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
May 9, 2024 • 26min
An Optimistic Outlook for Insights with Stephanie Hutchison, Principal Divisional Strategy Consultant at Health Care Service Corporation
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.
Apr 25, 2024 • 32min
Anticipating The Next Normal with Michael Nevski, Director, Global Insights at Visa
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
Apr 11, 2024 • 33min
Empathy, Humility, Action: Driving Change with Deepa Iyer, Sr. Director of Market Research and Data Science at Fossil Group
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
Mar 28, 2024 • 28min
Quarterly Review, Q1 2024
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.
Mar 14, 2024 • 28min
Elevating Insights Through Continuous Learning with Victoria Ng, Director, Consumer Insights at Sodexo
A commitment to learning—whether through formal education or experience—opens doors to diverse opportunities and fresh perspectives. It fills gaps in understanding, fosters adaptability to emerging technologies, and is fundamental to uncovering transformative insights.In this episode, Victoria Ng, Director, Consumer Insights at Sodexo, shares how her journey of continuous learning has shaped her ability to conduct thorough research and derive meaningful insights. We also discuss: How combining qualitative and quantitative data helps bring insights to lifeThe importance of being a storyteller rather than just a “data-teller"Methods for leveraging emerging technologies like AI in insights work
Feb 29, 2024 • 32min
From Fun Facts to Actionable Insights with Matt Thell, Global Strategy and Innovation Leader at General Mills
“Insights without actions are just fun facts.” But how do you ensure your insights translate into real-world impact?Generating insights without a practical application often limits their ability to leverage tangible results and meet business objectives. In this episode, Matt Thell, Global Strategy and Innovation Leader at General Mills, shares the key steps to turn insights into action through a structured process that involves analysis, communal knowledge, hierarchization and empathy. We also discuss:The i3 process to achieve innovationHow to differentiate problems from opportunities—and how it drastically changes the approach you should takeThe importance of building empathy inside the organization to create context-sensitive solutions
Feb 15, 2024 • 27min
Transforming the Insights Function into a Must-Have with Deborah Walker, Director — Consumer Insights at The Michaels Companies, Inc.
Who exactly is your customer? More importantly, how do you know? A solid insights strategy powers better decisions, sharpens targeting, fuels innovation, and sets your organization up for success. But too often, insights are sidelined as a 'nice-to-have' function, stripping organizations of their competitive edge.Leveraging her extensive experience in building insights functions from the ground up, Deborah Walker, Director — Consumer Insights at The Michaels Companies, Inc., helps move the insights function to where it truly belongs — the ‘must-have’ category. She joins us to delve into her successful five-step program for establishing and enhancing this critical function.We also discuss:Why insights professionals should be at the forefront of decision-makingThe power of taking a “MythBusters” approach to insights workStrategies to tackle analysis paralysis and unlock powerful insights
Feb 1, 2024 • 35min
Exploring a New Era of Insights with Lorin Drake, Consumer Insights Strategist at Publix Super Markets
“There’s never been a better time to be an insights professional.”The variety of innovations in the insights world, from tech to methodologies, are creating unique opportunities for insights professionals – but also new challenges.In this episode, Lorin Drake, Consumer Insights Strategist at Publix Super Markets, shares wisdom and learnings from his tenured career to illustrate how insights professionals can make the most of this new era.We also discuss:Key considerations when approaching GenAIWhy the trend of feedback overload should be on your radar + how to prevent itHow the emerging area of emography can add depth and richness to insights work
Jan 18, 2024 • 29min
Democratizing Insights to Drive Innovation with Shivani Shah, National Category and Shopper Insights Senior Manager at Church & Dwight
Innovation can stem from any member of your organization, and accessible insights can expedite your team's journey toward it.The democratization of insights leads to the integration of customer needs into all decision-making levels, paving the way for groundbreaking innovation. In today’s episode, Shivani Shah, National Category and Shopper Insights Senior Manager at Church & Dwight Co., Inc. discusses overcoming the obstacles of insights democratization and how it can contribute to elevating the insights function.Join us as we discuss:The importance of scalability in the democratization of insights process How to agnostically approach consumer research to avoid falling into confirmation bias. Key skills and capabilities from insights professionals in the light of the tech revolution
Dec 28, 2023 • 20min
2023 Year in Review, Part 2
In Part 2 of our 2023 Year in Review, host Thor Olof Philogène delves into more captivating moments and insights from this year's guests.Join us for our last 2023 episode as we wrap up an incredible year on The Consumer Insights Podcast.
