

The Insighter's Club Podcast
Stravito
What does it take to turn insights into better, faster decisions? How is the role of insight professionals evolving in an increasingly complex world? Can a communications mindset help insights teams drive growth and impact?These are just some of the questions shaping the future of the insights industry, and we’re exploring them here on The Insighter’s Club Podcast. Hosted by Ross Dempsey, Director of Insight Engagement Services at Stravito, we dive into the challenges and opportunities ahead with leaders, innovators, and disruptors from across the insights industry. Formerly known as The Consumer Insights Podcast, this next chapter seeks to dig even deeper, exploring bold ideas and fresh strategies to keep you ahead of the curve.Follow us on Apple or Spotify, and subscribe to our Insighter’s Club newsletter for valuable and exclusive insights content from us at Stravito.Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to the show, welcome to The Insighter’s Club!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 13, 2025 • 30min
Why Triple-Win Thinking Will Define the Future of Insights with Cristina Marinucci, Global VP, Growth & Omni Commercial Insights at Mondelēz
Cristina Marinucci, Global VP at Mondelēz International, shares her expertise in harnessing insights for brand growth. She emphasizes the importance of a holistic strategy that unites insights across sales and marketing. Cristina advocates for a 'triple win' approach, benefiting brands, retailers, and shoppers. The conversation also delves into leveraging AI for decision-making and the power of diverse career experiences in shaping adaptive leaders. Curiosity is highlighted as essential for embarking on new opportunities and fostering continuous growth.

Jan 30, 2025 • 28min
Turning Uncertainty into Strategy with Jennifer Brace, Chief Futurist at Ford Motor Company
The future may be uncertain, but your business strategy doesn’t have to be. The secret? Stop predicting and start preparing. In this episode, Jennifer Brace, Chief Futurist at Ford Motor Company, challenges the way insight professionals think about data, foresights, and the future. She explains the importance of broadening the scope of long-term planning to include external signals, consumer reactions, and macro factors like climate change.We also discuss:Why consumers struggle to predict their own behavior.The STEEP framework.How AI adoption hinges more on public acceptance than tech capabilities.Join The Insighter’s Club and get exclusive industry insights, expert analysis, and cutting-edge trends delivered straight to your inbox

Jan 16, 2025 • 2min
Introducing the Insighter’s Club Podcast
Welcome to the Insighter’s Club.In this new chapter of the Consumer Insights Podcast, we’ll be digging even deeper into the big questions on the minds of insights leaders today. Join host Ross Dempsey as he speaks with a wide range of leaders, innovators and disruptors from across the insights space.Tune in for a sneak peek of what’s ahead, and be sure to subscribe to the Insighter’s Club newsletter for exclusive content you won’t want to miss.

Dec 19, 2024 • 45min
2024 Year in Review
In this special episode, Thor is joined by Ross Dempsey, Director of Insight Engagement Services at Stravito and former head of Burberry’s award-winning insights engagement program. They explore the year’s standout themes, tapping into the lessons that shaped 2024, as well as the priorities insights professionals need to focus on for the year to come.Listen to the end for an exciting announcement about what the podcast has in-store for 2025.

Dec 5, 2024 • 33min
Multi-Dimensional Insights with Maryellen Mantyla, Consumer Insights Manager at Eastman
It’s well-known that insights can offer companies competitive advantage – but what about collaborative advantage?In this episode, Maryellen Mantyla, Consumer Insights Manager at Eastman, explores the business potential of sharing insights externally. She offers strategies for presenting them effectively to partners, customers, and stakeholders across the value chain, demonstrating how open, well-communicated insights can elevate a company’s impact and relevance in the industry.We also discuss: Maryellen’s approach to insights, based on a multi-layered analysis.The importance of clear and attractive visualization of insights to compel diverse audiences.Why insights professionals need to resist the urge to soften findings—and present the full story instead.

Nov 21, 2024 • 28min
Changing Minds and Winning Hearts with Patrick Alcantara, Strategic Customer Insight Lead (UK & Ireland) at AXA
Insights are nuggets of truth about the world or ourselves.But truth alone doesn’t drive change. The real challenge is communicating how and why things can improve based on those findings.In this episode, we’re joined by Patrick Alcantara, Strategic Customer Insights Lead (UK & Ireland) at AXA, one of the world’s largest insurers. Patrick talks about the importance of communicating insights effectively to influence minds at all levels of business and inspire meaningful change.We also cover:Why the best insights come from combining technical expertise with emotional intelligence.How to tailor insights to your audience’s specific needs to overcome resistance and gain buy-in.The importance of blending data-driven analysis with compelling storytelling to engage and persuade stakeholders.

Nov 7, 2024 • 29min
The Additive Value of Data with Dan Foreman, Insights Entrepreneur and Former President of ESOMAR
Is data the new oil?In this episode, we welcome Dan Foreman, insights entrepreneur and former president of ESOMAR, who shares his thoughts on what makes data, and by extension insights professionals, so important in today’s world.We also discuss: How the insights industry would look if it were built todayWhy data is so valuableThe importance of spending time outside the insights space How to use a data curation approach to build customer affinity

Oct 24, 2024 • 24min
Using AI to Unlock the Business Potential of Insights with Febronia Ruocco, Global Strategic Insights & Analytics Director & Executive Coach
As AI advances, critical questions around ethics, limitations, and capabilities emerge. Can it ever truly replicate human insight? How is it reshaping business cost structures? Who really owns the data?To tackle these pressing issues—and raise even more—we’re joined by Febronia Ruocco, Global Strategic Insights & Analytics Director and Executive Coach. Febronia discusses AI’s potential, dispels common myths, and reveals how insights professionals can leverage AI to become strategic commercial partners for businesses.We also discuss: Why effective stakeholder management and communication are more essential than everBroader implications of AI in the insights industryThe importance of starting every project with commercial impact in focus

Oct 10, 2024 • 26min
Cutting Through the AI Noise with Aaron Cannon, CEO & Co-Founder at Outset
The secret to leveraging real value from AI in qualitative research is thinking like a user, not an investor—and discerning the data. In this episode, we’re joined by Aaron Cannon, CEO & Co-Founder at Outset, as he explores how AI can eliminate the trade-offs between depth and speed in qualitative research to gather richer, more actionable insights at scale—without the traditional time and cost limitations.We also discuss: How to avoid common pitfalls in AI adoption by focusing on user needs and real-life applications.The importance of thinking iteratively and adapting as research progresses.How to balance depth and scale when conducting research.The power of mixed-methods research + how AI can enhance both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Sep 26, 2024 • 30min
Translating Unstructured Data into Actionable Insights with Victoria Gnatoka, Customer Experience Product Manager at Expedia Group
Victoria Gnatoka, Customer Experience Product Manager at Expedia Group, reveals her expertise in transforming unstructured data into actionable insights. She highlights that by next year, a staggering 70-80% of data will be unstructured. Victoria shares strategies for leveraging an omni-channel approach, ensuring data integration for a holistic customer understanding. She stresses the importance of focusing on high-impact insights to combat data overload, and discusses the challenges and necessities in effectively processing this data to enhance customer experiences.