In this episode of Spikes Excitement Talks, Gordon welcomes a true legend in the world of insights and innovation: Stan Sthanunathan. Formerly EVP of Consumer and Market Insights at Unilever and Coca-Cola, Stan is now the founder of i-Genie.ai , a company revolutionizing the research industry.

This conversation dives deep into Stan’s provocative approach to AI-powered, survey-free research. From analyzing search data and social media to redefining what consumer understanding looks like in an age of augmented intelligence, Stan shares how his company replaces traditional market research with faster, more authentic and often more emotional insights.

From corporate corridors to dusty streets, they explore why true empathy—not sympathy is the currency of meaningful brand-building and why elite boardrooms often miss the mark. Candid reflections on the importance of living like your consumer, the hard truths of scaling a business rooted in a new idea and the enduring power of human contact in an increasingly remote world. They also dive into the mentors and managers who shaped Stan’s leadership journey. Each teaching a different facet of what it means to lead with integrity, humility and impact.

Tune in if you’re wondering how to build something real without losing what makes them human.

*Dave Cobban from the Spikes Advisory Board is also joining this episode.