Data Gurus Podcast | Insights on Business Strategy, Mergers and Acquisitions, Market Research & Data Collection
Business & Finance
About
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
- Diversity as a Business Imperative with Dr. Poornima Luthra
Dr. Poornima Luthra, Author, Educator and Keynote Speaker, joins Sima Vasa to make the evidence-based case that DEI backlash is rooted in fear, not fact, and that most organizations have never done the systemic work required to make inclus…
- From Data Silos to Insights Intelligence with Thor Olof Philogène of Stravito
Thor Olof Philogène , Founder and CEO of Stravito , joins Sima Vasa to discuss knowledge discovery at scale and how AI-powered insights intelligence can turn fragmented enterprise research into a competitive asset. Thor also covers Stravit…
- From Gut Decisions to Causal Scenarios in Research with Jason Cohen of Simulacra Synthetic Data Studio
On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Jason Cohen , Founder and CEO of Simulacra Synthetic Data Studio , about the limits of traditional research, the evolution of synthetic data, and why causal modeling matters more than larger sample…
- Linking Cultural Insight, AI and Brand Growth with David Wellisch of Collage Group
On this episode, David Wellisch , Co-Founder and CEO of Collage Group , talks to Sima Vasa about cultural intelligence as a measurable driver of brand relevance, growth and purchase intent. David shares his path from AOL and private equity…
- Synthetic Sample with Carol Sue Haney of Qualtrics
Host Sima Vasa welcomes Carol Sue Haney, Head of Research and Data Science, Engineering at Qualtrics , to discuss the transformative role of AI and data science in the market research industry. Carol Sue explains Qualtrics’ early bet on ge…
- Why Insights Need a Spotify Moment with Casper Henningsen of GetWhy
Host Sima Vasa talks to Casper Henningsen , CEO and Co-Founder of GetWhy , about reimagining insights through technology, empathy and human connection. Casper shares his unconventional journey from professional sports to entrepreneurship,…
- Leading Change Without Losing Connection with Tim Wragg of Human8
On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Tim Wragg , CEO of Human8 , who shares insights on leadership, AI’s role in research, and maintaining human connection in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Tim discusses how trust, empathy and t…
- Teaching the ‘Why’ Behind Advanced Analytics with Megan Peitz of Numerious
Sima Vasa speaks with Megan Peitz , Founder and Owner of Numerious . Megan shares her journey from math and statistics at Georgetown to building a powerhouse analytics consultancy, partnering directly with global product teams and empoweri…
- How Client Voices Drive Strategy with Elizabeth Finn of The Directions Group
On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Elizabeth Finn , President and CEO of The Directions Group . Elizabeth shares her journey from market research beginnings to leading a respected insights firm. She explains how she is guiding the co…
- Solving Data Quality Challenges with Dyna Boen of Escalent, Jon Kay of Intuit, Bob Fawson of Data Quality Co-op and Steven Snell of Rep Data
On this episode, host Sima Vasa leads a candid panel discussion on the state of data quality with four industry leaders: Dyna Boen , EVP/Managing Director of Escalent ; Jon Kay , Principal Market Research Manager of Intuit ; Bob Fawson , C…
- Why Your Audience Targeting Is Missing 90% of Buyers with David Allison of The Valuegraphics Research Company
On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to David Allison , Founder of The Valuegraphics Research Company , about replacing ineffective demographic targeting with values-based segmentation. Drawing on over one million surveys across 180 count…
- Why Survey Data Still Powers the World’s Biggest Decisions with Michael Ramlet of Morning Consult
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 u…
- Consumer Paradoxes and Market Shifts with J. Walker Smith of Kantar
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) Exper…
- Why CX Is Finally Earning C-Suite Attention with Ania Rodriguez of JourneyTrack
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-backe…
- The Financial Impact of Brand Investments with Greg Silverman of Interbrand
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…
- Going Beyond the Brief with Cynthia Harris of 8:28 Insights
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…
- Reputation as a Business Asset with Daniel Gaynor of Signal AI
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…
- The Future of Research and How AI and Humans Work Together with Ian Ash of Dig Insights
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…
- Building Smarter Insights Platforms with Steve Phillips and Ryan Barry of Zappi
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 b…
- Why In-the-Moment Data Matters with James Turner of Delineate
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 t…
- Exploring the Complexities of the Ad Ecosystem with George London of Upwave
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 fi…
- Consumer Paradoxes and Market Shifts with J. Walker Smith of Kantar
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) Exper…
- The Power of Public Opinion Data with Darrell Bricker of Ipsos
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…
- Lessons From 10 Years of Innovation with Michael Winnick of dscout
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 entrepreneu…
- The Role of Emotion in Marketing with Matt Celuszak of Element Human
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 u…
- Creating Impactful Narratives From Data with Tim Hoskins and Brett Townsend of Quester
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 Ti…
- How SAP’s Data-Driven Approach Fuels Customer Experience Innovation with Kai Stübane
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 j…
- Scaling Digital Qual with Eugene Murphy of Indeemo
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…
- Strategic Leadership in Action with Vittorio Raimondi of Foresight Strategy
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 succe…
- Embracing Digital Transformation with Priscilla McKinney of Little Bird Marketing
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 rela…
- The Future of Data Analytics and Fraud Detection with Andrew Moffatt of Qrious Insight
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 behavi…
- Leveraging Data for Competitive Advantage in Advertising with Comscore’s Steve Bagdasarian
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 d…
- Revolutionizing Market Research Using Creativity and Human-Centric Insights with Holland Martini of GOODQUES
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) Hol…
- Leading New Frontiers in Consumer Behavior and Data Science with Alex Hunt of Behaviorally
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 Takea…
- Unlocking the Secrets of Customer Satisfaction at the Point of Purchase
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…
- Behind the Success of Field Agent with Co-Founder Rick West
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 con…
- Leading Through Innovation and Insight with Chris Havemann of RealityMine
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,…
- Restech with Patrick Comer and Sima Vasa
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 busin…
- Leading the SaaS Analytics Revolution at Qrvey with Arman Eshraghi
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. Arm…
- A Pioneering Approach to Revolutionizing Consumer Insights with Steve Phillips of Zappi
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…
- Unveiling the Future of Shopper Insights with Amishi Takalkar of Nailbiter
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 a…
- Retail’s Future Shaped by Data Monetization with Panayotis Gezerlis of Convert Group
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 cons…
- Adapting Technology for Meaningful Insights with Ben Hookway of Relative Insight
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 i…
- Riding the Wave of Industry Evolution with Matt Britton at Suzy
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…
- The Evolution of Location Data and Consumer Privacy with Francesco Guglielmino of Cuebiq
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…
- Creating Value-Added Research Systems with Basel Fakhoury of User Interviews
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 disc…
- Ethical Quandaries in AI Models with Dr. Loubna Bouarfa at OKRA.ai
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 incre…
- Building Predictive AI with Thomas Zoëga Ramsøy at Neurons
On this episode, host Sima Vasa is joined by Thomas Zoëga Ramsøy , Founder and CEO of Neurons , to hear how he and his team are using large data sets to build AI models that can predict human behavior. In their conversation, Thomas and Sim…
- Purpose-Driven Data with Rob Pace at HundredX
On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Rob Pace , Founder and CEO of HundredX , about using data in a mission-driven organization to drive positive outcomes for both the business and the community. Rob and Sima discuss the following: – A…
- Leveraging AI as a Research Tool with Chris Barry at The Evolved Group
On this episode, host Sima Vasa is joined by Chris Barry , CEO of HumanListening™ at The Evolved Group , who discusses the role of AI tools, specifically large language learning models, in data research. Chris and Sima discussed the follow…