Scope3x5: 5 minutes with Mary Cashman, Director of Buyer Development

Our Director of Buyer Development, Mary Cashman, shines a light on her journey at Scope3 so far, the core challenges she’s helping the market overcome in her role, and the decisions she’s made to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.

This series offers a glimpse into the lives of the change makers at Scope3 and what drives them to create a more sustainable ad industry. (5-minute read)

What motivated you to join Scope3?

Joining Scope3 was a significant shift for me; I had always worked for larger organizations before but had longed to be a part of a mission-based company. This is my first foray into the world of start-ups, and the idea of future-proofing the advertising industry for the upcoming generations strongly resonates with me.

In this new era of ad-tech, I am constantly immersed in a learning experience. I find myself consistently gaining insights into how we approach sustainability and how we can educate our agency and brand partners. The nature of my role ensures that no two days are alike, which keeps me engaged and motivated. Stepping outside my comfort zone has become a regular occurrence, fueling my personal and professional growth.

I feel privileged to be at the forefront of change, actively participating in a team that shares a common belief in making a larger impact. Being part of Scope3 has given me a new sense of purpose and satisfaction, knowing that the work we do drives positive change.

What would you say is a client’s number one challenge in today’s digital landscape?

The primary challenge is helping clients comprehend the holistic impact of their marketing activities. Navigating this complex landscape is no small feat, considering the vast expanse of adtech infrastructure available.

A common fear among businesses is that the only way to align operations with sustainability objectives is to compromise on performance. Our role is to work closely with clients to help them understand the impact of their media spend, and subsequently guide them on how they can act on climate change in ways with no trade-off on performance.

Our ultimate goal is to show clients that making sustainable choices is not only beneficial for the environment but is also better for performance: eliminating waste equals more working media.

What is the best piece of career advice you have ever received?

One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received when starting my career came from my Dad. He stressed that no job should be considered beneath me, emphasizing the importance of embracing every opportunity with complete diligence. This lesson instilled a strong work ethic within me, as it taught me to take pride in whatever task I undertook, no matter how small.

My Dad always reminded us that as long as we had the potential and were willing to put in the effort, our possibilities were boundless. This sentiment holds especially true in the dynamic environment of a start-up organization. In such settings, it's all hands-on deck, and everyone is expected to contribute their best.

Working in a start-up demands flexibility, as well as the willingness to adapt and assist the team in achieving its larger goals. It's about being open to pivoting when necessary and readily pitching in where help is needed. This mindset of collaboration and adaptability has not only shaped my approach to work but also allowed me to witness first-hand the incredible results that can be achieved when a team works together towards a common vision.

What podcasts are you currently listening to?

As a means of decompressing, I've been immersing myself in the world of podcasts. One of my go-to shows is "Juicy Scoop" hosted by the comedian Heather McDonald. Heather delves into the realm of celebrity gossip, providing updates on Hollywood happenings and the latest controversies. What sets her apart is her unique ability to infuse humor into her discussions, making it an entertaining and

light-hearted experience. She also brings in a diverse range of guests who share their perspectives, adding depth to the conversations.

Another podcast that has my attention is "The Sweaty Penguin" produced by PBS. This show tackles climate-related issues head-on, featuring a different climate expert guest each week. Each episode covers a specific climate topic, shedding light on its immediate impact on civilization. What sets this podcast apart is its ability to distill complex climate concepts into digestible information that can be understood by everyone, regardless of their area of expertise or political affiliations.

What is one lifestyle change you have made to become more sustainable?

My husband and I recently became homeowners in Massachusetts. As first-time homeowners, we were thrilled to discover a program called Mass Saves available in our state. This initiative offers a comprehensive energy assessment of our house, designed to identify sustainable solutions and improve our overall energy efficiency.

The Mass Saves program goes beyond just evaluating our electricity consumption or insulation type; it provides valuable insights and recommendations to make our home more sustainable. The best part? The program helps homeowners to invest in renewable energy sources without additional costs.

My partner and I have also made a conscious effort to incorporate a plant-based diet into our lives. We try to have at least three plant-based meals per week and limit our consumption of red meat. By prioritizing these options, we not only reduce our ecological footprint but also improve our overall health and well-being. And it hasn’t been nearly as challenging as we first thought!

What is your favorite sustainable product?

One of my all-time favorite sustainable products is reusable cotton paper towels. It may seem like a small change, but its impact in our household has been significant as we have greatly reduced our reliance on single-use alternatives.

The sheer quantity of paper towels that we previously used and discarded without much thought was eye-opening. This shift in perspective has made us more conscious of our consumption patterns and motivated us to make more sustainable choices.