In this episode, Kathryn chats with Natalia Lumpkin, VP of Consumer Insights at PepsiCo. Natalia shares her inspiring career journey from studying law and political science in Poland to landing her current role in the US. They discuss the critical role of data analysis, balancing intuition with concrete data, and ever-evolving consumer behaviors, especially focusing on Gen Z. Natalia also covers the integration of digital and in-store experiences to engage consumers and build long-term loyalty.
Guest Quote:
“ I think we're not in a shortage of data…However, all of these data sources are really important for us because this is what feeds the intelligence and overall capabilities to then generate and produce actionable insights. In most places that I've been in, we have way too much data that we can absorb. So it's very important to not just have access to data, but be very clear about what we want to do with that data and collect it, not for the sake of having it, but actually for the sake of pairing it with tools and capabilities that really help us understand what we can go and do with it.”
Episode Breakdown:
[03:56] Alchemy Unveiled: Picking up the crumbs left behind
There is no shortage of data, so the question becomes: what are we going to do with the data we have? Natalia and her team focus on the information that consumers leave behind about their behavior, likes and dislikes, and leverage this data to better inform the entire customer journey.
[18:10] From Nuggets to Campaign Gold: Getting to know Gen Z
To fit in the moment, you need to have the right product. What PepsiCo is learned is that Gen Z is all about relevant, personal experiences, so tapping into the consumer where they are at the right time is key. Both in-store and online experiences are essential for better understanding and interacting with Gen Z to create the types of experiences they are looking for through products.
[34:16] Gold Rush: Be the choice on the consumer journey
Consumer intelligence and empathy create more meaningful and delightful products. Natalia’s focus is always how to address unmet needs that elevate brand experiences. By focusing on quality, innovation, and omnichannel integration, she aims to enhance value, deliver unique moments of indulgence, and cater to diverse consumers across all touchpoints.
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