Life in Adtech: Solving Complex Business Challenges

In our blog series “Life in Adtech” we’re showcasing the different ways in which StackAdapters are driving innovation in adtech, and creating a progressive tech culture. From using modeling and data to create advanced algorithms to building stylish and robust user interfaces, everyone at StackAdapt is contributing to evolving the StackAdapt platform and providing the best product and service to our clients.

This month features Emmanuel Shoneye, a Manager of Business Analysis at StackAdapt. In this post, Emmanuel shares his journey into adtech, what his role entails, and how his team is supporting StackAdapt’s global growth. 

1. Can you share your career progression into working as a business analyst in adtech?

I’ve been lucky to work in different industries throughout my career so far. This has given me well-rounded skills and valuable experience along the way. My career started out in Nigeria, working in the telecommunications industry. There, I was part of a pioneering team that established a service desk in one of the native languages, enhancing the communication and satisfaction of our clients. 

I then transitioned to the financial services industry, where I was involved in multiple projects that focused on reporting, technology adoption, and process improvement for different teams. My passion for optimization, data analysis, and reporting drew me to a role in the finance operations team of a legal firm, where I applied my analytical and problem-solving skills to support the financial activities of the firm, enabling the adoption of business intelligence tools. 

Joining StackAdapt was a new challenge for me, as it was my first exposure to the adtech industry. It has been an exciting challenge so far, with many valuable learning opportunities for me. It’s been very fulfilling to apply both my educational and professional experience to my work.

2. What is the main focus of your role as Manager of Business Analysis in Operations at StackAdapt?

The main focus of my role at StackAdapt is to provide leadership and guidance to the excellent team of Senior Business Analysts who support the business daily. This involves working with the team and functional business leaders to define and develop the project roadmap. 

I provide them with the support needed in solving complex business challenges, and to address issues related to process optimization, automation and cross functional collaboration. I also work to promote a corporate-wide culture of process standards, good practices, proper application integration, and documentation.

3. How does your team work together to optimize and streamline processes at StackAdapt?

We collaborate with business leaders from different functions and regions to understand the challenges they are facing in their current processes. We use process analysis and other business analysis techniques to map out the existing workflows and identify areas where they can be improved or replaced. 

The goal of my team and I is also to consider the impact of the processes on people and technologies. We are always looking for ways to enhance collaboration and efficiency within and across teams.   

4. Can you explain how the Operations team is supporting StackAdapt’s global growth? 

The Operations team is supporting StackAdapt’s global expansion by designing new processes and implementing tools in a repeatable, adoptable and scalable manner. We are responsible for the management of the program, and we are creating a playbook that can be used when new markets are being considered.

We work closely with the executive leadership team, senior leadership team and operational teams to effectively break down the strategic direction for new markets into manageable project work streams cutting across various functional areas.

5. Who do you and your team most collaborate with the most within the organization, and why is this collaboration important?

Our main collaborators within the organization are the business leaders and their teams from different functions and regions. They often come to us with projects that they want to implement, and we evaluate, plan, and prioritize them in our project roadmap after getting approval from the executive leadership team. 

We make sure that these projects are aligned with StackAdapt’s strategic goals. Sometimes, we also initiate projects by identifying and reviewing gaps or inefficiencies in the current processes and technologies, and we work with the affected teams to find solutions. These collaborations are crucial for improving the way StackAdapters work, enabling everyone to work more effectively, and deliver value to our clients.

6. What advice do you have for people who aspire to work as business analysts?

I have a few pieces of advice for anyone aspiring to work as a business analyst. 

• Enhance your communication skills. This will help you communicate your ideas clearly, listen actively, simplify technical terms, and present data effectively.
• Look for opportunities to get experience in data analysis, even at a basic level. This will help you justify your recommendations with data as a business analyst.
• Stay updated on evolving trends in technology. As a business analyst, your role is to help organizations solve problems, improve efficiency, and achieve their goals by connecting business needs and information technology solutions. By being aware of the latest technology trends, you can offer solutions that align with your business objectives and give your business an edge over others.
• Be open to exploring alternatives. Sometimes, the first solution that comes to mind may not be the best one for the situation. You should be open minded and creative in exploring different possibilities and scenarios. You should also be able to compare and contrast each option and share them with the stakeholders for feedback and approval.
• Be positively curious. Curiosity is a trait that motivates you to learn new things and find new ways to improve.

Interested in joining StackAdapt? See our open roles and apply here.

In each new addition, we will be highlighting our teams and employees in our “Life In Adtech” series—stay tuned for more!