The world around us is changing faster than ever before. Automation, articial intelligence, big data, geo-location and advanced technology are reshaping every aspect of the way we work and live—and data is at the center of this transformation. Welcome to the Data Gurus Podcast, a leading market research podcast hosted by Sima Vasa, CEO of Innity Squared Ventures.

5-Star rating on Apple Podcasts
Top 5 Market Research Podcasts by Greenbook, 2022

Browse Episodes

Behind the Success of Field Agent with Co-Founder Rick West

On this episode, host Sima Vasa welcomes Rick West, Co-Founder and CEO of Field Agent. They delve into Rick’s journey from a significant tenure at Procter & Gamble to establishing Field Agent, a company at the forefront of retail and consumer data innovation. The discussion uncovers how Rick’s strategic use of corporate severance as seed ... Read more

Leading Through Innovation and Insight with Chris Havemann of RealityMine

On this episode, host Sima Vasa sits down with Chris Havemann, CEO of RealityMine, to explore the evolution of data collection and its impact on market research. Chris shares experiences gained from his journey in the insights industry, highlighting the shift from survey data to behavioral data collection. Key Takeaways: (01:18) The beginnings of Chris ... Read more

Restech with Patrick Comer and Sima Vasa

On this episode of Data Gurus, Sima Vasa and Patrick Comer, Co-Founders of restecher, delve into the intricacies of the Restech industry. They discuss how it’s reshaping market research, integrating new technologies and influencing business strategies. Their conversation highlights the impact of the Restech landscape on traditional research methods and the emerging role of AI ... Read more

Leading the SaaS Analytics Revolution at Qrvey with Arman Eshraghi

On this episode, host Sima Vasa sits down with Arman Eshraghi, CEO and Founder of Qrvey, for an in-depth conversation about revolutionizing data analytics through seamless integration of collection, analysis and automation processes. Arman unveils the unique capabilities of Qrvey, highlighting its role in enhancing SaaS applications with advanced embedded business analytics. Key Takeaways: (01:15) ... Read more

A Pioneering Approach to Revolutionizing Consumer Insights with Steve Phillips of Zappi

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks to Steve Phillips, Founder and CEO of Zappi, about pioneering automation and artificial intelligence in market research to enhance consumer insight efficiency and quality. Key Takeaways: (01:10) The origin of Zappi for efficient consumer insights. (02:22) Zappi’s evolution toward quality and meta analytics. (03:24) Strategy shifts addressing early ... Read more

Unveiling the Future of Shopper Insights with Amishi Takalkar of Nailbiter

On this episode, host Sima Vasa talks with Amishi Takalkar, Co-Founder and CEO of NAILBITER, exploring the transformative role of video in capturing authentic shopper behaviors and insights. Key Takeaways: (01:30) Amishi journeyed from an aspiring VJ at MTV India to the CEO of NAILBITER. (02:17) Amishi’s career evolution, specifically her roles at Frito Lay ... Read more

Retail’s Future Shaped by Data Monetization with Panayotis Gezerlis of Convert Group

On this episode, host Sima Vasa welcomes Panayotis Gezerlis, Founder and President of Convert Group, to delve into the evolution of retail and e-commerce through data analytics and transparency. Key Takeaways: (02:25) The shift from consulting to data-driven retail strategies. (06:32) The importance of tactical decision-making in marketing and sales. (06:59) Budget redirection towards e-commerce ... Read more

Adapting Technology for Meaningful Insights with Ben Hookway of Relative Insight

On this episode, host Sima Vasa welcomes Ben Hookway, CEO of Relative Insight, who delves into the intricacies of leveraging language analytics and unstructured text data to drive business insights. Key Takeaways: (07:54) Exploring the innovation behind comparative linguistic analysis and its practical applications in various industries. (13:49) Comparing age groups uncovers critical differences in ... Read more

Riding the Wave of Industry Evolution with Matt Britton at Suzy

On this episode, host Sima Vasa is joined by Matt Britton, Founder and CEO of Suzy, for an enlightening conversation about the direction the market-research industry is headed and how leaders evolve with it. Sima and Matt discuss: – The lagging adoption of new technologies, and how resulting inefficiencies get passed on to the consumer. ... Read more

The Evolution of Location Data and Consumer Privacy with Francesco Guglielmino of Cuebiq

In this episode, Francesco Guglielmino, CEO of Cuebiq, joins host, Sima Vasa, to discuss the evolution of location data and prioritizing consumer privacy. Key Takeaways: (03:49) Implementing a privacy framework with consent tracking and a withdrawal option, despite challenges. (12:22) How younger generations show greater willingness to use digital tools. (13:25) Doing the right thing ... Read more

Creating Value-Added Research Systems with Basel Fakhoury of User Interviews

On this episode, host Sima Vasa welcomes Basel Fakhoury, CEO and Co-Founder of User Interviews, for an enlightening conversation about Basel’s work in improving data acquisition specificity. During their conversation, Basel and Sima discuss: – Using data to uncover needs in the market to better cater products and services to a particular niche. – The ... Read more

Ethical Quandaries in AI Models with Dr. Loubna Bouarfa at OKRA.ai

On this episode, host Sima Vasa is joined by Dr. Loubna Bouarfa, CEO and Founder of OKRA.ai and Member of the Board of Advisors of the Oxford Internet Institute, who shares her unique perspective on the ethical questions around the increasing capabilities of AI technology. Sima and Dr. Bouarfa discuss the following: – How different ... Read more
Meet your host

Sima Vasa

Sima Vasa is a growth-focused strategic advisor, investment banker, and entrepreneur with industry-leading expertise in market research and data ecosystems. She is the Founder and CEO of Infinity Squared Ventures, an organization focused on advising middle-market data and analytics companies in business strategy, product innovation, and growth. She is also a Senior Advisor with Oberon Securities, a New York investment bank. Sima is the host of the weekly Data Gurus podcast, and is a frequent speaker at national conferences on market research, insights and investment banking.

Data Gurus

Each week, we explore market research topics, interview industry leaders, and reveal new insights into the world of data. Our mission is to bring you a real-life perspective on what’s happening in the data industry, and share how successful companies and individuals in this niche are surviving and thriving through the sea of change. We encourage you to be bold, be brave and be fearless. Let’s navigate the data ecosystem together.

Be a Guest

Interested in being a guest on the Data Gurus podcast? We want to hear from you! Please let us know who you are, what company you represent, and what topic you would like to speak about, if interviewed on our show.

Testimonials

Relevant & Instructive “Sima’s podcasts are a great resource for the market research (MR) industry. The discussion with Ravi Parmeswar, Winning the CPG Analytics Race 001, was helpful in understanding what issues clients face, and it also provided some thoughts on how the industry can work through them. Sima has a natural way to engage her guests. For example, Ravi’s thoughts on how artificial intelligence (AI) can be useful for MR were enlightening. Overall, very engaging podcast, great job, Sima!”

Pepi6322
03/06/2018

I love how the podcast is focused on all the right things. “A data-intensive podcast that focuses squarely on business – that’s a rare find! The guests are absolutely fascinating, I might add. Thanks for this valuable contribution to the world, Sima!”

Hhrbsjdjdkebbhbv
01/21/2021

Worth The Listen “Really enjoyed listening to each guest and their different perspectives, regarding what they do and how it relates to our ever-changing industry. The host, Sima Vasa, is energetic, enthusiastic, and adds to the whole ‘Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Fearless’ vibe. You can tell she loves what she does and is 100% engaged with her guests. I highly recommend Data Gurus to all, not only for those who are obsessed with data and the industry, but for the life lessons that can be learned as well.”

Data Dork
03/07/2018