The Elusive Consumer

In this episode of The Elusive Consumer, host Ellie Tehrani sits down with Akash Sharma, Director of Product Innovation at Enverus, to explore how AI is transforming the traditionally conservative energy sector. From implementing generative AI in high-stakes environments to uncovering unstated customer needs, Akash shares insights on product development strategies that balance innovation with human expertise, revealing how energy companies are leveraging vast amounts of untapped data to turn hindsight into foresight.

In this episode, Ellie sits down with Don Spaulding, a seasoned innovation and product leader with over 17 years at Verizon. Don shares his remarkable journey from educational psychology to tech leadership, bringing a unique human-centered perspective to digital transformation. We explore how his background helps him develop data-driven strategies that improve customer experiences while maintaining trust and security. Don dives deep into the evolving landscape of AI in customer service, the growing threats of voice fraud, and the delicate balance between security and user experience.

In this episode, host Ellie Tehrani sits down with AI and data analytics leader Koyelia Ghosh Roy to unpack the transformative power of AI in modern marketing. From democratizing data insights to creating hyper-personalized customer experiences, Koyelia shares invaluable insights from her journey from business analyst to AI leadership. Discover how leading brands like Starbucks and Nike are leveraging AI, learn about the pitfalls to avoid, and understand what skills marketers need to thrive in an AI-driven future.

Today, Ellie sits down with Ibrahim Bashir, former VP of Product at Amplitude and current Chief Creative Officer for Run the Business, as he shares his journey from software engineer to product leader at tech giants like Twitter, Amazon, and Box. In this episode, we discuss the evolution of product management, the importance of user-centric design, and the delicate balance between data-driven decisions and human intuition. Ibrahim offers unique perspectives on responsible innovation, scaling B2B products, and the future of product management in the age of AI.

Today, Ellie sits down with Jill Marchick, a veteran insights leader at Applebee's. From navigating post-pandemic shifts in dining behavior to leveraging cutting-edge technology in research, Jill shares invaluable wisdom from her extensive career spanning roles at iconic brands like Starbucks and McDonald's. She offers fascinating perspectives on how casual dining is adapting to changing consumer expectations, the role of AI in research, and the delicate balance between innovation and maintaining brand identity

In this episode of The Elusive Consumer, we explore the intersection of technology, data, and human-centered design with Yasir Drabu, a visionary tech leader and immigrant entrepreneur. From his journey starting at the foothills of the Himalayas to building a successful software company in America, Yasir shares insights about creating software that truly serves humanity. We discover how data-driven strategies can be balanced with ethical considerations, the future of AI in business, and why empathy should be at the core of technical innovation.

In this episode, we dive into the world of automation and AI with Niti Mehta, co-founder and Social Impact Officer of Automation Anywhere. Niti shares valuable insights on how robotic process automation (RPA) is transforming industries, the importance of balancing technology with human-centric work, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI. Niti also highlights inspiring examples of how RPA is being used for social good and shares her optimistic vision for the future of technology.

In this episode of The Elusive Consumer, we dive deep into the world of men's grooming with Monica Aguilo, previously the head of consumer insights, strategy, and social impact at Manscaped. Discover how this revolutionary brand has transformed the below-the-waist grooming industry through data-driven decision-making, innovative marketing, and a unique blend of humor and social responsibility. From breaking taboos to expanding globally, Monica shares invaluable insights on building trust with consumers, leveraging feedback for product development, and the importance of staying true to your brand's voice. Whether you're a startup founder, marketing professional, or simply curious about the intersection of data and consumer goods, this episode offers a candid look at how one company is redefining an entire industry while making a positive impact on men's health.

In this episode, Ellie sits down with Noni MacPherson, a seasoned expert who has navigated the complexities of consumer insights across various industries. Noni shares her journey from a Latin American studies graduate to becoming a guru in market research, highlighting the transformative power of curiosity and creativity. Discover how Noni leveraged her skills to influence global brands and foster a consumer-centric culture within major corporations.

In this discussion, Kevin Knight, a seasoned marketing executive with experience at Google, Microsoft, and currently Vida Health, dives into the intersection of B2B and B2C marketing. He shares valuable lessons from his tech career, emphasizing the power of emotional storytelling. The conversation highlights how technology like AI can enhance rather than replace human creativity in marketing. Additionally, Kevin discusses the rising focus on chronic disease management in health marketing and the vital role of personalized approaches that resonate emotionally with audiences.