In this episode of FairPlay, Arun sits down with Tom Denford, CEO and co-founder of ID Comms, an award-winning consultancy specializing in media and advertising. Tom shares his insights from over 20 years in the marketing industry, helping top brands like Mars, EA, and LVMH optimize their media investments. The conversation dives deep into the challenges CMOs face in proving the value of their marketing spend, with media being one of the biggest line items. Tom advocates for treating media as a strategic investment rather than just a commodity to be optimized for the lowest cost. He discusses the need for closer alignment between brand marketing and performance marketing teams, with the CMO playing the crucial role of "gluing" these often-siloed functions. Tom also weighs in on the ethics of advertising, talent development within marketing organizations, and the potential impacts of AI on the industry. With his unique perspective from advising both brands and agencies, Tom provides thought-provoking insights into the complexities and opportunities in modern marketing and advertising. Whether you're a CMO, agency leader, or marketing professional, this episode offers valuable lessons for driving business growth through more strategic media investments.