Future Proof

How do you measure the conversation around your brand, and what can you do with that information? Walker Smith talks to Ed Keller, CEO of Engagement Labs and Kevin Moeller, Head of Media Insights & Analytics, PepsiCo North America, about the role of word-of-mouth marketing, the importance of measuring both online and offline conversation (and how you can do that) and the applications of these insights. How do you separate the signals from the noise? How can positive (and negative) conversation about your brand or product feed into your strategy? And can you put a dollar value on word of mouth, and show its impact on ROI? Please note: This episode was recorded prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the pandemic changes how people deal with businesses (and each other), Walker Smith and Barbara Cador discuss the possible responses when it comes to customer experience, particularly in the banking sector, as people worry more about their financial situation. Will this speed up digital transformation in financial services, or reinforce the importance of a human touch? What differences and similarities are we seeing in various markets around the world when it comes to consumer needs and preferences? And how will this change our relationships with banks, and our feelings about the ways they use our data? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Data from years of Kantar and BrandZ research indicates clearly that the best way to survive an economic downturn (and to bounce back more quickly when it's over) is to have a strong brand. But what does that mean? How can you achieve it? Does purpose play a part? And what can brands do right now to ensure that they remain salient and meaningfully different? Chief Global Analyst Nigel Hollis and Head of Research for BrandZ Martin Guerrieria tell Jane and Felipe what matters most at a time like this... and it certainly isn't cutting prices. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The spread of coronavirus is disrupting brands from every industry, across the world. But we’ve been through disruption before, says Walker Smith, Chief Knowledge Officer at Kantar, and can learn some lessons from the past. We can also learn from China, where research shows the promise for certain categories, channels and marketing strategies, in the face of this global pandemic. Oceanne Zhang, Director of Consulting at Kantar in China, talks us through some of her team’s findings: new consumer attitudes and mindsets, product innovation by the more agile businesses, and creative approaches to retail. They discuss the importance of staying close to customer needs, building relationships, and the areas your brand should be focused on if it wants to see growth in the longer term. Hosted by Felipe Thomaz, Associate Professor of Marketing, Saïd Business School Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the pandemic changes lives across the world, how are healthcare systems responding? Where are consumers going for information and advice, and what does that mean for the future of delivering health and aftercare services globally? We ask Jade Cusick, Oliver Bone and Julia Liu to share their insights from the US, Europe and of course China, to see where the challenges and opportunities are emerging. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What has happened to sales in supermarkets? Are patterns emerging in different countries across the world? And what should we expect to see next, when it comes to retail and consumption habits? Fraser McKevitt speaks to Jason Yu and Ray Gaul to get perspectives from China, Europe, and the UK, and to discuss what trends Kantar has spotted in sales, usage and retail approaches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People are desperate for more sustainable transport choices – and are keen to change how they get around cities, as long as they feel safe and have some flexibility. That’s where Cyclo Technology’s new innovation could be helpful: a 'packable' helmet for the urban rider, made from reclaimed plastic that will make hiring a bike or commuting on your own a lot more appealing. How have they tackled customer research and product development? What is possible when it comes to creating a sustainable supply chain? What can bigger brands learn from startups? And what else is happening in urban mobility to help us all make more sustainable choices? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Things change in marketing all the time, and marketers get more excited with each new technological ‘innovation’. But we could be getting ahead of ourselves, says strategy consultant and Web Curios writer Matt Muir. If we are really honest with ourselves, what will NOT happen in 2020? What does he think we should strike from our list of predictions? What is missing from the list? And which words do we need to define better, or remove from our vocabulary entirely? Matt talks authentic influencers, alternative realities and generational tipping points with Andrew Stephen and Jane Ostler. Warning: Some colourful language in this episode. Not for the easily offended! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Kantar releases its annual Media Predictions report, forecasting the likely changes for media in 2020 and beyond, Professor Andrew Stephen asks experts Jane Ostler and Margo Swadley to comment on some of the trends they are seeing. Touching on the business models of streaming services, the untapped potential of audio, why influencer marketing needs to grow up, and the rise and rise of esports, Jane and Margo discuss not only the changes in channels and usage, but their advice for brands and marketers looking to get better returns on their media investments. Download the Kantar report here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recently returned from CES in Vegas, Marco Rimini (Chief Development Officer at Mindshare) feels he has glimpsed the future – as well as a few things that probably won’t come to be. So what’s likely to change in the media world, and particularly the media agency, in the next year… or even decade? Marco tells Jane and Andrew about the rise of shoppable content and how it affects the traditional media plan, the inspiration we can get from China, the role of data and analytics in media planning, and the changing nature of agency-client relationships. He touches on some big ethical debates: where is the legislative framework for the use of AI? Will customers mind a more ‘predictive’ marketing approach? And what can media agencies do about climate change? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.