‘Tis always the season for exceptional service

In my February blog post, I discussed waning motivation as we experience post-holiday blues and struggle to convert resolutions into healthy habits and lifestyle changes. That was 2 months into the new year, and here we are now with less than…

ChatGPT not ready for the responsibility of research analyst

I had high hopes that a silver-bullet technology like ChatGPT would solve all the inherent challenges I’ve faced over a long career in market research. Our work is a labor of love—often tedious and time-consuming, as we peel back layers…

The art of asking questions

One of the most valuable skills I adopted early in my career and have carried with me through various roles, companies, and projects is the art of asking questions. At Ideba, we take our third-party perspective seriously and are used to asking…

No one ever got fired for doing what everyone else does

Over the past 50 or so years, a great many things have melted into a kind of sameness. Cars used to look vastly different from one another. A 1960 Corvette looked nothing like a 1960 Buick Electra, which looked nothing like a Ford Falcon. Today,…

Facing Your Fears: Overcoming Glossophobia This Halloween

With Halloween next week, *scary* things are on everyone’s mind. Beyond spooky costumes and terrifying displays at Spirit Halloween, this week I‘m thinking about truly deep-seated fears, like the fear of death (thanatophobia), the fear of…

An Update to ‘Audio Archiving’: A Mindful Alternative to Photography

Earlier this year, I shared my thoughts on “audio archiving” as a more mindful way to capture memories. Since then, I've continued to build a collection of recordings that allow me to revisit the special moments I’ve experienced. Each…

Emotional Intelligence: The Secret to a Lasting Competitive Edge

In my role at Ideba, I work with a company whose customers consistently praise the sales team’s friendly and personable approach. It’s remarkable how a positive sales experience can influence the outcome of a deal. I’ve frequently heard…

Culture of Change: Working Beyond Silos

During my time in higher education, universities began the restructuring of communication and marketing departments. Instead of organizing teams by expertise—such as content creation, digital marketing, media relations, and internal communications—they…

The Fall is About Gourds, Goals, and Getting Stuff Done

Fall is my favorite time of year, and not just because I’m a fan of scenic foliage or Halloween. As a kid, I relished the excitement of returning to school, equipped with a brand-new backpack and supplies. I didn’t mind saying goodbye to…