IN CLEAR FOCUS: Guest Jim Kraus is the President of the Buyer Persona Institute. In this episode, Jim explains the concept of Buyer Personas and unpacks the significance of buying insights for high-consideration purchase decisions. Jim walks listeners through the qualitative research process originated by the Buyer Persona Institute, known as the Five Rings of Insight, and describes case studies illustrating how profiles and Buyer Personas can make B2C and B2B marketing more effective. ​  

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Award-winning creative strategist Alex Santiago discusses his experiences with the 4A's Multicultural Advertising Internship Program, becoming a creative director at Publix Supermarkets, and establishing his own agency. Alex's approach to strategy focuses on human connections, captured in his book, "Stop Asking For Logos," which offers insights for entrepreneurs and creative professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of integrated marketing with empathy and clarity.  

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Marketing Week columnist and brand strategist Helen Edwards is the author of "From Marginal To Mainstream." Helen discusses why marginal behaviors, practiced by small population segments, differ from trends and how they can drive product innovation and category growth. Helen also offers strategies for identifying behaviors that have mainstream potential. Listeners receive a 25 percent discount on "From Marginal To Mainstream" at KoganPage.com: use promo code BIGEYE25 at checkout.  

Scott Smith and Susan Cox-Smith discuss the practice of strategic foresight and building a futures culture in businesses. They emphasize the importance of future thinking, teaching individuals how to think about the future, and changing organizational culture. The podcast also explores tools for collaborative futureing and introduces the concept of the Future Culture Planning Map. Additionally, BBC R&D's strong futures culture is highlighted.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Seasoned marketing executive and serial entrepreneur Mark Stouse discusses the importance of analytics and having a single source of truth for informed business decision-making. Mark explains how his platform, ProofAnalytics.ai, aids businesses in tracking progress and making strategic decisions supported by artificial intelligence. Mark also reflects on the critical differences between being data-driven and analytics-led, sharing leadership insights from his forthcoming book.  

IN CLEAR FOCUS: The first episode of our 13th season examines connected packaging with Jenny Stanley of Appetite Creative. Jenny explains how smart packaging bridges the gap between physical and digital commerce, enabling CPG brands to engage with consumers in innovative ways. We discuss how connected packaging provides invaluable data to improve marketing strategies and supply chain processes. Plus, new creative possibilities for brands and smart packaging's role in sustainability messaging.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Marking the final episode of this season, Bigeye insights intern Miguel Zarzuela hosts the podcast, examining the complexities of US Hispanic identity. Miguel explores the history of Hispanic Heritage Month and engages in lively conversation with special guests Dr. Antoinette Perez, Andrea Diaz, and Romulo Zuzunaga. Hear how to avoid common stereotypes and misconceptions, and learn how brands can authentically market to and connect with the diverse US Hispanic community.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: This week's guest is programmatic media expert Lewis Rothkopf, CRO at Pairzon. Without relying on third-party cookies, Pairzon's customer data platform facilitates precise audience targeting for omnichannel, DTC, and physical retailers. Lewis explains the importance of first-party data and how Pairzon's platform tracks consumer actions after ad exposure. We also discuss the role that machine learning and AI play in Pairzon, illustrated by real-world examples and case studies.    

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Robert Rose is the author of "Content Marketing Strategy," October's Bigeye Book Club selection. In this episode, Robert explains why coordinated communication and well-managed operations are key to establishing a successful content marketing strategy. We discuss the value of thinking like a media company, team structure, and outsourcing. Listeners receive a 25 percent discount on "Content Marketing Strategy" at KoganPage.com by using the promo code BIGEYE25 at checkout.  

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Guest Katie King is the author of "AI Strategy for Sales and Marketing." In this encore episode, Katie offers practical advice on how agencies can leverage AI, providing case studies illustrating how AI in marketing is impacting several different industry sectors, plus a practical framework for managing the introduction of AI tools. Listeners receive a 25 percent discount on "AI Strategy for Sales and Marketing" at KoganPage.com by using the promo code BIGEYE25 at checkout.