Ajay Gupta is the founder and CEO of Stirista, a data driven marketing and identity company that has grown from a small startup into a force in the adtech space. He built Stirista on a simple principle: data should be accurate, identity should be real, and results should actually matter. Today Stirista partners with leading brands and agencies to solve real audience and measurement challenges across email, CTV, and programmatic media. Ajay focuses on innovation that earns trust and delivers outcomes, not hype.
Pros

How many years have you been a judge?

This is my first year!

What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?

I’ve always been drawn to creative work that pushes boundaries while still delivering results. The Telly Awards represent that balance, recognizing ideas that don’t just look good but work hard. I’m excited to see how today’s creators are using data, storytelling, and new technology to connect with audiences in unexpected ways.

What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

Early in my career I worked on political campaigns, helping teams use data to reach voters more effectively. It showed me how powerful good information can be when it’s used with purpose. I learned that data isn’t just numbers, it’s people, behavior, and intent. That understanding shaped how I’ve built and led Stirista.

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

I’m proud of building Stirista from the ground up into a company that competes with some of the biggest names in the industry. Every milestone, from launching new platforms to winning major clients, represents years of teamwork and belief in what we do. Seeing our ideas shape the industry is something I’m deeply proud of.

What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?

The most challenging part is how quickly everything changes. Technology, privacy standards, and consumer expectations move fast, and staying ahead requires constant learning and adaptation. The key is to focus on what doesn’t change, which is the need for trust, relevance, and real human connection.

What do you look for to determine excellence in video?

Excellence in video comes down to how well the idea lands. It’s not just about production quality or big budgets. The best work finds a way to connect emotionally and leave a clear impression. It should feel original, confident, and have a reason to exist. When creative vision and purpose meet, that’s excellence.

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

As founder and CEO of Stirista, I oversee a company that connects brands with real audiences and people through data, identity, and creative media. My focus is on helping clients simplify how they reach their audiences and see measurable results. What I love most is working with talented people who think differently. Every day brings a new challenge, and that keeps it interesting.

What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?

At Stirista we’re focused on making data and media work better together. I’m especially excited about how we’re expanding our capabilities across CTV and programmatic platforms. We’re helping brands see and reach their audiences with more accuracy and transparency. It’s rewarding to watch ideas turn into measurable results for clients.

Do you have any specific practices you lean on to spark creativity?

I try to stay curious. I read, listen, and watch things outside of marketing and technology because creativity often comes from unexpected places. I also like to talk ideas out with the team. The best ideas usually come from collaboration and the willingness to challenge what’s been done before.

What inspired you to pursue your career path?

I’ve always been interested in how data and creativity can work together to solve problems. I wanted to build something that helped brands connect with real people in more meaningful ways. The idea of turning complex information into something simple and actionable is what inspired me then and still drives me today.

In your experience, what is a significant change you are seeing happen in the video, television, and/or film industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?

The biggest change is how data and identity are shaping storytelling. Audiences expect personalization, and technology now makes it possible to deliver that without losing authenticity. The opportunity is to use data to inform creative decisions, not replace them. The brands and creators who understand that balance will stay ahead.