Data Gurus Podcast | Insights on Business Strategy, Mergers and Acquisitions, Market Research & Data Collection
Welcome to the the Data Gurus Podcast! The world around us is changing faster than ever before. From automation, artificial intelligence, big data, geo-location to every aspect of how we work and live. This includes DATA. Welcome to Data Gurus Podcast… our mission is to bring you a real life perspective on what’s happening in the data industry and how successful companies and individuals in this niche navigate through the sea of change. Encouraging you to Be Bold, Be Brave and Be Fearless – Let’s navigate the Data Ecosystem together.
Episodes
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 th...
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July 15, 2025 • 27 mins
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 ...
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June 3, 2025 • 26 mins
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 pow...
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May 20, 2025 • 20 mins
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 s...
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April 24, 2025 • 25 mins
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...
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April 9, 2025 • 17 mins
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 hu...
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March 25, 2025 • 30 mins
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 co...
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February 25, 2025 • 12 mins
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 i...
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February 11, 2025 • 32 mins
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 e...
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January 28, 2025 • 25 mins
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...
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January 14, 2025 • 27 mins
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 fami...
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December 3, 2024 • 15 mins
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 cit...
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November 12, 2024 • 26 mins
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...
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October 29, 2024 • 35 mins
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 hel...
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October 15, 2024 • 15 mins
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:
(03:4...
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October 1, 2024 • 20 mins
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...
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September 17, 2024 • 28 mins
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.
(0...
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September 3, 2024 • 11 mins
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) Ho...
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August 27, 2024 • 24 mins
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 fear...
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August 6, 2024 • 20 mins
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) ...
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