.worldcc.com/ccmp_guided_learning 

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