Speakers

Cathy Csukas, the founder & CEO of AdLarge, has been a trailblazer in the audio industry for more than three decades, championing the power of audio to connect creators, audiences, and advertisers. As co-founder and CEO of AdLarge Media, Cathy has built a multi-platform audio ad sales network that has launched and scaled some of the industry’s top-performing podcast brands. Her forward-thinking approach continues to shape how audio is bought, sold, and monetized, with a focus on driving meaningful results for both creators and advertisers.

In 2024, Cathy launched the fwd. network, a female-forward, audio-first creator platform designed to elevate women’s voices and build scalable media brands. The fwd. network simplifies the buying experience for advertisers while creating a powerful ecosystem for women creators to grow their audiences, influence, and revenue.

Cathy is widely recognized for her leadership, innovation, and impact on the industry. She has been named to Radio Ink’s Most Influential Women in Radio list for 13 consecutive years and is a multi-year honoree of its Top 20 Leaders in Radio. In 2026, she was named to the 100 Women to KNOW in America list, and in 2025, she was recognized as an Entreprenista 100 Award Winner. She has also been honored by Cynopsis as a Corporate Visionary in its Top Women in Media awards.

A dedicated mentor and advocate for women in media, Cathy is an active member of The Podcast Academy, The Radio Hall of Fame, and The Gracies, and continues to guide and inspire the next generation of leaders across audio and digital media. Her work has helped shape a more inclusive, innovative, and impactful future for the industry.