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 the importance of connecting insights to financial outcomes. Key ...
Jul 29, 2025•19 min
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 familiarity and reassurance from brands over novelty. (10:55) Consumers prefer ...
Jul 15, 2025•28 min
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 power — and why data integration, category creation and capital st...
Jun 03, 2025•26 min
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 solutions in transforming client strategy. Key Takeaways: (02:13...
May 20, 2025•20 min
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 and vendors alike. Key Takeaways: (02:25) Early career...
Apr 24, 2025•26 min
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 humans and AI. Key Takeaways: (03:33) Reputation is emerging as a...
Apr 09, 2025•17 min
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 comedy and storytelling in research, emphasizing that whether it’...
Mar 25, 2025•30 min
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 insights evolution shifted insights managers into strategic business partners. (...
Feb 25, 2025•12 min
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 engineer before transitioning to data mining. (07:47) Industry disruption ...
Feb 11, 2025•33 min
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 reliable insights for large media investments. (11:32) Rigorous me...
Jan 28, 2025•26 min
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 familiarity and reassurance from brands over novelty. (10:55) Consumers prefer br...
Jan 14, 2025•28 min
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 citizens, not consumers. (06:58) Global polling now offers real-time insights...
Dec 03, 2024•16 min
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 with new technology. (10:32) How UX and design align with research. (14:2...
Nov 12, 2024•27 min
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) At...
Oct 29, 2024•35 min
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 insig...
Oct 15, 2024•15 min
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. (1...
Oct 01, 2024•20 min
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...
Sep 17, 2024•29 min
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 C...
Sep 03, 2024•11 min
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. (06:0...
Aug 27, 2024•24 min
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 beha...
Aug 06, 2024•20 min
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 tra...
Jul 23, 2024•21 min
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 in...
Jun 11, 2024
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 im...
May 21, 2024•22 min
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. (...
Apr 30, 2024•21 min
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 analyt...
Apr 09, 2024•39 min
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 c...
Mar 26, 2024•28 min
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 Ta...
Mar 13, 2024•23 min
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 embedd...
Mar 05, 2024•29 min
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...
Feb 06, 2024•23 min
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 obse...
Jan 17, 2024•30 min
