Leading Questions with Julie Selman – Magnite
Leading Questions
Julie Selman, SVP head of EMEA at Magnite, is in the hot seat for our probing and quick-fire Leading Questions.
In January 2021, Julie Selman joined Magnite as managing director UK and Nordics. Eleven months later, she was promoted to SVP head of EMEA, leading the world’s largest independent sell-side advertising platform across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Magnite’s positioning sits at the centre of the new TV ecosystem: helping publishers and broadcasters package and monetise premium video inventory, and helping buyers reach audiences efficiently through curation, marketplaces and automation.
She tells us why reading fiction is a necessity, why change is good, and why aspiring media leaders need to try and say ‘yes’ more than ‘no’.
Leadership
What principles guide your leadership approach?
My role spans many countries and cultures, so I try to keep a few simple principles in mind. First, clarity really matters. People do their best work when they understand not just what they’re working toward, but why it matters, so I try to be as open and clear as possible about that.
I’m also very aware that what works in one place doesn’t always work in another. Different cultures bring different perspectives, and I think it’s important to respect and adapt to them while remaining consistent with the values we stand for as a team.
At the end of the day, though, leadership for me is about people. It’s about supporting them, listening, and creating an environment where they feel trusted and able to do their best work. When people feel that, everything else tends to follow.
How do you define success as a leader in today’s media landscape?
Success as a leader in today’s media landscape is really about building for what’s next, not just delivering for today. At Magnite, innovation is really at the heart of what we do. A big part of our role is simply listening and understanding what our clients are struggling with today and thinking ahead to solve those challenges and build solutions for the future.
We’re also very intentional about setting our teams up for success, ensuring there’s the right structure, the right mix of skills, and the space people need to do their best work and feel supported in doing so. A big part of that is investing in talent: giving people opportunities to grow and creating an environment where collaboration feels natural and not forced. When teams feel supported and aligned, they’re far more effective and resilient.
People and Culture
How do you inspire your teams when uncertainty is the norm?
Inspiring teams in uncertain times really comes down to collaboration. I focus on communicating openly about challenges while reinforcing our shared purpose and our long-term direction. I also truly believe that in our industry (and maybe everywhere), change is good; it means we are moving forward and evolving.
When people understand where we’re heading and feel supported, they’re more confident navigating change. Celebrating wins and keeping a sense of humour at all times is also effective and, in my opinion, required.
How do you build and maintain a strong company culture in times of rapid change?
For me, it’s very important to learn to step back and look at the bigger picture. Striking the right balance isn’t easy, change can be uncomfortable, and not everyone embraces it at the same pace. However, with clear communication, careful listening, and creating space for questions, uncertainty, and feedback, I truly think that you can build a strong company culture. And keep a sense of humour!
AI, Innovation and Skills
How is AI changing the way you lead and make decisions?
Technology plays an increasingly important role in our day-to-day work, and AI has become a genuinely useful part of it. On a practical level, I use it regularly to draft and refine emails, sense-check messaging, and help communicate more clearly and efficiently.
Across the team, we also use a range of tools to support our sales processes, so we can stay focused on client needs and respond quickly. As a company, AI is crucial and at the forefront of how we think about the future of our business and our products, and we are already delivering some really exciting products.
What’s your advice for aspiring media leaders?
Be open to challenges and try to say yes more than no. Take a step back and think intentionally about your next move. It’s not always about managing a bigger team or a fancier title. Sometimes a new project or a different team can open the door to something more interesting or a better fit.
Don’t shy away from opportunities outside your scope; they often pay off in ways you don’t expect. Always stay curious and invest time in people and your network, even when there’s no immediate outcome.
The Quick-fire Round
Which book would you make required reading for all media leaders?
Any fiction is a great way to see things from different perspectives, strengthen your empathy, and make you more well-rounded in how you think about people and the world around you. I recently read that research shows men tend to read less fiction, lean more towards non-fiction, or stop reading altogether in later adulthood. That really matters in leadership positions, because fiction is strongly linked to empathy and understanding others. So I would require media leaders to read fiction regularly (and it’s less boring, too).
Which leader from TV, film, or literature most inspires you?
Shonda Rhimes. She’s created some incredible shows and has genuinely changed who we see on screen, challenging traditional storytelling and bringing far more diversity and complexity to mainstream characters.
What’s your go-to source for inspiration when you need it — work or otherwise?
I read a lot, so I would probably say books. I also love travelling, both for work and with my family, which is a great way to get inspired. Seeing new places and meeting new people are good ways to keep the mind fresh.
Media lunch or media breakfast meeting, and why?
I prefer a breakfast meeting! It’s a lovely way to start the day (oat matcha, my latest obsession).
Which media leader would you like to answer Leading Questions next?
I ran into an old colleague and friend, Fiona Salmon, at the Future of Brands event. She is a powerhouse, running Mantis in the UK and would be great.
Leading Questions is published by The Media Leader every Friday.