OhHello Ep 139: Leadership, Discipline and Finding Your Purpose with Marc Grabowski

Jeremy Bloom sits down with Marc Grabowski, Chief Operating Officer at Integral Ad Science, to reflect on more than 25 years in ad tech and the lessons that shaped his career. Marc shares his perspective on the responsibilities of CEOs and COOs, the importance of mentors and strong teams, and why leadership requires trust, communication, and understanding what motivates people. He also connects lessons from ultramarathons to career growth, explaining how discipline, preparation, and community contribute to long-term success. The conversation explores mentorship, becoming an expert in your field, curiosity as a leadership strength, and why finding purpose beyond titles and promotions can lead to a more meaningful career. Takeaways Great leadership requires ownership and trust. Discipline creates opportunities for long-term growth. Strong leaders understand what motivates their teams. Becoming an expert can open new career opportunities. Purpose matters beyond titles and promotions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:51 Marc’s Ad Tech Career 03:19 CEO vs. COO Leadership 06:26 Mentors and Career Influences 09:39 Talent and Opportunity 10:26 Lessons from Ultramarathons 13:58 Common Leadership Mistakes 17:09 Leading Teams at Scale 19:16 Boss, Coach, and Mentor 23:02 Discipline and Career Growth 28:02 Becoming an Expert 29:25 Curiosity as a Superpower 32:07 The OhHello Mission 35:06 Finding Your Purpose 38:08 Closing