Talking Insights

In this episode, host Antonio discusses the evolution of the Insights Career Network (ICN) with Kahren Kersten and Brian Fowler. They explore the impact of the pandemic on the job market, the transition of ICN to a nonprofit organization, the importance of partnerships, and the skills needed for future researchers in an AI-driven landscape. The conversation emphasizes the need for continuous netwo...

This conversation with Beth Bleathman focuses on understanding customer experiences and building relationships with local communities, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decisions for effective support. It's part of the celebration of the best of the year at Esomar. Send us Fan Mail ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Talking...

In this conversation, Jean-Yves Laffon (from Appinio) discusses the impactful project on food labelling that earned him the Research Impact Award at the Esomar Awards.  He explains the importance of transparency in food labelling, the design and methodology of the study conducted, and how consumer behavior is influenced by clear labelling. The discussion also touches on the role of the insights in...

We keep exploring the best of the year at Esomar and in this conversation, Matteo Cera (from Glaut) explores the evolution of traditional surveys into more engaging and personalized experiences, aiming to better understand respondents' true thoughts and feelings without confining them to predefined options. Developed by Glaut, AIMI is redefining how qualitative data can be collected at scale—...

In this new season of the Talking Insights podcast, we celebrate the best of the year at Esomar. For this episode we discuss the collaboration between Kantar and Google, which won the Best Use of Data Award at the 2025 Esomar Awards. Guests Mary Kyriakidi and Jorge Alagon share insights on bridging the gap between marketing and finance, emphasizing the importance of a shared language and metrics t...

This conversation explores the significance of sonic branding in today's digital landscape, emphasizing its role in enhancing brand identity and engagement on social media. The speakers share their backgrounds in music and creative direction, discussing how sound influences consumer perception and brand equity. They delve into the challenges of creating a cohesive sonic identity across divers...

The conversation highlights the innovative approach taken by the Cancer Council in Australia to engage young people through social media influencers. Kathryn Hull discusses the successful implementation of an influencer-led campaign aimed at promoting SunSmart behaviors, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new channels to effectively reach the youth demographic. Send us Fan Mail ------------...

This episode recorded live at the Esomar Congress 2025 in Prague explores the significance of color in branding and marketing.  Wim and Uyen discuss the importance of objective data in color selection for products, and the broader implications of color psychology in consumer behavior. They emphasize the need for brands to understand the impact of color on decision-making processes and how it can e...

The conversation with Michael Nevski, recorded live at the Esomar Congress in Prague, explores the rise of the gig economy, its implications for different generations, the role of technology, and what companies can learn from these trends. It highlights the flexibility and independence that gig work offers, especially to millennials and Gen Z, while also addressing the challenges gig workers face...

In this conversation recorded live at the Esomar Congress in Prague, Georgia Phillips discusses the critical role of advertising in promoting inclusion.  Georgia highlights the lack of representation in media and the importance of normalising disability in advertising. Research reveals that inclusive ads positively impact brand perception among consumers with disabilities.  Finally, we also talk a...

In this conversation recorded at the Esomar Congress in Prague, Antonio and Brett Townsend discuss the evolution of the insights industry, emphasizing the need for a consumer-centric approach, the importance of narratives, and the necessity of persuasion as a key skill for future success.  They explore how to get unstuck from outdated methodologies and the role of leadership in fostering a culture...

En este episodio, Antonio conversa con Pilar Bermúdez de Marduk Design sobre la próxima capacitación de la Academia Esomar. Hablan sobre la importancia de la prospectiva en la investigación de mercados, la estructura de la capacitación y la experiencia transformadora que los participantes pueden esperar. La conversación destaca la necesidad de un cambio de mentalidad para adoptar un pensamiento di...

In this second episode of our Talking Insights Live series, recorded at the Esomar Congress , we turn our attention to Africa — a continent full of innovation, creativity, and a fast-growing insights community. Our guest, Siham Malek, explores how African researchers are transforming local challenges into global innovations, redefining how data, culture, and storytelling intersect. From shifting c...

Welcome to the first episode of our Talking Insights Live series, recorded right from the heart of the Esomar Congress exposition space! In this episode, we sit down with Jess Pettitt , the Congress opening keynote speaker, for a conversation that’s equal parts hilarious and thought-provoking. Jess dives into themes of inclusion, connection, and authenticity — and reminds us why being human still...

In this engaging conversation, T. Christian Helms, founder and creative director of Helms Workshop, shares insights on the importance of creativity in branding and design.  A discussion on how to cultivate creativity within teams, the significance of authentic connections in branding, and the concept of 'thinking sideways' to foster innovative ideas. Helms highlights successful projects,...

In this episode of Talking Insights, host Antonio speaks with Valeria Piaggio from Kantar about the Brand Inclusion Index, a groundbreaking study that explores how consumers experience diversity, equity, and inclusion in brands.  They discuss the evolution of brand inclusion, the importance of authentic representation, and the need for brands to address underrepresented groups. Valeria emphasizes...

In this episode of Talking Insights, our host Antonio, explores the future of market research with guests David VL Smith  and  Adam Riley .  They discuss their article "Learning to Love Your Inner Cyborg" and their book "The Art of Collaborating with AI." The conversation delves into the integration of AI in market research, the cultural and leadership shifts required, and the...

Join us for an insightful episode as we delve into the "Hook, Line, and Thinker" workshop, designed to revolutionise storytelling in the research industry. Discover how this training, led by expert Daniel Wain, equips participants with the tools to craft compelling narratives that cut through the noise.  Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this workshop offer...

In this conversation, Kate O'Keeffe, CEO and co-founder of Heatseeker, discusses the revolutionary approach of AI-driven experimentation in marketing. With highlights on how Heatseeker differentiates itself from traditional A/B testing by providing real-time, data-driven insights that allow businesses to make informed decisions quickly. Kate shares experiences from Silicon Valley, emphasizing...

In this episode of Talking Insights, host António Almeida meet with Chelsea Gibbons, VP of Research Strategy at Sago, to explore a study on workplace happiness through technology. The conversation delves into how facial coding and micro-expression analysis were used to measure joy among users of a content management system across different cultures.  They discuss the implications of AI in research...

In this episode, our host António and Richard Preeti delve into the complexities of synthetic data and its implications for market research. They discuss the semantics of the term 'synthetic data', the role of AI in generating insights, and the importance of grounding AI outputs in real human data.  Richard emphasises the need for responsible usage of AI, the evolution of research method...

In this episode, António Almeida discusses the merger between Mintel and Black Swan Data with Matthew Nelson and Hugo. They explore the implications of predictive intelligence in market research, the challenges of integrating two companies, and the future of innovation in the CPG sector. The conversation highlights the importance of cultural fit, the role of AI in democratizing insights, and the n...

In this episode of Talkin' Insights, host António Almeida speaks with Wes Michael, founder of Rare Patient Voice, about the critical role of patient voices in market research and healthcare. They discuss the evolution of patient participation, the importance of diversity and inclusion in recruitment, and the global expansion of Rare Patient Voice. Wes shares insights on building trust with pa...

In this conversation, Aditi Garg, a Consumer Strategy expert and Founder at Out of Syllabus, discusses India's evolving landscape of sustainability.  She highlights the differences in consumer behaviour between urban and rural populations, the emotional drivers behind sustainable choices, and the challenges brands face in effectively communicating their sustainability efforts. The discussion...

In this insightful conversation, António Almeida and Adele Jolliffe (from Kantar) delve into the data decision gap in marketing. They discuss the challenges marketers face in utilising vast amounts of data effectively and the disconnect between data and decision-making. Adele shares practical steps to bridge this gap, emphasising the importance of expanding data inputs and outputs, and the role of...