Claire Wyatt, GM of Client Services & Retail Strategy at The Trade Desk
Retail media continues to redefine the future of advertising, and leaders like Claire Wyatt are at the forefront of that transformation.
In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn sits down for an insightful conversation with Claire Wyatt, General Manager of Client Services & Retail Strategy at The Trade Desk. Claire reflects on her unique career path, beginning in finance, pivoting into media at 28, and ultimately leading measurement, analytics, and strategy at Target, Albertsons, and now The Trade Desk.
Her story illustrates how clarity of leadership, authenticity in networking, and resilience in career pivots can accelerate growth and create long-term impact.
Explore Claire’s full journey and candid insights on leadership, growth, and the future of retail media. Tune in now!
Episode Highlights
(04:42) The role of a GM of Client Services & Retail Strategy at The Trade Desk and how it drives value for retailers.
(07:41) From aspiring aerospace engineer to a successful career pivot into digital media.
(12:55) Developing retail media strategies at Target and Albertsons.
(23:57) Scaling Albertsons’ retail media team from six to fifty while expanding strategic leadership.
(27:21) Leadership philosophy: bringing calm to complexity and creating environments where teams can thrive.
(34:00) Founding the Chicago Retail Media Meetup to build community and mentor the next generation of talent.
(36:22) Career advice: go beyond “Easy Apply” and focus on building authentic relationships to open doors.
“Clear expectations create calm, and calm is what allows teams to thrive.”
What You’ll Learn from This Episode
How career pivots can accelerate growth—even if they require starting over.
Why clear communication and expectations are essential to strong leadership.
The differences between retail-side and vendor-side experiences in media.
How to approach networking authentically and build lasting connections.
The role of personal branding in attracting opportunities.
How mentorship and community initiatives strengthen the retail media ecosystem.
Connect with Claire
Claire Wyatt on LinkedIn
Stay Candid
Candid with Candidates shares real stories from inside major organizations—stories that don’t make it into the slide decks or LinkedIn highlight reels. Follow along for conversations that inform, encourage, and help you navigate your own path to leadership.
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