Employee Spotlight: Ela Fabjanczuk

Every month at Publisher Collective, we chat to one of our team to find out more about them and showcase what they do.

This month I’m chatting with Ela Fabjanczuk, Head of Publisher Operatioins

Let’s go…👇

Starting off strong, what does your everyday day look like, here at Publisher Collective?

My typical day starts with a quick check-in on planned tasks — mine and the team's — to spot any challenges early.

Mornings are for collaboration: tackling blockers together, brainstorming solutions, and handling emails/meetings. Afternoons shift to creative reviews — polishing client deliverables, refining project plans, and making sure we're aligned on priorities.

It's a mix of supporting the team and driving execution, always with room for the unexpected ad tech curveball.

Do you have any personal accomplishments that you are most proud of? 

I'm most proud of building an exceptional team — dedicated, knowledgeable people who consistently deliver results. Together, we've driven successes across publisher operations and ad tech through collaboration.

How has your career evolved to get you where you are today?

Started in digital advertising as a Traffic Manager for one of the top Publishers at that time, handling basic GAM setups and ad campaigns.

Moved into Marketing Campaigns Delivery later, focusing on the close collaboration with big worldwide brands on their campaigns execution as a project manager. I had an episode of being in charge of the Data Analysis team focussing on product growth.

Then I moved directly into widely understood Customer Success and Ad/Publisher Operations, where I deepened my expertise in header bidding, SSP integrations, managing key relationships, and compliance auditing, which I am still doing now.

I enjoy building long-term client relationships, combining internal operations with Account Management and Technical Support to make sure that clients get the best possible experience wih high quality support.

Talking of inspirations, is there anything (or anyone) that inspires you professionally, or in general? 

Professionally: Leaders who simplify complexity — turning chaos into clear processes and client wins inspire me most.

In general: Teams that move mountains together. No single person has all the answers, but collaborative groups with diverse skills — like our publisher ops crew — achieve what solo efforts can't.

Is there a skill, habit, or mindset you think is essential to have as a leader?

I always pause to ask “what's missing” — whether it's a detail in an ad setup, a compliance gap, or an unaddressed client blocker. This habit prevents reactive firefighting and ensures we build complete, sustainable solutions at scale.

It turns complexity into clear processes, empowers the team to anticipate issues, and delivers results that actually stick.

How do you support and develop the people on your team?

I prefer to lead by example and provide active support through hands-on guidance. My focus is on empowering the team with clear project guidelines and frameworks rather than enforcing rigid, step-by-step instructions — this way, they can adapt, innovate, and own their work confidently while tackling real challenges.

You work with a lot of our partners, what do you think the challenges are for them this year?

I see two main challenges that our partners flag often this year.

Traffic Decline from AI & increase in IVT - AI overviews lead to a 34-84% decrease in clicks. Less visits = less ad impressions. Where bots still consume bandwidth and trigger IVT deductions.

Open Market CPM drop - buyers shift to PMPs/CTV/social rather than focus on regular content websites. Programmatic fill rates are down, quality scrutiny is up.

If you could share one piece of advice for someone starting in your field…

One piece of advice for someone starting in ad tech/publisher operations:

Don't fear diving into the tech — start with basics and slowly build your knowledge. Ask questions relentlessly, seek answers, and experiment.

Tech evolves fast, but fearless curiosity + persistence turns confusion into expertise that makes you invaluable to clients and teams.

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Thanks to Ela for taking the time to share her inspirations and day-to-day with us.

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