Data Planet

In this episode of Data Planet, host Emma Davis interviews Lindsey Jeffreys, Executive Vice President of Global-Pak. They explore how this family-owned industrial packaging business has grown from a two-person operation in a garage into a thriving company serving customers across multiple industries. Lindsey shares how Global-Pak is adapting its B2B marketing strategy through digital advertising, search engine optimization, and an online customer portal that makes purchasing bulk bags and industrial packaging products more accessible. She explains how e-commerce is helping the company reach smaller customers and new generations of buyers while maintaining the personalized service and long-standing relationships that have always defined its business. Lindsey discusses how a strong company culture built on accountability, respect, and customer service can support sustainable growth while preparing the business for emerging technologies like AI. For business leaders navigating digital transformation, evolving customer expectations, and the challenges of growing a family-owned company, this episode offers valuable insights into building a flexible business that embraces innovation without losing sight of its core values. Global-Pak website: https://www.global-pak.com

In this episode of Data Planet, host Emma Davis interviews Rishi Bharathan, CEO of WiserAdvisor. They explore how financial advisors can accelerate client acquisition through digital marketing, lead generation, and verified online reviews. Rishi shares how WiserAdvisor connects consumers with financial advisors and how its acquisition of Indyfin helps advisory firms build trust, strengthen their online reputation, and stand out in an increasingly competitive market. He explains why verified client reviews and social proof are becoming essential for financial services marketing, particularly as consumers turn to AI-powered search engines and large language models (LLMs) to research and compare financial advisors. The conversation also covers how review platforms can improve online visibility, help smaller registered investment advisory (RIA) firms compete with larger brands, and support more effective client acquisition strategies. Rishi discusses the importance of compliance in collecting and publishing financial advisor reviews, the role of customer acquisition costs (CAC) in evaluating marketing ROI, and why online reviews may become a critical growth driver for financial advisory firms in the AI era. WiserAdvisor website: https://www.wiseradvisor.com/

In this episode of Data Planet, host Emma Davis interviews Tom Kuslikis, President and CEO of EFCU Financial. With nearly 92 years of history, EFCU Financial is navigating the future of community banking by balancing financial sustainability with its mission to serve members and strengthen local communities. Tom shares how the credit union is modernizing its technology, upgrading its loan origination and account-opening systems, and transitioning to a new core banking platform to create a more seamless digital banking experience. He also explores strategies for attracting younger members, building relationships with the next generation, and preparing for the great wealth transfer as older members pass their assets to younger generations. Beyond digital transformation, Tom explains how credit unions can differentiate themselves from traditional banks and fintech platforms through personalized service, financial literacy programs, scholarships, and community partnerships. Discover how EFCU Financial is combining technology, long-term growth strategies, and purpose-driven leadership to remain competitive while helping members build financial security throughout their lives. EFCU Financial website: https://www.efcufinancial.org/

In this episode of Data Planet, host Emma Davis interviews Meaghan Ferneau, Director of Demand Generation at CarltonOne. Meaghan shares how she built a demand generation function and inbound marketing infrastructure from the ground up, transforming marketing operations into a data-driven engine for growth. She explains how optimizing the marketing funnel and strengthening sales and marketing alignment helped reduce lead outreach time from 17 days to just two and a half days within six months. Meaghan also explores the importance of marketing attribution, lead scoring, and measuring pipeline contribution to demonstrate marketing ROI and secure greater investment. Drawing on more than a decade of experience in the rewards and recognition industry, she discusses balancing proven marketing strategies with experimentation to adapt to changing buyer behaviors. She also reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome, building credibility as a leader, and using data to make informed decisions, challenge assumptions, and drive measurable business outcomes. Learn more about CarltonOne’s global rewards, employee recognition, sales incentive, and customer loyalty solutions at the official website. CarltonOne website: https://www.carltonone.com/

In this episode of Data Planet, host Emma Davis interviews Michael Krutikov, Vice President of Global Marketing at Futurex. They explore how hardware security modules (HSMs) protect sensitive data, secure financial transactions, and strengthen enterprise cybersecurity in an increasingly complex digital landscape. Michael explains why traditional software-based encryption may not be enough to protect critical information, how hardware-based encryption helps organizations secure cryptographic keys, and why businesses of all sizes should evaluate the security practices of their IT providers. He also shares insights into the growing importance of post-quantum cryptography (PQC), the potential risks quantum computing poses to current encryption standards, and why organizations should begin assessing their cryptographic infrastructure before regulatory deadlines arrive. The conversation also examines how Futurex makes enterprise-grade security more accessible through cloud HSM services, allowing organizations to scale protection while balancing performance, data sovereignty, and business continuity. Michael offers practical guidance for leaders looking to strengthen data protection, prepare for emerging cyber threats, and build a more resilient security strategy. Futurex website: https://www.futurex.com