Data Gurus Podcast | Insights on Business Strategy, Mergers and Acquisitions, Market Research & Data Collection

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...

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. (0...

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:...

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 busines...

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...

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...

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 opportuniti...

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 confr...

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...

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 m...

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) L...

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 pac...

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 intu...

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, t...

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)...

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...

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: (01:1...

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...

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 cli...

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...

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...

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 wi...

In this episode, Francesco Guglielmino , CEO of Cuebiq , joins host, Sima Vasa, to discuss the evolution of location data and prioritizing consumer privacy. Key Takeaways: (03:49) Implementing a privacy framework with consent tracking and a withdrawal option, despite challenges. (12:22) How younger generations show greater willingness to use digital tools. (13:25) Doing the right thing and why it...

On this episode, host Sima Vasa welcomes Basel Fakhoury , CEO and Co-Founder of User Interviews , for an enlightening conversation about Basel’s work in improving data acquisition specificity. During their conversation, Basel and Sima discuss: – Using data to uncover needs in the market to better cater products and services to a particular niche. – The lessons Basel and his team learne...

On this episode, host Sima Vasa is joined by Dr. Loubna Bouarfa , CEO and Founder of OKRA.ai and Member of the Board of Advisors of the Oxford Internet Institute , who shares her unique perspective on the ethical questions around the increasing capabilities of AI technology. Sima and Dr. Bouarfa discuss the following: – How different business models can leverage new technologies to either im...