Quarterly Review, Q2 2024

The world of insights is continuously expanding. But what does that mean for insights professionals? And what skills do you need to stay ahead as the industry evolves?In this episode, we dive deep into these topics with Bipul Markan, Head of Research and Insights MENA at Assembly Global. He encourages insights leaders to broaden their capabilities, embrace new tools, and foster a culture of learning within their teams to navigate the shifts in consumer behavior and the world of insights.We also discuss: How synthetic data offers valuable opportunities in market research, especially for experimentation and data augmentation.How to supplement traditional research methods with newer methodologies.Why advanced analytics are worth the investment.

Want to elevate your career in insights? Start thinking like a toddler.In this episode, we're joined by Sean McCullough, Sr. Brand Insights Manager for Coors Family of Brands, Imports, Economy, Non-Alc, & Whiskey at Molson Coors. Sean discusses how he takes inspiration from the world of insights and beyond to continuously cultivate his sense of curiosity.We also cover:The critical role of understanding human behavior in extracting meaningful insights from data for smarter business decisions.Why new research isn’t always the answer + how to maximize the use of existing resourcesThe power of understanding all consumer demographics to maximize market potential and enhance engagement.

Insights isn’t a standalone discipline.The more you work in concert with other areas of the business, the more likely you are to deliver on consumers wants and needs. In this episode, we’re joined by Tara Kenneway, Senior Brand Strategist and Insights Manager at T-Mobile, as she explores how to build insightful brands through an interdisciplinary approach. She discusses the intersection of insights, brand strategy, and product development, leading to a comprehensive understanding of consumers that goes beyond the obvious.We also discuss:Why it’s essential to talk to consumers early and often.How communities can be a powerful resource in your insights toolbox.How to make more time for experimentation in your everyday work.

Join us for this Quarterly Review episode as host Thor Olof Philogène revisits some of the highlights from recent episodes, exploring the varied and rich perspectives of the brilliant insights leaders who’ve joined the podcast this quarter.Stay tuned for the next season of the Consumer Insights Podcast coming in August.

“Are we asking the right questions? Are we asking the right people? Are we asking in the right context and at the right time?”In this episode, we are joined by Global Head of Consumer Insights and Customer Experience  Jascina Simeon who firmly believes that consumers do know what they want, as long as insights professionals are asking the right questions and using the precise methodologies. We also discuss: How context and external factors are crucial to understanding changes in consumer behaviorWhy insights professionals need to go beyond demographics and have a grasp of generational differences and the challenges they poseThe importance of being open, curious, and brave in the insights industry

How can you maximize the impact of your insights while working in an imperfect world?Bonnie Chiurazzi, Director of Market Insights at Glassdoor, joins us to share how her transition from CPG to tech has shaped her rigorous approach to market research. She also explores the best practices for leveraging research methodologies in real-world contexts and how this yields deeper insights.We also discuss:The risks of democratizing the research processThe pros and cons of pairing Category Entry Points (CEP) analysis with journey maps and leveraging them to drive engagement.Why businesses should focus product development on early adopters rather than late adopters.

“Insights aren’t just for marketing. They’re for the whole business”. And that’s precisely why it’s essential to be a business intelligence expert.In this episode, Nick Rich, Group VP Insights & Analytics, ex-InterContinental Hotels Group/Carlsberg, shares the importance of building capabilities and competencies around problem-solving, developing business talent, and achieving growth. We also discuss: Why it’s essential to tailor innovation to brands and portfoliosThe importance of leveraging existing knowledge to drive commission better researchWhy business performance analytics should be priority #1 for insights teams

Uncertainty or opportunity? It’s only a matter of perspective.Drawing upon a wealth of experience in leveraging secondary research foresights, Stephanie Hutchison, Principal Divisional Strategy Consultant at Health Care Service Corporation, joins us to explore the opportunities in the future of the insights industry and share how insights professionals can prepare today to exploit these opportunities and reach their full potential within their businesses.We also discuss:Stephanie’s step-by-step approach for businesses to build a Future Trends Program How AI can help  insights professionals become thought leaders in their organizationsThe importance of continuous education in the insights industry, whether formal or informal, to upskill and scale. 

In a world where change is the only constant, adapting to a new normal falls short. Companies must anticipate the next normal to thrive, and insights are essential to achieve this. In this episode, Michael Nevski, Director, Global Insights at Visa, offers tangible strategies for insights leaders to help consumers navigate through economic stressors stemming from our dynamic world. He emphasizes the importance of communication, trust, community, and adaptation in facing next-normal scenarios from both the consumer and company perspectives.We also discuss: How to stop the insights function from being seen as a cost centerPractical strategies for building brand trust with consumersWhat early adopters can teach us about GenAI's impacts on consumer behavior

To work with insights is to drive change. And while driving change is always easier said than done, it’s far from impossible.In this episode, Deepa Iyer, Sr. Director of Market Research and Data Science at Fossil Group, shares how her rich career working both agency-side and brand-side has taught her how to drive insightful action through empathy, humility, and technical expertise. Join us as we also discuss: How brand-side insights leaders can adopt a consultant mindsetBest practices + what to watch out for when working with insights from a strategic perspective The potential impacts of generative AI in the Insights world