In Clear Focus

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Dr. Sachiko Scheuing, Acxiom's European Privacy Officer and author of our featured book, "How to Use Customer Data," discusses effectively balancing data protection and marketing. Sachiko shares insights on navigating complex privacy laws, implementing robust data security, and fostering collaboration. Sachiko introduces the MaRCS protection check and recommendations for thriving in the evolving data regulation landscape, bridging the gap between marketing and privacy concerns.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: To celebrate Global Focus Group Day, an interview with consumer behavior strategist Jeanne Corrigan. Jeanne discusses focus groups' history and their enduring relevance in brand strategy and advertising research. We explore how technology and COVID-19 have transformed qualitative research, and Jeanne considers the role AI will play in shaping market research's future. Jeanne also shares insights from recent focus groups and offers advice for brand managers and aspiring researchers.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Our guest this week is Nick Asbury, one of the UK's most-awarded copywriters, discussing his new book, "The Road to Hell: How Purposeful Business Leads to Bad Marketing and a Worse World." We explore the history of purpose in business, its detrimental impact on advertising effectiveness over the past 15 years, and the potential risks for brands aligning with causes. Nick shares fresh insights on shifting from purpose-led branding towards more effective, humor-based advertising.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Matthew Herbert, co-founder and co-CEO of SaaS research platform Tracksuit, discusses measuring brand awareness and marketing effectiveness, building on insights from co-founder James Hurman's presentation, "The Awareness Advantage" at Cannes Lions last week. Matt shares advice on balancing brand building with performance marketing and suggests key metrics for product launches. He also addresses measuring brand perception across touchpoints and previews Tracksuit's new features.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: In this week's episode, guest Priscilla McKinney, CEO of Little Bird Marketing and the author of "Collaboration is the New Competition," shares her insights on shifting mindsets in marketing and advertising. Learn about Priscilla's proven framework for successful collaboration and the concept of "itchy backs," illustrated with real-world examples. Discover how to identify opportunities, overcome challenges, and build partnerships with a transformational approach to collaboration.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Guest Matt Swalley, co-founder and Chief Business Officer at Omneky, discusses his AI-driven advertising technology startup. Matt explains how Omneky's platform leverages AI and computer vision to generate and optimize personalized digital ad creative at scale, showcasing several client success stories. Matt also discusses the future of AI in advertising, provides practical advice for developing AI strategy, and addresses concerns about AI's impact on employment in the industry.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Kathy Guzmán Galloway, a seasoned CPG strategist known to her clients as The Clarity Wizard, shares insights on her unique brand positioning framework and the impact of consumer research on effective brand strategy. Kathy discusses the role of multicultural marketing in brand positioning and future trends shaping the CPG space. Learn how brand positioning can help tell compelling brand stories and stay relevant in today's rapidly changing consumer landscape.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Jim Pietruszynski, the CEO of the Chicago-based branding agency Soulsight, explains how to uncover and leverage the hidden, emotional drivers of consumer behavior. With over three decades of experience working with iconic CPG brands, including Nike, Campbell's, and Coors, Jim shares his expertise on some of the ways brands can understand the powerful emotions that drive consumer choices and how MOVE, Jim's new research framework, yields deeper insights for brand development.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Our guest this week is Cody Schneider, the co-founder and CEO of Swell AI. Cody discusses how AI is revolutionizing content creation and marketing and explains how Swell AI's platform automates workflows, repurposes content, and streamlines distribution. Cody believes businesses must become media companies, using interviews and AI tools to build trust and drive discovery, and shares examples of brands implementing this approach. We also preview some upcoming Swell AI features.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Guest Dr. Anastasia Kārkliņa Gabriel is the author of "Cultural Intelligence for Marketers." Anastasia shares her insights on building inclusive marketing strategies through "the four Cs" of cultural intelligence: culture, communication, critical consciousness, and community. We discuss moving from performative to genuine inclusivity, examining DTC brand Billie and Dove's "Real Beauty" campaigns. Save 25% on Anastasia's book at KoganPage.com by entering code BIGEYE25 at checkout.