From Accidental Start to Operations Leader: Running Advertising at Vox Media

Lauren Winter, Head of Operations – Advertising
Vox Media

Lauren Winter leads advertising operations at Vox Media — overseeing the systems, teams, and strategy behind the full advertising sales cycle, from pre-sale planning all the way through campaign delivery.

With 15+ years in digital media and experience guiding teams through two company mergers, major restructures, and now an AI-driven transformation, Lauren brings rare insight into what it actually takes to lead at a high level in a fast-moving industry.

In this episode:

✦  How Lauren accidentally found her career — and why digital advertising kept her for 15 years
✦  The real role of AI and automation in media operations right now
✦  What it actually takes to get promoted (it’s not what most people think)
✦  How to pivot into advertising if your background doesn’t look like a straight line
✦  The art of managing change — for yourself, your team, and your organization
✦  How she balances senior leadership with raising three kids in New Jersey

Whether you’re just starting out, navigating a career change, or growing into leadership, this conversation is a reminder that the best careers aren’t always the ones you planned.

MBTI vibe: ENTJ / ESTJ / ENFJ / INTJ
Systems thinking • Decisiveness under pressure • Strong communication (up, down, sideways) • Comfort with ambiguity • Accountability • Growth mindset towards people

Listen to the full episode

Need to Know Facts*

* Bureau of Labor Statistics
** Salary.com