Data Gurus Podcast | Insights on Business Strategy, Mergers and Acquisitions, Market Research & Data Collection – Details, episodes & analysis

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Data Gurus Podcast | Insights on Business Strategy, Mergers and Acquisitions, Market Research & Data Collection

Sima Vasa

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/11d. Total Eps: 252

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.

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https://www.infinity-2.com/
177 shares
https://corporate.paradigmsample.com/
13 shares
http://sima@infinity-2.com
13 shares

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simavasa/
203 shares
https://www.linkedin.com/company/infinity-squared-ventures/
8 shares
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-barry-8354036/
4 shares

https://twitter.com/simavasa
196 shares
https://veylinx.com/
2 shares
https://twitter.com/thesmitheegroup/
2 shares

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Score global : 48%

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Synthetic Sample with Carol Sue Haney of Qualtrics

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 • Duration 13:51

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 generative AI and the development of proprietary LLMs, moving into agentic work and synthetic sampling, which she predicts will rival non-probability human sampling for quick-turn research. She emphasizes the challenges CMOs face with data overload and the fundamental importance of using regression analysis to link customer experience (CX) data, including the surprising weight of marketing messages, to crucial business outcomes like renewal and revenue growth.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.
03:12 Data research careers spanned decades before computers existed.
06:35 Early generative AI investment provides significant competitive advantages.
09:20 Synthetic research boosts accuracy using rich, proven seed data.
13:02 AI models instantly incorporate new information for continuous improvement.
17:09 Regression remains essential for identifying true business drivers.
20:42 Curated data and guided AI make regression faster and reliable.
24:18 Financial independence through careers empowers women in critical ways.
25:42 Mentorship and knowledge sharing strengthen the entire research industry.

Resources Mentioned:

Qualtrics | Website

#Analytics #MA #Data #Strategy #Innovation #Acquisitions #MRX #Restech

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Why Insights Need a Spotify Moment with Casper Henningsen of GetWhy

Tuesday, December 2, 2025 • Duration 15:31

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, highlighting how patience, curiosity and deep understanding of human behavior have shaped his company’s mission to make insights more actionable and creative for modern businesses.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.01:52 Transitioning from sports to business brings valuable discipline and focus.
04:10 Strong insights drive creativity, profitability and better decision-making.
06:55 Patience and curiosity are essential for meaningful business growth.
10:55 Modern marketing requires dynamic, always-on decision-making models.
13:33 Human empathy remains central to driving innovation and connection.
15:47 Real conversations create richer datasets for strategic decision-making.
19:30 Effective storytelling and packaging determine insights adoption.
21:18 The future of insights lies in consumable, engaging content formats.
24:08 Shifting from projects to capabilities creates long-term impact.
26:52 Visionary leadership and collaboration drive successful transformation.

Resources Mentioned:

GetWhy | Website

Thanks for listening to the “Data Gurus” podcast, brought to you by Infinity Squared. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

Leading Change Without Losing Connection with Tim Wragg of Human8

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 • Duration 14:22

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 timing remain vital in an industry defined by data abundance and technological transformation.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.
02:54 Behavioral science background shaped leadership in insights.
05:56 Strong networks consistently drive new business opportunities.
08:58 Human-led insights, AI-enabled, define the mission.
11:26 East-to-west innovation now reshapes brand strategies.
15:20 Synthetic data accelerates low-risk performance decisions.
17:50 Leaders should regularly meet real customers in person.
20:49 Cultural context often determines new product success.
24:32 Pace transformation carefully to protect teams and stakeholders.
27:26 AI changes slowly, then suddenly accelerates across organizations.

Resources Mentioned:

Human8 | Website

#Analytics #MA #Data #Strategy #Innovation #Acquisitions #MRX #Restech

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Teaching the ‘Why’ Behind Advanced Analytics with Megan Peitz of Numerious

Thursday, October 23, 2025 • Duration 25:07

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 empowering more leaders to make data-driven decisions. The episode covers Megan’s approach to advanced analytics, the foundations of Numerious, client partnership strategies and Megan’s commitment to transparency and teaching.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.
03:28 Curiosity drives effective business problem-solving.
09:12 Teaching methodology builds client trust and adoption.
10:59 Choice-based research simulates real purchasing decisions.
15:19 AI tools require human context validation.
16:17 Statistical quality checks improve data reliability.
17:48 Smart planning upfront leads to stronger insights later.
21:50 The best insights come from collaboration, not hierarchy.
23:09 Leading projects for major brands fuels future impact.

Resources Mentioned:

Numerious | Website

#Analytics #MA #Data #Strategy #Innovation #Acquisitions #MRX #Restech

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How Client Voices Drive Strategy with Elizabeth Finn of The Directions Group

Tuesday, October 7, 2025 • Duration 13:24

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 company with an AI-first mindset, integrated intelligence framework and client-centric leadership. Elizabeth offers candid reflections on building strategy without a playbook, empowering teams and breaking barriers as a woman CEO in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.
03:05 Early experiences build the foundation for client-centric leadership.
07:00 Direct client interaction creates credibility and market relevance.
09:08 A disciplined approach ensures strategy delivers measurable results.
11:00 Transparency and consistent communication drive cultural alignment.
15:11 AI requires reimagining workflows, not just automation.
21:13 Leaders strengthen culture by listening before giving direction.
24:18 Reflection and recognition help overcome imposter syndrome.
25:42 Rapid decision-making is essential when you don’t have a defined playbook.

Resources Mentioned:

The Directions Group | Website

#Analytics #MA #Data #Strategy #Innovation #Acquisitions #MRX #Restech

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

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 • Duration 18:09

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, Co-Founder of Data Quality Co-Op; and Steven Snell, EVP, Head of Research of Rep Data. Together, they explore the growing challenges of fraud, trust and integrity in research, and the solutions needed to safeguard reliable insights.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.
03:26 Prospect panel data quality has declined sharply.
08:30 The industry faces a coordination problem in data quality.
11:42 Good-looking fraud now impacts up to a quarter of respondents.
18:20 Vendor tools differ greatly in detecting fraud and inattention.
24:28 Respondent experience is critical to achieving trustworthy results.
26:38 Brands cannot rely on flawed data for product launches or tracking.
31:02 Industry change is accelerating, creating both risk and opportunity.
32:54 Real progress begins when clients ask vendors the tough questions.
35:06 Data quality is a game of inches, not silver bullets.

Resources Mentioned:

Escalent | Website

Why Your Audience Targeting Is Missing 90% of Buyers with David Allison of The Valuegraphics Research Company

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 • Duration 37:23

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 countries, David explains why demographics have a 90% fail rate and how identifying what truly matters to people can increase effectiveness eightfold.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction
05:03 The human brain decides solely based on values alignment.
06:36 One million surveys reveal 56 values driving human behavior.
09:21 Values are fixed for life and guide all decisions.
13:10 Demographic targeting carries a built‑in 90% fail rate.
14:33 Generational cohorts are far from homogeneous in reality.
16:03 Psychographics describe the past but fail to predict actions.
18:39 Values segmentation identifies the real triggers for engagement.
23:00 A “pink van” story illustrates values‑based recruiting success.
29:06 Values can reveal larger audiences than demographics suggest.
35:00 Values‑based targeting is eight times more effective.

Resources Mentioned:

The Valuegraphics Research Company | Website

#Analytics #MA #Data #Strategy #Innovation #Acquisitions #MRX #Restech

Why Survey Data Still Powers the World’s Biggest Decisions with Michael Ramlet of Morning Consult

Tuesday, July 29, 2025 • Duration 18:46

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 Takeaways:

(03:31) Real-time data is essential for informing business decisions at the highest levels.
(05:53) Controlling the supply chain of data collection leads to better quality and cost efficiencies.
(10:42) Ownership of quality requires end-to-end accountability, not reliance on third parties.
(14:04) Insights functions must connect their work directly to financial outcomes to stay relevant.
(19:44) AI can democratize access to structured data, making insights more actionable across organizations.
(21:29) The role of insights teams is evolving — those who don’t adapt risk becoming obsolete.
(25:32) Finance teams are emerging as key users of insights data alongside marketing and strategy.
(30:32) Aligning company culture around intensity and accountability is key to sustaining growth in a fast-changing industry.

Resources Mentioned:

Morning Consult | Website

Thanks for listening to the Data Gurus podcast, brought to you by Infinity Squared. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.

Consumer Paradoxes and Market Shifts with J. Walker Smith of Kantar

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 • Duration 27:32

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 brands focused on well-being and personalization.

(13:55) Gen Z prioritizes mental health and values digital convenience.

(17:20) Gen Z’s tech-driven shopping requires marketing to algorithms.

(19:33) Curating market data to refine key insights and filter noise.

(21:48) AI will automate research tasks, shifting insights to focus on growth.

(25:36) Future insights roles will prioritize strategic growth over pure research.

Resources Mentioned:

Kantar

Why CX Is Finally Earning C-Suite Attention with Ania Rodriguez of JourneyTrack

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 • Duration 26:00

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 strategy all matter when shifting from services to product.

Key Takeaways:

(02:12) Ania’s background combines engineering, people and systems for innovation.

(08:09) UX focuses on micro journeys while CX strategy operates at higher levels.

(09:36) CX covers the full customer relationship, from awareness to advocacy.

(11:15) C-suite now cares about CX, tying it to business outcomes and metrics.

(12:36) CXPA is more strategic than most UX organizations.

(15:30) Journey management tools connect insights to actions using integrations.

(17:42) Journey management surfaces insights faster.

(19:03) Time to first value is a crucial metric for SaaS adoption and success.

(22:03) Knowing your financials and finding a niche are vital for entrepreneurs.

Resources Mentioned:

JourneyTrack | Website

Data Gurus Podcast | Insights on Business Strategy, Mergers and Acquisitions, Market Research & Data Collection – Details, episodes & analysis

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Data Gurus Podcast | Insights on Business Strategy, Mergers and Acquisitions, Market Research & Data Collection – Details, episodes & analysis

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