[WIM+] Meet Olivia Sears, One of the Women Game Changers in the Mobile Industry

Olivia Sears (She/her)  
Sr. Client Services Manager at Aarki

“When everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves, and is equipped with the knowledge to succeed, a workplace can inspire its employees to feel empowered to do their best work.”

Olivia Sears is Aarki’s Sr. Client Services Manager. Based in Portland, Oregon, she is responsible for managing client partnerships across North America. With a passion for nurturing real and authentic relationships with clients, Olivia always aims to help the client services team to reach their goals with spirit and enthusiasm. 

We will get to know her stories and experiences in the adtech industry, as well as her thoughts on the importance of diversity and the representation of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Q: What course of events landed you in the adtech industry?

My background is in TV media buying, project management, and strategic planning. After 8 years in advertising agency environments, I craved taking the step in my career towards the future-forward tech industry and more client-service based roles. I came across Aarki when I was exploring successful ad tech companies, and before I knew it, I was part of their client services team! It was an incredible turning point in my career that I am grateful for. I have learned so much in a short amount of time, and I have the support of an amazing team and manager.

Q: What are the three things that you love most about being a Sr. Client Services Manager?

I have always been passionate about advocating for and helping others get excited about working towards a goal. The excitement that comes from working with a client towards a mutually beneficial goal of performance and success for a User Acquisition (UA) or Retargeting (RT) campaign is invigorating. I love building relationships, nurturing those relationships, and making real connections with the clients I work with. This industry is full of passionate, humble, and authentic people and I’m grateful every day to be able to work with them.

Q: How do you see the state of the adtech industry right now in terms of diversity and representation for the LGBTQ+ community?

There’s an unspoken inclusiveness that evokes a sense of community. Speaking personally, I always feel that I can be my authentic self. However, I attribute that to my privilege as a white, cisgender, straight-passing individual. I’d be curious about the impact of the ad-tech industry on those in the LGBTQ+ community. That is where our focus should be.

Q: How does inclusion impact everyone in the workplace?

A significant outcome of ensuring inclusion in the workplace is the sense of trust and respect its employees feel for their employer. When everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves, and is equipped with the knowledge to succeed, a workplace can inspire its employees to feel empowered to do their best work.

Q: What do you love most about the company culture at Aarki?

I am absolutely proud to work for a diverse, global team. Even with teammates being in different countries across the globe, I feel connected to, and comfortable with, each person. We all bring a unique perspective to our day-to-day responsibilities and we complement each other in powerful ways. There is definitely a sense of belonging and support permeates the culture of Aarki.



Q: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned?

When you are your authentic self, you help grant permission for others to be theirs. No one is judging you as much as you are judging yourself, so why judge yourself?

Q: Who is your biggest inspiration in life?

My mom is the biggest inspiration in my life. She has always encouraged me to be independent and unapologetic about who I am. It was the same qualities she instilled in me that allowed her to work her way up the corporate ladder and retire at 55. She made tremendous sacrifices for our family and continues to encourage me to follow my passions.



Q: If you could give the younger you a piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t waste one more second on negative thoughts about yourself. My life mantra is: “Meet yourself where you are”. We deserve the same love and patience that we give to other people. Life is too short to not love yourself right here and right now.