Michael Paderno
MBA candidate at the Wharton School, Class of 2028. I've built my career in strategy, across consulting, a startup of my own, and advertising technology, and I write about the business of entertainment.
Most recently, I worked in strategy and special projects at Mediaocean, an advertising technology platform processing more than $300B in annual ad spend. My work there spanned AI initiatives across the organization, strategic partnerships, and go-to-market with partners including Disney and Comcast. Before that, I co-founded Creator Space, a startup helping content creators monetize directly with their audiences, and began my career at McKinsey & Company.
In 2025 and 2026, I supported the Sundance Film Festival as an independent pro bono strategy consultant, analyzing the economics of the festival's online offering. Outside of work, I've performed standup at the Comedy Cellar, and my short-form video work has passed a million views.
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2024 – 2026
Mediaocean
Strategy & Special Projects · Partnerships & Growth Strategy -
2025 – 2026
Sundance Film Festival
Independent strategy consultant, pro bono -
2023 – 2024
Creator Space
Co-founder and CEO -
2021 – 2023
McKinsey & Company
Business Analyst
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2026 – 2028
The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
MBA candidate -
2015 – 2020
University of Washington
M.S., Information Management · B.A., Biochemistry
Essays on the business of entertainment.
Why I'm Long Hollywood in the Age of AI
Moving to Philadelphia this month to start at Wharton in August. Spending the summer writing and talking to people who work on the business side of entertainment. If that's you, say hello.