Real People, With Jason Dunstone - Consumer Insights, Market Research, Customers, Design Thinking and More

Today we are joined by James Fergusson, the CEO of MDI (https://www.mdi-global.com) a mobile focused research company launched in 2013.

MDI is based in Melbourne, with offices in Cape Town, Miami, Utah, Washington DC and recently launching their European presence from London. MDI has developed and is continuously evolving its own proprietary mobile research platform, and has worked with some of the world's largest consumer brands.

This was a very enjoyable chat. I first met James back in 1994 when I started my career in market research at Frank Small and Associates in Melbourne. We were both wide-eyed young researchers, discovering market research somewhat by chance. It's nice to sit down 25 years, and eight kids later (six of these James') to chat. James has enjoyed a highly successful career in market research, including being based in Singapore for seven years in global executive roles for TNS / Kantar with a focus on technology and emerging markets.

We discuss James' early days as an entrepreneurial kid mowing the lawns of neighbours to buy lollies and other joys the money brings. And, that a successful career is seldom linear or predictable, and it's best to just embrace the ride.

James shares his perspective on the massive impact on research mobile phones have had over the past decade in the developed and developing world, and how this informed the strategy and innovation behind MDI. We hear about the story of MDI, and some lessons for those seeking to build a global facing business from Australia, including how to overcome our innate cultural risk aversion. A fascinating discussion about innovation in consumer insight past, present and the uncertain future.

Real People is a podcast hosted by Jason Dunstone, the founder and managing director of Square Holes. Subscribe to Real People on your favourite podcast player.

Jason builds on his 25 years of conducting human-centred research, interviewing average and not so average people (rich, poor, old, young, content and vulnerable) to understand what they believe and how they behave.

Check out the Real People website - http://squareholes.com/realpeople

Connect with Jason Dunstone on Twitter @jasondunstone - https://twitter.com/jasondunstone?lang=en

Send Jason an email - [email protected] Read more blogs from Jason Dunstone - https://squareholes.com/blog/author/jason/

Find out more about Square Holes - http://www.squareholes.com/

Produced with Apiro Media - https://www.apiropodcasts.com/

Today we are joined by Ainslie Williams, the CEO and Co-Founder of Qualie, the Australian based qualitative research software platform launched in 2016. You can find Qualie at - www.qualie.com.

We go way back to Ainslie's childhood as a young girl who loved to stare at other people and how this deep curiosity as to what makes others tick lead her to a successful career in research. We discuss the joys of being allowed into people's lives, their homes and to listen to their stories and views.

This is a fascinating discussion about the patterns in human attitudes and behaviours Ainslie has observed over her two decades in research. And her interest from a young age in how different people can be.

We discuss the joys and complexity of creating software and bringing together Qualie's research and technology skill-sets to build towards the vision to scale globally.

Qualie has featured in the Australian financial review and other media, raised significant investment funding including many notable supporters, and boasts clients from Coca Cola to Google. And is having huge success in Australia, the UK and beyond. It will be exciting to watch Ainslie and Qualie's story unfold!

Real People is a podcast hosted by Jason Dunstone, the founder and managing director of Square Holes. Subscribe to Real People on your favourite podcast player.

Jason builds on his 25 years of conducting human-centred research, interviewing average and not so average people (rich, poor, old, young, content and vulnerable) to understand what they believe and how they behave.

Check out the Real People website - http://squareholes.com/realpeople

Connect with Jason Dunstone on Twitter @jasondunstone - https://twitter.com/jasondunstone?lang=en

Send Jason an email - [email protected] Read more blogs from Jason Dunstone - https://squareholes.com/blog/author/jason/

Find out more about Square Holes - http://www.squareholes.com/

Produced with Apiro Media - https://www.apiropodcasts.com/

Today we are joined by Dr Anantachai, or Orm, the Managing Director of INTAGE Thailand. INTAGE is a pioneer in marketing research ranking in the top 10 largest firms globally.

Orm is an experienced marketing and research professional and leader with a focus on building strong and purposeful teams who love their job and seek social contribution.

We discuss Orm's time as a 15 year old spending a year studying in Wagga Wagga, Australia, with not the kindest of welcomes from other students, but remaining with a smile every day, made close friends and lifelong relationships.

We discuss the Japanese concept ikigai which guides a person's 'reason for being' and discuss how today's new young professionals are seeking work-life integration and achieving a higher purpose and contribution to the world beyond just work.

Real People is a podcast hosted by Jason Dunstone, the founder and managing director of Square Holes. Subscribe to Real People on your favourite podcast player.

Jason builds on his 25 years of conducting human-centred research, interviewing average and not so average people (rich, poor, old, young, content and vulnerable) to understand what they believe and how they behave.

Check out the Real People website - http://squareholes.com/realpeople

Connect with Jason Dunstone on Twitter @jasondunstone - https://twitter.com/jasondunstone?lang=en

Send Jason an email - [email protected] Read more blogs from Jason Dunstone - https://squareholes.com/blog/author/jason/

Find out more about Square Holes - http://www.squareholes.com/

Produced with Apiro Media - https://www.apiropodcasts.com/

Today we are joined by former Netflix marketer Barry Enderwick for a fascinating discussion about growth in uncertainty. Including the role of evidence-based insight in guiding the best way forward.

Barry and I sat down for coffee at the Hilton Sydney in a break in the annual Australian Market and Social Research Society Conference.

Barry is a passionate advocate of the role of robust research in disruptive business, and critically asking the right questions that the incumbent often miss, and is unable to respond to.

We discuss Barry's 11 years at Netflix while it scaled globally and disrupted large default competitors at the time. A fascinating discussion as to why cashed up establishment such as Blockbuster didn't see the end approaching and why such businesses are slow to respond to the more hungry and agile innovators. A great story of strong leadership triumphing.

Real People is a podcast hosted by Jason Dunstone, the founder and managing director of Square Holes. Subscribe to Real People on your favourite podcast player.

Jason builds on his 25 years of conducting human-centred research, interviewing average and not so average people (rich, poor, old, young, content and vulnerable) to understand what they believe and how they behave.

Check out the Real People website - http://squareholes.com/realpeople

Connect with Jason Dunstone on Twitter @jasondunstone - https://twitter.com/jasondunstone?lang=en

Send Jason an email - [email protected] Read more blogs from Jason Dunstone - https://squareholes.com/blog/author/jason/

Find out more about Square Holes - http://www.squareholes.com/

Produced with Apiro Media - https://www.apiropodcasts.com/

Today we are joined by Alan Noble, Founder of AusOcean.

Alan is a proud entrepreneur and technology engineer heading to Japan out of Uni then California, before heading home to Australia many years later with his family to work with a start-up, creating his own and then eventually giving in to the wooing of Google to take up the role of overseeing the growth of Google's Sydney Engineering Centre from 20 engineers to over 650 in his 11 years.

In early 2017 Alan founded AusOcean a not-for-profit organisation with the mission of developing and applying technology to learn more about our oceans. You can learn more at www.ausocean.org.

A most fascinating discussion about tech to Japanese culture, to Alan's long-time love of scuba diving, and why it is oh so important for the community to understand what wonderment exists beneath the surface of our oceans.

Real People is a podcast hosted by Jason Dunstone, the founder and managing director of Square Holes. Subscribe to Real People on your favourite podcast player.

Jason builds on his 25 years of conducting human-centred research, interviewing average and not so average people (rich, poor, old, young, content and vulnerable) to understand what they believe and how they behave.

Check out the Real People website - http://squareholes.com/realpeople

Connect with Jason Dunstone on Twitter @jasondunstone - https://twitter.com/jasondunstone?lang=en

Send Jason an email - [email protected] Read more blogs from Jason Dunstone - https://squareholes.com/blog/author/jason/

Find out more about Square Holes - http://www.squareholes.com/

Produced with Apiro Media - https://www.apiropodcasts.com/

Today we are joined by Bec and Simon Smallchua, recent founders of Harvey, you can find them at weareharvey.com.

Bec is a former B&T 30 Under 30 finalist, and comes from marketing roles including 'for good' enterprise Thankyou and Posterscope a market leader in out of home communications.

Simon is a former break-dancer who's digital and marketing roles have included Executive Strategy Director at Isobar, and VP of Global Marketing of Lexer.

This is a wonderful chat about love, marketing and business. And, how many businesses are following a higher purpose to have a wider social impact, building strong teams and growing strong businesses.

Real People is a podcast hosted by Jason Dunstone, the founder and managing director of Square Holes. Subscribe to Real People on your favourite podcast player.

Jason builds on his 25 years of conducting human-centred research, interviewing average and not so average people (rich, poor, old, young, content and vulnerable) to understand what they believe and how they behave.

Check out the Real People website - http://squareholes.com/realpeople

Connect with Jason Dunstone on Twitter @jasondunstone - https://twitter.com/jasondunstone?lang=en

Send Jason an email - [email protected] Read more blogs from Jason Dunstone - https://squareholes.com/blog/author/jason/

Find out more about Square Holes - http://www.squareholes.com/

Produced with Apiro Media - https://www.apiropodcasts.com/

Today we are joined by Elaine Stead from Blue Sky Alternative Investments.

We go way back to Elaine's childhood as a young girl who loved homework, learning and ever eager to please.

We talk about Elaine's academic pursuit of science, then pivoting into the world of venture capital, start up advisory and multiple board directorships.

Elaine and I discuss all things success and failure, and how Australia's tall poppy syndrome just breeds mediocrity.

I sat down with Elaine on a day, week, month, year that was pretty challenging personally and professionally.

On the day of this interview, Elaine was in the media, and she felt horrible about letting investors and others down.

Life can be very hard sometimes, when no matter how hard you try things go bad.

Real People is a podcast hosted by Jason Dunstone, the founder and managing director of Square Holes. Subscribe to Real People on your favourite podcast player.

Jason builds on his 25 years of conducting human-centred research, interviewing average and not so average people (rich, poor, old, young, content and vulnerable) to understand what they believe and how they behave.

Check out the Real People website - http://squareholes.com/realpeople

Connect with Jason Dunstone on Twitter @jasondunstone - https://twitter.com/jasondunstone?lang=en

Send Jason an email - [email protected] Read more blogs from Jason Dunstone - https://squareholes.com/blog/author/jason/

Find out more about Square Holes - http://www.squareholes.com/

Produced with Apiro Media - https://www.apiropodcasts.com/

Today we are joined by Stephen Scheeler! Former Facebook and Instagram MD for Australia and New Zealand, Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Co and TEDx Speaker.

Stephen and I sat down at the Sydney office of McKinsey and Co to have a fascinating discussion going back to Stephen's childhood in small town USA. And, how he longed to go to university in Europe, yet was awarded a Scholarship to study in Japan, and how this introverted young man became the American everyone wanted to know - from fellow students to the local mayor. We hear how Stephen's study of east Asian history and with little interest in tech, he found himself entering the world of tech juggernauts.

We discuss the obsession of the likes of Facebook in being THE employer of choice, requires putting staff contentment at the top of strategic priorities. And, how staff incentives from free food for staff and families, to the option for female staff to freeze their embryos have become the norm in Silicon Valley, to take the distractions away from a high performing team. We explore the importance of a vision staff can truly believe in and thrive towards. And, the fine line between a strong culture and cult like faith in such young, wealthy and almost magical leaders.

Real People is a podcast hosted by Jason Dunstone, the founder and managing director of Square Holes. Subscribe to Real People on your favourite podcast player.

Jason builds on his 25 years of conducting human-centred research, interviewing average and not so average people (rich, poor, old, young, content and vulnerable) to understand what they believe and how they behave.

Check out the Real People website - http://squareholes.com/realpeople

Connect with Jason Dunstone on Twitter @jasondunstone - https://twitter.com/jasondunstone?lang=en

Send Jason an email - [email protected] Read more blogs from Jason Dunstone - https://squareholes.com/blog/author/jason/

Find out more about Square Holes - http://www.squareholes.com/

Produced with Apiro Media - https://www.apiropodcasts.com/

Today we are joined by Tim Burrowes, co-founder of media and marketing publishing and event group Mumbrella.

We sat down for a couple Cokes at the Chippo in Chippendale in Sydney to discuss Tim and Mumbrella's story.

Tim shares his observations from a couple decades as a media and marketing journalist, commentator and observer in the UK, Middle East, Australia and across Asia.

A fascinating chat about clever creative people, how the industry is changing and where it is still evolving too slow. We talk about marketing art vs science, good vs evil and much, much more.

Real People is a podcast hosted by Jason Dunstone, the founder and managing director of Square Holes. Subscribe to Real People on your favourite podcast player.

Jason builds on his 25 years of conducting human-centred research, interviewing average and not so average people (rich, poor, old, young, content and vulnerable) to understand what they believe and how they behave.

Check out the Real People website - http://squareholes.com/realpeople

Connect with Jason Dunstone on Twitter @jasondunstone - https://twitter.com/jasondunstone?lang=en

Send Jason an email - [email protected] Read more blogs from Jason Dunstone - https://squareholes.com/blog/author/jason/

Find out more about Square Holes - http://www.squareholes.com/

Produced with Apiro Media - https://www.apiropodcasts.com/

Today we are joined by Kim Boehm, almost 40 year Clemenger Group advertising executive and legend. Kim is also current Chairman of the Australian Dance Theatre, a role he has help for the past six years.

You can find Kim's new blog about his recent semi-retirement at 'thenwhatblog.com.'

Kim has held key roles from Account Management to Managing Director, Executive Chairman, Executive Director and most recently Director of Talent Management and Marketing across the Clemenger Group. And, spent two years as MD of Y&R Melbourne.

We sat down for a couple beers at the Temperance Hotel on Chapel Street in Melbourne for a great chat. Please excuse the funky pub background music.

Sit back, relax and listen to Kim's insight into building a strong creative culture in this ever changing and transient workforce and much more.

Real People is a podcast hosted by Jason Dunstone, the founder and managing director of Square Holes. Subscribe to Real People on your favourite podcast player.

Jason builds on his 25 years of conducting human-centred research, interviewing average and not so average people (rich, poor, old, young, content and vulnerable) to understand what they believe and how they behave.

Check out the Real People website - http://squareholes.com/realpeople

Connect with Jason Dunstone on Twitter @jasondunstone - https://twitter.com/jasondunstone?lang=en

Send Jason an email - [email protected] Read more blogs from Jason Dunstone - https://squareholes.com/blog/author/jason/

Find out more about Square Holes - http://www.squareholes.com/

Produced with Apiro Media - https://www.apiropodcasts.com/