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

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 measurable performance indicator, not just a brand attribute.(05:50) Experience across public, private and policy sectors brings new perspectives to AI strategy.(09:48) Businesses must amplify authentic proof points to shape their narrative.(11:30) Strategy, licensing and technology serve as core AI frameworks.(15:18) Most companies say they're AI-powered, but they often aren’t.(17:25) Companies face pressure to stay consistent despite political shifts.(22:03) Risk aversion is rising in marketing and communications teams.(26:04) Reputation began with surveys and evolved to media monitoring.(28:05) Digital coworkers will reshape talent and collaboration in organizations.(31:55) AI is ultimately just flexible, talking software.











Resources Mentioned:



Signal AI



Ask AIQ by Signal AI



Kelp























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.











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

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's data or humor, connection and clarity are the keys.











Key Takeaways:



(02:09) Dig Insights’ journey from startup to private equity-backed growth.



(05:35) The importance of maintaining research rigor despite industry pressures.



(08:10) Large scales don’t guarantee better insights, just higher correlations.



(12:22) Swiping-based surveys introduced choice and engagement.



(15:46) Research needs exist along a flexible service continuum.



(18:40) Effective AI requires context and customization.



(20:22) Synthetic data performs better in sentiment analysis than research.



(25:22) AI accelerates research by automating data interpretation.



(28:08) Ian’s passion for stand-up comedy and life beyond market research.











Resources Mentioned:



Upsiide by Dig Insights



Scott Galloway’s 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.











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

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.



(05:53) Stephan Gans’ vision at Pepsi focused on democratizing learning and insights-driven decision-making.



(09:48) The development of ADA, Pepsi’s internal platform for integrating data sources.



(10:28) Different data streams complement rather than contradict insights.



(13:57) Insights professionals must evolve into strategic business consultants.



(16:54) Business acumen is becoming essential for future consumer insights roles.



(20:58) AI is reshaping consumer insights by automating processes and enhancing decision-making.







Resources Mentioned:



Zappi



“The Consumer Insights Revolution” by Steve Phillips, Ryan Barry and Stephan Gans











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.











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

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 in the 2010s drove significant changes.



(10:02) Speed, quality and cost efficiency reshape client research.



(12:16) Successful disruptors reshape categories with innovative, lasting ideas.



(14:31) Scaling innovation is tricky, even for large companies.



(16:57) Old survey designs create noise and reduce data quality.



(20:44) Human touch remains vital in interpreting client reporting.



(23:17) Situational research helps with product innovation and demand space.



(26:28) AI co-pilots are creating significant momentum in the research industry.



(29:56) Research now stands at the forefront of the data ecosystem.







Resources Mentioned:



Delineate 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.















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

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 measurement turns $10M in ad spend into $20M in value.(13:10) Daily insights from Upwave simplify complex national ad campaigns.(15:12) Actionable insights drive Upwave’s mission to optimize brand investments.(16:23) Targeted surveys reveal brand impact across specific ad campaigns.(17:59) The ad ecosystem spans brands, publishers and a complex chain of intermediaries.(20:36) Generative AI powers Upwave’s automated ad reporting with Trade Desk.(22:47) Advertising shares dynamics with financial markets, including bidding and price discovery.







Resources Mentioned:



UpWaveTrade Desk







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.











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