"You never know who you’re going to meet—on a plane, train, here at CES, wherever. You have to make sure you put yourself out there because it’s not 6 degrees of separation anymore—it’s 2." - Andrew Messina

The advertising world is evolving at lightning speed, and brands are increasingly challenged to keep up with shifting consumer behaviors, new platforms, and emerging technologies. In this episode, Andrew Messina shares how Disney Advertising is meeting these challenges head-on. From harnessing the power of live sports to driving engagement through targeted streaming experiences, Andrew reveals the strategies that keep Disney at the forefront of advertising innovation. If you’re ready to learn how to adapt and thrive in today’s ever-changing media landscape, this episode is for you.

Andrew Messina serves as the Senior Vice President of Sales at Disney Advertising. With decades of experience, Andrew oversees Disney’s expansive portfolio, including ESPN, Hulu, ABC, and more, creating unparalleled opportunities for brands to connect with their audiences. From live sports to award-winning entertainment, Andrew’s innovative approach integrates storytelling with cutting-edge data capabilities to deliver results. His passion for cultivating meaningful relationships and executing impactful campaigns has positioned him as a leader in the media and advertising industry.

Tune into the latest episode or read the transcript below to learn more. Here are some top takeaways:

Live Sports: The Power of Real-Time Engagement

Andrew highlights the unmatched value of live sports for advertisers. With events like Monday Night Football and the upcoming Super Bowl in 2027, live sports offer a rare chance to engage audiences in real-time. Andrew explains how Disney integrates social media and streaming platforms, such as Hulu and Disney+, to amplify these moments beyond the game itself. Brands can leverage this synergy to create a deeper connection with fans, enhancing both reach and impact.

Personalized Advertising at Scale

Disney’s focus on addressable advertising has transformed how brands target audiences. Andrew discusses their ability to deliver hyper-specific audience segments, such as auto intenders whose leases are ending, through first-party data. This precision allows brands to maximize ROI while blending broad reach with targeted messaging. The result? Campaigns that deliver measurable results across both streaming and linear platforms.

Women’s Sports: A Rising Opportunity

Andrew emphasizes the growing popularity of women’s sports, from Caitlin Clark’s WNBA impact to record-breaking volleyball and lacrosse viewership. Disney’s leadership in promoting women’s sports has unlocked new opportunities for advertisers to reach passionate and often overlooked audiences. This shift not only expands the fan base but also builds deeper brand loyalty through meaningful representation.

The Art of Building Relationships

In an era of automated outreach, Andrew underscores the value of face-to-face interactions. Sharing his personal philosophy of “paying it forward,” he explains how taking the time to mentor young professionals and nurture client relationships creates lasting impact. His advice to aspiring sales professionals? Show up, be real, and invest in relationships that matter.

Delivering Results Through Collaboration

Andrew shares Disney’s approach to creating custom partnerships that go beyond traditional media buys. He highlights campaigns like Hyundai’s collaboration with Disney 100, which integrated creative storytelling and product innovation. By focusing on delivery—and not just promises—Disney builds trust and ensures long-term client success.