The old “commission research, present findings, move on” model is breaking as growth fragments, media splinters, and AI accelerate decisions. Ricardo Dalmas, Global VP of Insights & Analytics at Kimberly-Clark, joins host Nick Graham, Founder of Vertemis, to explain why insights must shift from calibration and testing toward defining strategic growth choices: where to play and how to win. They discuss balancing scale with precision, listening and observing behavior before asking survey questions, and prioritizing timely 70% answers over perfection. Ricardo outlines how AI can automate tasks, spot patterns and early trends, and free insights teams to iterate faster, experiment more, and partner closely with decision-makers. He also shares why emotionally resonant storytelling matters in intimate categories and offers career advice on industry passion, following up on impact, and mentorship.
00:00 Why Insights Must Evolve
01:34 Meet Ricardo Dalmas
03:52 Fragmented Growth Reality
07:54 Speed Over Perfection
09:23 From Research to Strategy
13:50 Will Insights Still Exist
18:07 Data Precision and Experimentation
20:46 AI Changes and Human Empathy
25:19 Emotional Storytelling Wins
28:19 Mentorship and Leadership Growth
31:35 Future Proof Career Advice
34:56 Closing and Subscribe
Insights & Innovators Podcast from MRII | Hosted by The Greenbook Podcast Network
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