KIMRA CONVERSATIONS

Simon Burton

Every year, KIMRA brings together the people shaping the future of knowledge, information management, research and analysis — the practitioners running transformation inside their organisations, the suppliers building the tools, and the analysts making sense of it all.

The KIMRA Conversations Podcast takes that same community and keeps the conversation going all year round.

Expect candid interviews and case studies on:

How research and knowledge functions are actually building AI strategies that work — not just experimenting
Real transformation stories from law firms, consultancies and professional services, told by the people who led them
The vendor and client sides of major AI implementations, side by side
What's really happening with data procurement, vendor consolidation, and pricing in the AI era
How the research and knowledge professions themselves are evolving — and what it means for skills and careers

Same community. Same sharp thinking. Now on demand.

www.kimraconference.com www.cbresourcing.com

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11 episodes
Avg 52 min
English

Episodes 11

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S1 · E11
September 7 · 28 min
KIMRA Conversations, Episode 11: Tom Rebbeck, Analysys Mason
The conversation with Tom from Analysys Mason covers his career journey, the impact of AI on the research and consulting business, the challenges of data collection in different markets, the role of AI in the research process, and the value of expert analysis in decision-making. Takeaways Career journey Impact of AI Challenges of data collection Role of AI in research Value of expert analysis Chapters 00:00 Career Journey and Telecoms Research 02:54 Impact of AI on Research and Consulting 11:07 Challenges of Data Collection in Different Markets 19:12 Role of AI in the Research Process 25:07 Value of Expert Analysis in Decision-Making
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S1 · E10
September 7 · 41 min
KIMRA Conversations, Episode 10: Daniel Lord, Content Catalyst
Daniel Lord, the founder of Content Catalyst, discusses the evolution of the company, the challenges faced by analyst firms, and the impact of AI on the research process. He emphasizes the importance of customer focus and the need for analyst firms to adapt to the changing landscape of technology and client needs. Takeaways Content Catalyst provides content intelligence solutions for analyst research firms. AI is transforming the research process, and analyst firms need to focus on customer needs and core competencies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Content Catalyst 01:26 Founding Content Catalyst 02:23 Enabling Value from Research 03:15 Discoverability and Reusability of Research 04:33 Technology Needs of Analyst Firms 06:01 Platform for Client Value 07:12 Deep Rethink Venture 09:07 Understanding MCP 10:27 MCP and AI Use Cases 16:54 Governance of MCP 36:36 AI and Research Process 40:11 Focus on Core Competencies
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S1 · E9
September 7 · 1 hr 21 min
KIMRA Conversations, Episode 9: Hal Kirkwood, Bodleian Business Librarian
Bodleian Business Librarian, Said Business School, University of Oxford. President, Special Library Association. 2019 The conversation delves into the transition to business librarianship, the challenges and opportunities faced by information professionals, the evolving landscape of business information and data, and the impact of AI on the role of information professionals and business libraries. It also explores the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, its influence on academic reading and research, and the evolving role of libraries in the AI era. The conversation covers the role of AI in education, opportunities for AI in libraries, AI's impact on medical research, challenges of AI implementation, the impact of AI on information professionals, the role of business librarianship, the future of business librarianship, and the value of information professionals in the AI era. Key takeaways include the importance of AI supporting and improving human processes, rather than replacing them, and the recognition of AI's limitations in replacing human connection and empathy. Takeaways Library professionals are adapting to the impact of AI on their roles and the information landscape. The evolving role of information professionals in the fourth industrial revolution is a topic of significant interest and concern. AI should not replace human connection and empathy AI should be used to support and improve, not replace Chapters 00:00 Transition to Business Librarianship 01:49 Moving to Oxford and Professional Challenges 05:39 The Role of Information Professionals 10:24 Evolving Business Information and Data 15:55 The Impact of AI on Information Professionals 20:22 AI's Influence on Business Libraries 27:03 Challenges and Opportunities with AI 33:07 AI's Impact on Academic Reading and Research 39:20 The Role of Libraries in the AI Era 43:07 The Role of AI in Education 45:10 AI Opportunities in Libraries 46:47 AI in Medical Research 49:34 Challenges of AI Implementation 54:05 Impact of AI on Information Professionals 58:09 The Role of Business Librarianship 01:16:03 The Future of Business Librarianship 01:18:09 The Value of Information Professionals in the AI Era
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S1 · E7
September 3 · 1 hr 10 min
KIMRA Conversations, Episode 8: Carter Lusher, Lusher Advisory
Carter Lusher, an expert on the industry analyst business, shares insights on the evolution of the analyst industry, the impact of AI on research delivery, and the changing role of analysts in the era of AI. He discusses the value of analyst relations, the quality of research firms, and the AI-mediated delivery of research. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on analyst firms, the changing talent model, and the reinvention of analyst firms through AI-powered intelligence platforms. It also explores the challenges and opportunities in hiring and investment in talent, as well as the importance of open integration in the industry. Takeaways Analyst relations is a corporate function within the vendor organization, focused on IT industry analysts who influence purchasing decisions. The AI-mediated delivery of research is transforming the analyst industry, enabling new capabilities and changing the way analysts work. AI's impact on analyst firms Challenges and opportunities in hiring and investment in talent The importance of open integration in the industry Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Analyst Relations 02:54 The Journey of an Analyst 03:37 Understanding Analyst Relations 09:00 Quality and Expertise of Research Firms 18:37 AI-Mediated Delivery of Research 25:02 Changing Role of Analysts in the Era of AI 37:45 Assessing AI Investment in Analyst Firms 43:43 Talent Model and AI Adoption 48:40 Reinvention of Analyst Firms 54:25 Hiring and Investment in Talent 56:09 Challenges and Opportunities in Talent Management 01:06:58 Open Integration in the Industry
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S1 · E7
September 2 · 35 min
KIMRA Conversations, Episode 7: Ludovic Leforestier, Starsight Communications
Ludovic Leforestier, founder of StarSight Communications, discusses the role of industry analyst relations and the impact of AI on the the analyst relations profession. He emphasizes the importance of human expertise and the need for credible, relevant, and personalized research content. The conversation also explores the changing landscape of technology analyst research firms and the evolving expectations of clients. Takeaways Analyst relations bridges the gap between tech vendors and industry analysts AI impacts research production, but human expertise remains essential Clients seek pertinent, personalized, and relevant research content In-person connections and experiences remain valuable in the analyst industry Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Analyst Relations 02:45 Transition from In-House to Agency 04:37 Role of Professional Bodies in Analyst Relations 06:40 Evolution of Analyst Research Production 08:46 Impact of AI on Analyst Firms 09:18 Rise of Independent Analysts 20:37 Changing Client Expectations 29:25 The Future of Analyst Relations 34:56 Assessing Research Providers
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September 1 · 1 hr 20 min
KIMRA Conversations, Episode 6: Izabella Kaminska, The Blind Spot
We enjoyed hearing from Izabella Kaminska about her views on the financial media landscape. As well as some of her ideas on how to fund independent journalism. She discusses the concept of The Blind Spot and the need for editorial freedom, highlighting the blind spots in media coverage. The conversation concludes with a discussion on media business models and the potential for a new funding approach for journalism. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on journalism, the divide in journalism, the use of AI in writing, research, and editing, transparency in AI use, the future of journalism, the Inscribers platform, challenges in journalism training, the future of journalism and research, and the impact of short-termism on corporations. Takeaways Editorial freedom is essential for The Blind Spot for exploring different perspectives and providing balanced coverage. The media industry is facing challenges with funding and business models, leading to fragmentation and a lack of quality information. AI's impact on journalism The future of journalism and research Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:42 Journalistic Journey 03:10 Challenges in previous roles 05:30 The Blind Spot and Editorial Freedom 11:02 Media Narrative and Blind Spots 26:12 Media Business Models 40:34 The Impact of AI on Journalism 41:00 The Role of AI in Journalism 41:29 The Divide in Journalism 42:26 The Use of AI in Writing 43:46 AI in Research and Editing 45:14 Transparency in AI Use 46:40 The Future of Journalism 50:27 The Inscribers Platform idea 01:06:14 Challenges in Journalism Training 01:12:58 The Future of Journalism and Research 01:21:24 The Impact of Short-Termism on Corporations
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S1 · E5
August 25 · 52 min
KIMRA Conversations, Episode 5: Maribeth Martorana, Sapient Advisors
Maribeth Martorana has spent her career on the inside of some of the biggest names in financial information, FactSet, Moody's Analytics and the CFA Institute, before founding Sapient Advisors to help financial data and information businesses build and invest more wisely. In this episode, she talks to Simon Burton about her career path, and what she's seeing right now across the industry as firms rush to invest in AI. The conversation with Maribeth Martorana covers the challenges and successes of AI projects within information services businesses, focusing on mid-market firms. It delves into the importance of aligning business strategy, people, and processes before implementing AI solutions. The discussion also highlights the critical role of data quality and the need for strategic AI initiatives. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on information providers, the challenges of budgeting for AI solutions, the dynamics of data feed pricing, and the transformation of workflow solutions. It also explores the implications of AI investments for incumbent platform leaders and the need for operational efficiencies and upskilling. Takeaways Business strategy, people, and processes must be aligned before implementing AI solutions. Data quality is crucial for the success of AI projects. Strategic AI initiatives require clear business outcomes and executive sponsorship. AI's impact on information providers Challenges of budgeting for AI solutions Transformation of workflow solutions Implications of AI investments for incumbent platform leaders Need for operational efficiencies and upskilling Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Business Transformation 03:10 Challenges of Mid-Market Companies 05:53 AI Implementation and Business Strategy 07:23 The Role of Data and Workflows 13:13 The Company Brain and Data Protection 17:11 AI Project Failures and Success Factors 22:01 Strategic AI Initiatives and Return on Investment 24:02 Project Governance and Decision-Making 27:13 AI's Impact on Information Providers 28:29 Challenges of Budgeting for AI Solutions 40:43 Transformation of Workflow Solutions 47:27 Implications of AI Investments for Incumbent Platform Leaders
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S1 · E4
August 20 · 32 min
KIMRA Conversations, Episode 4: Max Friberg, Inex One
Max Friberg spent years as a consultant using expert networks for due diligence work before founding Inex One, built specifically to bring together the fragmented world of expert networks into one place. In this episode, he tells Simon Burton what actually made him build the business, and why aggregating across so many different networks, rather than running just one, turned out to be the more valuable position to sit in. We talk about the huge value that vantage point brings to Inex One's clients, being able to see across a whole industry's worth of expert network usage rather than just one relationship, and what that reveals about how the industry is actually changing. Max shares where he sees real opportunity for clients in AI right now, and where, just as importantly, he thinks it still falls well short of what genuine expertise and tacit knowledge can offer.
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S1 · E3
August 20 · 32 min
KIMRA Conversations, Episode 3: CJ Anderson, Iron Carrot
In this episode, Simon Burton talks to CJ Anderson, a qualified librarian with over 30 years in the information profession, and now founder of Iron Carrot a specialist data governance consultancy. CJ explains how she helps firms build the right foundations for AI, by having the right conversations, and building the accountability, ownership and clear decision making processes around data that set a firm up to enable AI. We discuss why real AI readiness starts with getting your data in order, why that foundation is built through people and process. We dig into what actually causes AI projects to go wrong inside law firms, where the accountability gaps tend to sit, who should actually own data governance within a firm, and the real risks of not having it in place. We also talk about what good governance looks like in practice versus governance that exists purely to tick a box, and the genuine opportunity all of this creates for knowledge and information professionals, who are often well suited to support or toead this work. CJ also shares her own career story, from her early years as a librarian through two decades of hands-on data governance work, and what ultimately led her to found Iron Carrot. A conversation about the unglamorous groundwork that actually determines whether AI adoption succeeds or quietly fails.
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S1 · E2
August 17 · 1 hr 9 min
KIMRA Conversations Podcast, Episode 2: Dominic King, Accenture Research, Author Tools or Traps?
Our latest KIMRA Conversations podcast with Dominic King from Accenture Research covered his latest book, "Tools or Traps? The Rising Social Cost of Unchecked Innovation" which talks about technology and the dependencies we build that are created with new technologies and how instant gratification is baked into the business models of many of these new technologies from social media to AI. We talked about technology, particularly AI, and how it's impacting the work of business researchers, what it means to truly think vs just deliver. As well as really digging into some of the issues around synthetic data and what that means in a market research context.
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August 4 · 53 min
KIMRA Conversations Podcast, Episode 1: Ben Longman, Trendtype
In our first ever KIMRA Podcast episode, Simon Burton talks to Ben Longman, founder and CEO of Trendtype, a specialist market intelligence company covering FMCG, consumer health and retail across Africa and the Middle East. Ben explains why so much data on African markets is poor or simply doesn't exist, why on-the-ground fieldwork keeps surfacing things desk research never would, and why AI can confidently hallucinate an entire academic source when the underlying evidence just isn't there. "we'll suddenly realize that that there is a value in expertise, a value in specialism, a value in on the ground research and and we'll realise that when people start making bad decisions and hitting some of those roadblocks."
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Showing 1–11 of 11 episodes