Data Gurus

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Michael Ramlet, Co-Founder and CEO of Morning Consult. Michael shares how Morning Consult has scaled from a startup with a newsletter to a global leader in delivering real-time consumer insights used by central banks, hedge funds and Fortune 500 companies. He explains why owning the supply chain for data collection is critical to quality, how the industry must embrace cultural change, and the importance of connecting insights to financial outcomes.Key Takeaways:(03:31) Real-time data is essential for informing business decisions at the highest levels.(05:53) Controlling the supply chain of data collection leads to better quality and cost efficiencies.(10:42) Ownership of quality requires end-to-end accountability, not reliance on third parties.(14:04) Insights functions must connect their work directly to financial outcomes to stay relevant.(19:44) AI can democratize access to structured data, making insights more actionable across organizations.(21:29) The role of ins

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Ania Rodriguez, CEO and Founder of JourneyTrack and Chairwoman of the Board at Key Lime Interactive. Ania shares her founder journey from launching a UX consulting firm to building a venture-backed SaaS company in the emerging category of journey management. With a clear-eyed view of the differences between UX and CX, she explains how aligning with executive-level metrics creates staying power — and why data integration, category creation and capital strategy all matter when shifting from services to product. Key Takeaways: (02:12) Ania’s background combines engineering, people and systems for innovation. (08:09) UX focuses on micro journeys while CX strategy operates at higher levels. (09:36) CX covers the full customer relationship, from awareness to advocacy. (11:15) C-suite now cares about CX, tying it to business outcomes and metrics. (12:36) CXPA is more strategic than most UX organizations. (15:30) Journey management tools connect insigh

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Greg Silverman, Global Director of Brand Economics at Interbrand. Greg shares how Interbrand quantifies the financial impact of brand and aligns marketing insights with shareholder value. Drawing from decades of brand valuation work, he explains how research, including discrete choice modeling, bridges the language gap between CMOs and CFOs. He also discusses the power of fast, data-driven solutions in transforming client strategy. Key Takeaways: (02:13) Greg’s career journey blends retail, franchising, consulting, branding and tech innovation.(04:31) Metrics like awareness must connect to growth, EBIT, and share price.(07:58) Smaller, focused partnerships can deliver faster, more cost-effective solutions.(09:43) ​​Brand can account for far more value than leaders initially expect.(11:57) Understanding brand potential unlocks new revenue within specific market segments.(14:19) Research helps CMOs and CFOs align on brand investment decisions.(16:00) Tradit

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Cynthia Harris, Founder, Managing Director and Lead Operator of 8:28 Insights, about building a human-centered insights agency, the value of lived experience in leadership and the role AI can and can’t play in research. Cynthia shares her career path from launching products at Bath & Body Works to working at Procter & Gamble to starting her own firm — offering practical guidance for founders and vendors alike. Key Takeaways: (02:25) Early career roles shaped passion for consumer-business connections.(10:16) Vendors should go beyond briefs and collaborate with clients.(12:03) Traveling globally inspired objectivity and cultural intelligence in work.(14:06) The pandemic catalyzed the transition from freelancing to entrepreneurship.(16:12) Client-side experience drives more strategic, downstream thinking.(18:10) Unique perspectives stem from lived experiences and diversity.(22:03) AI supports creativity but cannot replicate human-centered strategies.

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Daniel Gaynor, Co-Founder of Kelp and SVP of Strategy at Signal AI, about how reputation is becoming a quantifiable, strategic asset — and how AI is making that possible. Daniel shares his career journey from public policy to launching Kelp, how Signal AI is building agentic tools for the enterprise and why the next evolution of reputation intelligence will come from collaboration between humans and AI. Key Takeaways: (03:33) Reputation is emerging as a measurable performance indicator, not just a brand attribute.(05:50) Experience across public, private and policy sectors brings new perspectives to AI strategy.(09:48) Businesses must amplify authentic proof points to shape their narrative.(11:30) Strategy, licensing and technology serve as core AI frameworks.(15:18) Most companies say they're AI-powered, but they often aren’t.(17:25) Companies face pressure to stay consistent despite political shifts.(22:03) Risk aversion is rising in marketing and commu

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Ian Ash, Co-Founder of Dig Insights, about the intersection of AI and market research, the evolution of Restech, and the importance of balancing technology with human expertise. With over a decade’s experience leading Dig Insights, Ian shares his perspective on how AI reshapes research processes and why human oversight remains critical. He reflects on the parallels between storytelling in comedy and storytelling in research, emphasizing that whether it's data or humor, connection and clarity are the keys. Key Takeaways: (02:09) Dig Insights’ journey from startup to private equity-backed growth. (05:35) The importance of maintaining research rigor despite industry pressures. (08:10) Large scales don’t guarantee better insights, just higher correlations. (12:22) Swiping-based surveys introduced choice and engagement. (15:46) Research needs exist along a flexible service continuum. (18:40) Effective AI requires context and customization. (2

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Steve Phillips, Founder, Chair and Chief Innovation Officer, and Ryan Barry, former President, both of Zappi.  They discuss the evolution of consumer insights, the role of AI in research and how businesses can maximize the value of their data. Key Takeaways: (02:05) “The Consumer Insights Revolution” encapsulates a decade of transformation at Zappi. (03:35) Pepsi’s consumer insights evolution shifted insights managers into strategic business partners. (05:53) Stephan Gans’ vision at Pepsi focused on democratizing learning and insights-driven decision-making. (09:48) The development of ADA, Pepsi’s internal platform for integrating data sources. (10:28) Different data streams complement rather than contradict insights. (13:57) Insights professionals must evolve into strategic business consultants. (16:54) Business acumen is becoming essential for future consumer insights roles. (20:58) AI is reshaping consumer insights by automating pro

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to James Turner, Founder and CEO of Delineate, about redefining data collection and insight generation in today’s fast-paced market research landscape. James shares his journey from mining engineer to data mining expert and explains how Delineate bridges the gap between traditional research practices and agile, technology-driven approaches. Key Takeaways: (02:22) Started as a mining engineer before transitioning to data mining. (07:47) Industry disruption in the 2010s drove significant changes. (10:02) Speed, quality and cost efficiency reshape client research. (12:16) Successful disruptors reshape categories with innovative, lasting ideas. (14:31) Scaling innovation is tricky, even for large companies. (16:57) Old survey designs create noise and reduce data quality. (20:44) Human touch remains vital in interpreting client reporting. (23:17) Situational research helps with product innovation and demand space. (26:28) AI co-pilots are crea

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to George London, Chief Technology Officer of Upwave. George shares insights into the complexities of the advertising ecosystem, the role of data in campaign optimization and the parallels between financial and ad markets. Key Takeaways: (02:14) From philosophy to data leadership.(05:34) Persistence and adaptability shaped George’s path to CTO.(08:15) Causal inference helps Upwave provide reliable insights for large media investments.(11:32) Rigorous measurement turns $10M in ad spend into $20M in value.(13:10) Daily insights from Upwave simplify complex national ad campaigns.(15:12) Actionable insights drive Upwave’s mission to optimize brand investments.(16:23) Targeted surveys reveal brand impact across specific ad campaigns.(17:59) The ad ecosystem spans brands, publishers and a complex chain of intermediaries.(20:36) Generative AI powers Upwave’s automated ad reporting with Trade Desk.(22:47) Advertising shares dynamics with financial markets, including bidding

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks with J. Walker Smith, Knowledge Lead at Kantar. They discuss shifting consumer sentiments, the paradox of strong spending amid uncertainty and changes in market insights. Key Takeaways: (02:14) Experience in trends and futures at Kantar aids in predicting consumer values. (04:37) Consumer spending is strong, but sentiment is recessionary amid uncertainty. (07:57) Consumers seek familiarity and reassurance from brands over novelty. (10:55) Consumers prefer brands focused on well-being and personalization. (13:55) Gen Z prioritizes mental health and values digital convenience. (17:20) Gen Z’s tech-driven shopping requires marketing to algorithms. (19:33) Curating market data to refine key insights and filter noise. (21:48) AI will automate research tasks, shifting insights to focus on growth. (25:36) Future insights roles will prioritize strategic growth over pure research. Resources Mentioned: Kantar Thanks for listening t

On this episode, host Sima Vasa speaks with Darrell Bricker, Chief Executive Officer, Public Affairs at Ipsos. They discuss the evolving landscape of public opinion research, the role of emotional connection in politics, and the shifting global demographics shaping our future. Key Takeaways: (02:30) Mentorship and opportunity shape a meaningful career in polling. (05:01) Public affairs research centers on understanding citizens, not consumers. (06:58) Global polling now offers real-time insights into worldwide issues. (08:43) Mobile phones enable global polling access, even in remote areas. (10:28) Decline in deference empowers citizens to challenge authority. (12:56) Political volatility rises as traditional party loyalty declines. (15:04) Constant skepticism in research strengthens accuracy and reliability. (16:29) Emotional connection now outweighs rationality in political appeal. (19:21) A public affairs career thrives on social science and global curiosity. (22:13) Global

On this episode, host Sima Vasa welcomes Michael Winnick, Founder and CEO of dscout. They discuss his journey in the worlds of product, design and technology. Michael shares insights on how patience and persistence shaped his entrepreneurial journey and how dscout helps companies conduct innovative, real-time research. Key Takeaways: (02:45) Michael’s journey from startups to founding dscout. (07:16) Democratizing research with new technology. (10:32) How UX and design align with research. (14:24) Adapting products to market shifts. (17:51) Managing the balance between ambition and patience. (21:15) The challenge of bringing products to market. (23:44) The importance of building a great team. (26:02) Success comes from customer impact. Resources Mentioned: The Nielsen Norman Group IDEO Stanford d.school Thanks for listening to the Data Gurus podcast, brought to you by Infinity Squared. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the w

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Matt Celuszak, Co-Founder and CEO of Element Human, about the intersection of AI and human behavior. Together they explore how data can drive better brand engagement. Matt shares his insights on understanding human emotions and reactions, focusing on attention data and using behavioral understanding to create memorable, impactful campaigns. Key Takeaways: (03:39) AI-driven insights help marketers understand how human emotions affect engagement. (07:15) Attention and stopping power are crucial for creating lasting brand impressions. (11:03) Combining human behavior with data drives personalized marketing strategies. (14:24) Emotional response correlates with memorability and purchase intent. (19:00) Real-world behavioral responses provide complementary data to standard metrics. (23:15) Balancing creators’ authenticity with brand messaging is key to successful influencer marketing. (28:10) The staying power of content is as critical as initial eng

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Tim Hoskins, President of Quester, and Brett Townsend, Senior Vice President of Strategy at Quester, about the future of insights and how to drive meaningful change in the industry. Brett and Tim share revelations from their book, “Insights on the Brink,” and discuss how empathy, emotion and storytelling play critical roles in creating impactful business decisions. Key Takeaways: (03:45) Empathy and emotion are vital for creating successful consumer insights. (07:22) It’s not just about data — turning it into actionable insights is where the magic happens. (10:15) Business strategy should go hand in hand with insights to drive meaningful results. (13:55) Consumer conflict is what drives great storytelling and effective solutions. (17:05) Data-driven decision-making requires a shift in mindset and processes. (21:30) Asking challenging questions can push companies to innovate and break from the status quo. (24:12) High-end consultative insights ar

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Kai Stübane, Solution Chief Revenue Officer for SAP CX for Middle and Eastern Europe, about the evolving role of customer experience (CX) in driving business success. Key Takeaways: (00:06) Kai’s journey from PwC to SAP. (01:21) CX covers all customer touchpoints. (03:33) SAP uses data to improve CX. (05:48) CX boosts top-line revenue. (09:00) Global shift toward automation and self-service. (13:03) Personalization is critical to customer satisfaction. (16:48) AI’s growing role in customer experience. (17:45) Focus on CX leads to market growth. (21:00) Clean data is crucial for AI and automation. Resources Mentioned: SAP CX Solutions FlixBus Greyhound Thanks for listening to the Data Gurus podcast, brought to you by Infinity Squared. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation. #Analyti

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Eugene Murphy, Founder and CEO of Indeemo, who shares insights on how Indeemo is revolutionizing digital ethnography and qualitative research through innovative video solutions. Key Takeaways: (00:06) Eugene’s journey from engineering to founding Indeemo. (02:03) Creating a seamless user experience for all ages. (04:12) Pivoting Indeemo from a social app to a research tool. (08:01) The power of mobile ethnography in market research. (14:07) The importance of capturing authentic customer moments via video. (18:15) Video is more impactful than traditional research methods. (20:06) A seamless user experience is crucial for respondent engagement. (24:15) Generative AI enhances the scalability of video research. (27:00) Teaching clients to create effective, consistent prompts for research. Resources Mentioned: Indeemo Thanks for listening to the Data Gurus podcast, brought to you by Infinity Squared. If you enjoyed this episode, pl

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks with Vittorio Raimondi, CEO and Founder/Managing Partner of Foresight Strategy, about the intricacies of leadership, data analytics and the power of creativity and curiosity in driving business success. Key Takeaways: (04:30) Using system dynamics to effectively model complex business environments. (06:45) Mapping consumer journeys to uncover key opportunities for growth. (09:00) How holistic insights are leveraged by big brands such as Hewlett Packard and Coca-Cola.  (12:15) The importance of being data-agnostic and tailoring solutions to meet client needs. (16:00) Creativity and curiosity are crucial elements for delivering innovative solutions. (18:45) The challenge of hiring talent that combines both analytical and creative problem-solving skills. (22:30) AI as a tool to enhance efficiency while ensuring human-driven insights remain integral. (24:00) The need for leadership evolution in supporting a skilled and growing team. Resources Mentio

On this episode, host Sima Vasa is joined by Priscilla McKinney, CEO and Founder of Little Bird Marketing, to discuss the evolving landscape of market research, the importance of digital transformation and the value of strong client relationships. Key Takeaways: (03:10) Pivoting to new verticals drives success. (03:28) Deepening relationships with existing clients is key. (04:39) CEOs must confront and manage their fears. (05:09) Entrepreneurs need to overcome fear and seize opportunities. (06:09) Branding in market research is evolving rapidly. (07:48) Demonstrating value in terms of revenue is essential. (10:09) Upskilling is crucial for staying relevant. (12:24) Digital transformation enhances team collaboration and engagement. (14:30) Visibility and relationships are vital for success. (16:42) Emotional intelligence plays a key role in business relationships. (19:54) Small favors can have a big impact in business. (20:24) Collaboration doesn’t always have to be a big

On this episode, host Sima Vasa welcomes Andrew Moffatt, CEO and Co-Founder of Qrious Insight, to explore the evolution of data analytics, the impact of AI and the future of market research. Andrew discusses how the integration of behavioral data with advanced analytics is transforming the way businesses understand and engage with their audiences.  Key Takeaways: (01:19) Andrew reflects on 25 years in market research.(03:07) Founding Qrious Insight and its evolution.(06:20) The importance of behavioral data for accurate insights.(12:53) Informing ad placement with behavioral data.(18:25) High retention rates in behavioral data tracking.(27:31) Generational differences in data privacy and acceptance.(34:30) AI’s transformative role in data analytics.(36:00) The future potential of synthetic data models.(37:00) Bridging insights and marketing with behavioral data. Resources Mentioned: Paradigm SampleSima VasaQrious Insight website Thanks for listening to the Data Gurus podcast, brought to you

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Steve Bagdasarian, Chief Commercial Officer of Comscore, Inc., to explore the evolution of ad measurement and the convergence of traditional and digital media. Key Takeaways: (02:00) Measurement data offers competitive advantages.(02:05) Media strategy is now driven by actionable data.(04:00) The importance of continual curiosity and adaptation in the media industry.(06:51) Ad formats are evolving, with short-form video and creator-led content gaining traction.(08:07) The shift toward outcome-oriented advertising.(09:19) The role of data regulation and consumer privacy.(10:23) The impact of signal loss on advertising strategies.(15:04) Cross-platform measurement is crucial for optimizing media mix.(18:00) Real-time data processing enhances programmatic advertising efficiency.(20:03) AI's future role in ad and media measurement. Resources Mentioned: Comscore Publishers Clearing House Thanks for listening to the Data Gurus podcast, brought to you by In