In this episode of Getting to Aha!, Darshan Mehta is joined by Alex Charlton as they unveil the importance of harnessing the power of customer insights to drive business success and the potential of AI in improving research processes and running effective marketing strategies. They also touch on the balance between human intelligence and AI, as well as the possible future of artificial intelligence in consumer insights.

With more than two decades of expertise in data storytelling, market research, and strategic consulting, Alex is an influential leader in the technology, media, and telecoms industry. He currently holds the roles of SVP of VERVE North America and the SVP of Technology, Media, and Telecoms at VERVE. Previously, Alex was an Independent Consultant at True Stories, Founder and Consultant of Craft - Human Intelligence, as well as Founder of Essential Research.

👉 Reflecting on his professional journey in marketing and consumer insights, one of Alex's aha moments was from a project for Microsoft Advertising and LVMH aimed at helping the world's leading luxury group understand the world of digital advertising. Alex believes that such projects bring a mix of excitement and doubt, questioning your capability to deliver for these giants. However, these types of challenges shape you and push you to learn, adapt, and grow. Just remember, when it comes to big industry clients, you must acknowledge and leverage their expertise but also bring some fresh and valuable insights.

👉 For Alex, successful client partnerships rely on three elements: mutual respect, continuous communication, and openness. Don't forget that your clients possess deep insights into their business, so you have to value their expertise. Also, effective collaboration isn't just for major projects; it involves the client at every step. Moreover, openness is key to building trust and reinforcing the shared goal with the client.

👉 Many companies rely heavily on data, often missing the why behind consumer actions. The challenge for consumer insight professionals is to filter through this data, distinguishing real insights from noise. Your primary goal shouldn't just rely on data collection but on specific client questions. While the human natural curiosity may tempt you to delve into every discovery, remember that true insights occur when you connect relevant data points to a client's needs.

👉 Alex believes that AI's rapid evolution can be daunting. However, businesses can and should leverage their power to process vast and complex data sets, like analyzing thousands of product reviews from platforms like Amazon and IMDb, as VERVE does. Moreover, you can use AI for large-scale brand and communication analysis to identify new market opportunities for your clients. But remember, it's not only about AI. In the end, human intelligence remains at the forefront, and combining it with AI gives you massive opportunities.

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Darshan’s Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshan--mehta

iResearch Website - https://iresearch.com

ConnectQik Website - https://www.connectqik.com

Alex’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandercharlton 

VERVE Website - https://www.addverve.com