Data Gurus

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

On this episode, host Sima Vasa welcomes Holland Martini, Chief Insights Officer of GOODQUES, who shares her journey and insights on revolutionizing market research through creativity and human-centric methods. Key Takeaways: (00:00) Holland emphasizes the importance of being comfortable with discomfort. (03:31) The role of data at GOODQUES is not just to validate but to inspire.  (04:53) Luck and timing played a significant role in GOODQUES’ early success.  (07:00) Considering every individual involved in the research process is crucial.  (07:42) The foundation of human-centricity at GOODQUES, from brief to delivery.  (14:30) Crafting questions in colloquial language leads to better responses.  (22:42) Casting moderators who resonate with respondents improves insights.  (26:13) Understanding different disciplines while being an expert in one is key. (30:00) Saying no to projects that don’t fit maintains focus and quality. Resources mentioned: GOODQUES Thanks for listen

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Alex Hunt, CEO of Behaviorally, about the transformative role of technology in the market research industry and how Behaviorally leverages AI and digital tools to innovate data insights. Key Takeaways: (00:54) Technology’s inevitable impact on industries. (03:16) Alex’s shift to pioneering behavioral sciences. (05:36) Enhancing decision-making through packaging insights. (07:59) Digital methodologies boost efficiency and cut costs. (09:00) AI’s role in improving predictive accuracy. (10:27) The importance of ethical standards during change. (13:25) Developing predictive models with feedback data. (15:20) Handling organizational resistance to change. (17:32) AI’s future role in market research transformation. (19:50) Leadership aligned with technological advancements. Resources Mentioned: Behaviorally Thanks for listening to the Data Gurus podcast, brought to you by Infinity Squared. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks with Georgina Nelson, CEO and Founder of TruRating. They delve into the transformative role of consumer feedback in retail and how Georgina’s varied career path contributed to her innovative approach to business. Key Takeaways: (01:39) Georgina’s journey from psychology to law. (03:00) Reliable consumer data is vital. (04:07) Career twists and following intuition. (06:46) Greetings in retail boost sales. (07:26) Integrating feedback with payment terminals. (09:24) Impact of store greetings on loyalty. (12:00) Ethical data use and supporting charities. (14:10) The challenges of tech in traditional retail. (17:49) TruRating’s growth and scalability. (19:48) Purpose-driven ethics in business. Resources Mentioned: TruRating 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

On this episode, host Sima Vasa welcomes Rick West, Co-Founder and CEO of Field Agent. They delve into Rick’s journey from a significant tenure at Procter & Gamble to establishing Field Agent, a company at the forefront of retail and consumer data innovation. The discussion uncovers how Rick’s strategic use of corporate severance as seed money laid the foundation for Field Agent’s success, the company’s growth through acquisitions and the pivotal role of technology in reshaping retail analytics. Rick’s insights provide a comprehensive look at the evolution of consumer data collection and its impact on retail strategies. Key Takeaways: (02:15) Rick West reflects on the leap from Procter & Gamble to entrepreneurship. (05:40) Insight into FieldAgent’s innovative start and market impact. (11:20) Rick discusses using severance as seed money for business ventures. (15:30) Expansion of FieldAgent through strategic acquisitions and technology. (20:45) The crucial role of consumer engagement in data

On this episode, host Sima Vasa sits down with Chris Havemann, CEO of RealityMine, to explore the evolution of data collection and its impact on market research. Chris shares experiences gained from his journey in the insights industry, highlighting the shift from survey data to behavioral data collection. Key Takeaways: (01:18) The beginnings of Chris Havemann’s entrepreneurial journey. (02:12) Chris transitioned from a corporate career to starting his own business and pivoted from the mobile channel to Research Now. (03:09) The growth and success of Research Now and Chris’s personal break before joining RealityMine. (08:27) RealityMine’s focus is on revealing real-life behaviors through passive metering technology. (10:04) The significant role mobile device usage plays in understanding consumer behavior. (14:05) Discussion on the insights industry’s approach to respondent experience and the potential for AI to transform data analysis. (17:25) RealityMine appoints a chief AI officer a

On this episode of Data Gurus, Sima Vasa and Patrick Comer, Co-Founders of restecher, delve into the intricacies of the Restech industry. They discuss how it’s reshaping market research, integrating new technologies and influencing business strategies. Their conversation highlights the impact of the Restech landscape on traditional research methods and the emerging role of AI in decision-making processes, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and market insights. Key Takeaways: (01:24) Highlighting the growing importance of Restech in market research. (02:14) Recent developments in mergers, acquisitions and funding in the Restech arena. (03:05) Restech has played a significant role in redefining the market research industry. (06:09) Company roles and identities within the Restech space continue to evolve. (07:59) Reinforcing the value of traditional market research in the face of technological advancements. (10:01) AI exhibits potential — but also challenges — in

On this episode, host Sima Vasa sits down with Arman Eshraghi, CEO and Founder of Qrvey, for an in-depth conversation about revolutionizing data analytics through seamless integration of collection, analysis and automation processes. Arman unveils the unique capabilities of Qrvey, highlighting its role in enhancing SaaS applications with advanced embedded business analytics. Key Takeaways: (01:15) Sima Vasa introduces Qrvey’s transformative role in data analytics. (05:20) The pivotal role embedded analytics plays in SaaS application insights. (10:30) The advantages of Qrvey’s OEM model for external analytics. (15:45) Overcoming in-house development challenges with Qrvey. (20:55) Tailoring analytics solutions to industry-specific needs. (25:40) Analytics as a strategic tool in SaaS decision-making. (30:50) Success stories from businesses that have adopted Qrvey. (35:30) Qrvey’s vision for the future of data analytics. Resources Mentioned: Qrvey Thanks for listening to th

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Steve Phillips, Founder and CEO of Zappi, about pioneering automation and artificial intelligence in market research to enhance consumer insight efficiency and quality. Key Takeaways: (01:10) The origin of Zappi for efficient consumer insights. (02:22) Zappi’s evolution toward quality and meta analytics. (03:24) Strategy shifts addressing early challenges. (06:24) The transition to technology-driven solutions. (08:54) Their future as a SAS company with AI integration. (11:18) Managing innovation in a rapidly evolving industry. (13:32) Shifting to a data company for richer insights. (15:49) The future of primary research and consumer behavior understanding. (17:57) Broadening the definition of market research. Resources Mentioned: Zappi 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

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks with Amishi Takalkar, Co-Founder and CEO of NAILBITER, exploring the transformative role of video in capturing authentic shopper behaviors and insights. Key Takeaways: (01:30) Amishi journeyed from an aspiring VJ at MTV India to the CEO of NAILBITER. (02:17) Amishi’s career evolution, specifically her roles at Frito Lay and AOL, and how experiencing both client and supplier sides of the industry affected her. (06:03) The inception of NAILBITER, aimed at observing consumers’ decision-making processes in real-time. (08:14) Utilizing video as a primary tool for gathering unfiltered shopper insights. (10:06) NAILBITER’s unique approach in tagging and quantifying vast consumer data from videos. (14:00) Product placement and retail strategies significantly impact sales and consumer choices. (17:19) The shift in retailer dynamics and the increasing significance of shopper insights. (20:27) The evolving nature of consumer behavior in an omnichannel shop

On this episode, host Sima Vasa welcomes Panayotis Gezerlis, Founder and President of Convert Group, to delve into the evolution of retail and e-commerce through data analytics and transparency. Key Takeaways: (02:25) The shift from consulting to data-driven retail strategies. (06:32) The importance of tactical decision-making in marketing and sales. (06:59) Budget redirection towards e-commerce in leading companies. (11:15) Retail media's influence on consumer behavior. (13:48) Utilizing retail media and basket information for customer targeting. (14:14) The critical role of sales decomposition in retail. (16:56) The future of retail with AI chatbot technology. (17:19) Launching user-friendly text advice platforms for retail decisions. Resources Mentioned: Convert Group 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 subs

On this episode, host Sima Vasa welcomes Ben Hookway, CEO of Relative Insight, who delves into the intricacies of leveraging language analytics and unstructured text data to drive business insights. Key Takeaways: (07:54) Exploring the innovation behind comparative linguistic analysis and its practical applications in various industries. (13:49) Comparing age groups uncovers critical differences in language. (17:25) Understanding the relevance of context in language and how it influences consumer interactions and behaviors. (21:45) The importance of guiding clients through integrating new technology and ensuring they derive value from data and solutions. (35:48) As technology becomes mainstream, there’s a need to balance cutting-edge solutions with basic, user-friendly applications to accommodate varying customer needs. Resources Mentioned: Relative Insight Thanks for listening to the Data Gurus podcast, brought to you by Infinity Squared. If you enjoyed this episode, please lea

On this episode, host Sima Vasa is joined by Matt Britton, Founder and CEO of Suzy, for an enlightening conversation about the direction the market-research industry is headed and how leaders evolve with it. Sima and Matt discuss: - The lagging adoption of new technologies, and how resulting inefficiencies get passed on to the consumer. - Generational changes that signal a greater willingness to implement digital tools.  - How failure to evolve is often the result of current leaders’ resistance to change. - How AI will continue to shape the industry in new ways as technology improves. - How to maintain research integrity and methodological fundamentals while also allowing space for industry evolution. Matt’s startup experience demonstrates the delicate balancing act that current industry leaders must perform, avoiding the bleeding edge of innovation without being perceived as falling behind. Resources - Suzy - Infinity Squared - Infinity Squared - LinkedIn Thanks for li