Collaborative Customer Growth: A New Era of Data-Driven Growth

John Goh, Medibank's Head of Martech, joins us in this episode to discuss the changing function of marketing technology across the market. John talks about his professional trajectory from web publishing to spearheading significant transformation initiatives. He provides insights into the paradox of Martech adoption, the unspoken consequences of leadership debt, and the importance of culture and trust, in addition to technology. In addition to the growing significance of privacy-first leadership, we talk about adaptability, curiosity, and the significance of bringing Martech teams closer to the consumer. A discussion about how Martech executives can use technology, people, and trust to negotiate complexity and spur growth

In this episode, we sit down with Charles Weiser to explore what it really means to design customer-centric organisations in today’s data-driven world. From his early career at British Airways to leading CX across banking, telco, and beyond, Charles shares insights on loyalty, the silent dissatisfied majority, and why experience must be viewed holistically. We discuss the tension between regulation and innovation, how AI is reshaping boardroom conversations, and why trust, both in people and systems, remains critical. A thought-provoking look at how empathy, governance, and data intersect to shape the future of customer experience.

Danny Tyrrell and Michael Bridgeman sit down for a one-on-one debrief of the Q1 2025 Market Insights, fresh from the team at DataCo Labs. From global uncertainty to shifting consumer behaviours, they dive into what’s really happening in Aussie retail, and why the story isn’t all rosy. They unpack how financial transaction data, segmentation tools, and broader market indicators are helping businesses cut through the noise and make smarter decisions. And while the headlines scream downturn, they explore how smart operators are finding growth in unexpected places. The numbers reveal surprising resilience (and a few flatlines) that prompt deeper questions about who’s winning, who’s stalling, and why. This update is a window into what the data says about the year so far, and what to watch for next.

In this episode of Data Conversations, we’re joined by Dr. Jason Pallant. Affectionately known as 'The MarTech Doctor', Jason operates at the intersection of academia and practical marketing. A Senior Lecturer in Marketing Technology at RMIT University and one of the region’s leading voices on customer-centric innovation, he’s spent over 25 years helping businesses and students alike understand how technology is transforming the way we engage with customers. He’s also the architect behind Asia-Pacific’s first undergraduate major in marketing technology, shaping the next generation of marketers to think data-first and future-ready. Together, we explore the evolving role of MarTech in business strategy, how education is adapting to keep pace with rapid innovation, and why curiosity and experimentation are key traits for today’s marketers.

In this episode of Data Conversations, we’re joined by Adam Posner, founder and CEO of The Point of Loyalty, and the data-driven loyalty strategist behind some of Australia’s most recognisable brands. Over his 31-year career in direct marketing, Adam has helped shape customer strategies for brands like Accor Hotels, Bupa, Westpac, Mastercard, Bakers Delight and Blue Bungalow. He’s also the founder and brain behind For Love or Money — the definitive consumer research study on customer loyalty in Australia and New Zealand, running annually since 2013.  Adam unpacks the findings from the freshly released 2025 For Love or Money study, now in its 13th Australian edition. We explore how loyalty program preferences are shifting across Australia, why emotional connection still matters, and what businesses can do to create programs that are not just profitable but truly meaningful.

What does it really take to build lasting customer value? In this episode, we sit down with Anna Samkova, digital strategist, transformation leader and consultant to some of Australia’s biggest retail brands. With two decades of experience in CRM, loyalty, and omnichannel growth, Anna shares the hard-won insights that separate short-term wins from long-term impact. She unpacks the client growth framework she uses to help brands harness data to deliver smarter, more human engagement across every touchpoint. This chat is packed with sharp takes on what’s working in retail today and where leaders are still missing the mark.

In this episode of Data Conversations, hosts Danny and Michael dive into fresh market insights from the first quarter of 2025. With big names like Mosaic Brands and Ally Fashion collapsing and consumer spending shifting in unexpected ways, the duo unpacks what the data is really telling us about Australia’s retail landscape. From household appliances to fashion and furnishings, they explore which segments are feeling the pinch, who’s still E30 Retail Shake Ups, Consumer Shifts and Market Insights from Q1'25 with Danny and Michaelspending and why market share gains now could pay off later. Plus, they reveal how external data and customer segmentation can guide smarter decisions in uncertain times. Tune in for an in-depth look at the state of play — and what’s on the horizon for Q2.

In this episode, we sit down with Monica Ly, co-founder of EdgeRed, a boutique Australian consultancy specialising in data analytics and AI solutions. Monica shares her journey from roles at a few of the big 4’s to establishing EdgeRed in 2018. She shares how her strong foundation in mathematics has been pivotal in leading large-scale data projects, including platform migrations and the implementation of data governance frameworks. We discuss the importance of fostering a transparent and collaborative culture, the strategic advantage of investing in young talent, and the evolving landscape of data consulting. She also highlights EdgeRed's pragmatic approach to delivering actionable insights, emphasising services like data engineering, visualisation, governance, and strategy consulting. Grab a coffee and take a listen to discover how EdgeRed empowers organisations of all sizes to make faster, smarter decisions through data and AI excellence.

Today we sat down with techno-optimist Con Frantzeskos, a visionary strategist and business leader who has helped global brands like Emirates, Xero, Hilton and Toyota achieve remarkable growth through data-driven innovation. Con has advised C-suite executives worldwide, to solve complex challenges at the intersection of marketing, technology, and customer experience. Now an active investor and advisor in the startup space, he’s passionate about leveraging AI and emerging technologies to transform customer experiences and redefine business success. Tune in as we explore our evolving digital landscape and how businesses can stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. You can connect with Con on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/confrantzeskos/ Or via his personal site: https://thefrant.com/

Join Michael, Danny, and returning guest Olly Rees as they explore the rise of a collaborative customer growth ecosystem powered by financial data. Discover how data-driven partnerships can unlock new value, enhance customer experiences, and drive strategic growth in a privacy-conscious world.