"Steven is by far the best external trainer I've seen in my 20+ years here… he doesn't allow you to disengage."
"The training alone was the best I've had - but the fact that it was so custom to our business...A++"
"It's clear Steven loves this work—and that energy is infectious."
"The pace of business makes us groan at mandatory classes—'ANOTHER TRAINING?!' But this time, you cracked the code."
"Steven made a topic that usually feels dry come alive. He just gets how people learn."
"Finally—a training session where I didn't tune out halfway through."
"Your Socratic style energized the class. Didn't make anyone feel uncomfortable—just curious."
"You created a safe space where people weren't afraid to ask questions—even basic ones."
"The format was super interactive. I actually had fun, and I don't say that about training."
"Your passion for the material which was contagious. You reminded us to be curious as a student of our industry."
"Thanks for the training - it was literally life chaging for me :)
"You explained things in a way that made them finally click for me."
Class Content
Choose from our comprehensive selection of industry-focused training programs:
CTV Ecosystem
Streaming models, audience targeting, and key industry players
Measurement & Analytics
KPIs, attribution models, and new TV currencies
Data, Identity & Privacy
First-party data, identity resolution, and regulatory compliance
Programmatic Advertising
RTB, private marketplaces, and advanced targeting
AI & Automation
Machine learning, predictive modeling, and ethical considerations
Retail Media
Explore how retailers are becoming media giants by monetizing their first-party data and shopper intent
Navigating Walled Gardens
Unpack how closed ecosystems like Google, Meta, and Amazon operate
Winning Sales Conversations
Strategies and frameworks for effective digital media sales presentations and negotiations
And More
Additional specialized modules to explore
What Makes This Different
Training that’s Tailored, Not Templated.
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all decks or generic training modules. Every person is different—and so is every session I deliver. Before we begin, I take time to assess your team’s current knowledge, benchmark their understanding, and identify real skill gaps. From there, I customize the training experience to focus on exactly what your team needs.
One Trainer. Deep Expertise.
When you work with me, you get consistency, credibility, and commitment. I personally lead every session—drawing on over 25 years of hands-on experience in media, advertising, and strategic training. I don’t just drop in for a workshop and disappear. I take the time to get to know your team, understand your products, and align with your goals.
Here for the Long Haul
I’m not just a trainer—I’m a long-term partner. You’ll have ongoing access to me for strategic guidance, refreshers, and real-time support. I don’t disappear after the final session. I stay connected and embedded in your organization, ready to help your team apply what they’ve learned and continue to grow.
No PowerPoint. No Passive Learning.
This isn’t a lecture—it’s a workshop. My sessions are built around whiteboarding, role-playing, games, and the Socratic method. That means no zoning out, no multitasking—just high-energy, hands-on learning that sparks curiosity, drives discussion, and makes complex concepts stick. Participants don’t just show up—they lean in.
The Framework
The most effective teams don’t just know what they’re selling—they understand the ecosystem they’re selling into, how their product fits, and how to tell that story with confidence. That’s why every training I deliver is built around a proven three-part framework:
Industry Training
I help your teams understand the ever-evolving digital advertising ecosystem - CTV, the role of data and platforms, the trends shaping the industry and more. This gives them the context and confidence to engage with clients at a higher level.
Product & Strategy Training
I don’t just teach your teams about the industry — I teach them how your products fit into the market. Every lesson starts with a high-level overview of the digital ecosystem to provide context, followed by a focused discussion on your specific offering.
Sales & Communication Training
Knowledge is only powerful when it can be communicated. We train teams on how to ask better questions, tailor their pitch, overcome objections, and position solutions in ways that resonate. It's about sharpening both the message and the messenger.
Making teams at the world’s leading media, advertising and technology organizations smarter
About Steven
Throughout his career, Steven held senior roles at leading digital advertising companies such as Google, DoubleClick, DataXu, and x+1. Recognizing a need for better digital transition strategies in large media firms and ad agencies, Steven pivoted to training and consulting. Known for his interactive style, he now educates ad tech companies, publishers, and advertisers on digital advertising. Thousands from organizations like NBCU, Disney, GroupM, Mediabrands and dozens of others have benefited from his engaging, tailored sessions.
Steven also founded The Boyd Initiative, which trains young Black professionals in digital advertising. Since 2020, over 1000 students have graduated from the program, with more than 300 securing jobs at partner companies.