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 experimentingReal transformation stories from law firms, consultancies and professional services, told by the people who led themThe vendor and client sides of major AI implementations, side by sideWhat's really happening with data procurement, vendor consolidation, and pricing in the AI eraHow the research and knowledge professions themselves are evolving — and what it means for skills and careersSame community. Same sharp thinking. Now on demand. www.kimraconference.com www.cbresourcing.com

  1. 20h ago

    KIMRA Conversations, Episode 15: Margo Polishchuk

    In this conversation, Margo Polishchuk, co-founder of proSapient, discusses the evolution of expert networks, the integration of AI, and the challenges of scaling a business across different geographies. She emphasizes the importance of human expertise in conjunction with technology and the need for robust governance in the industry. Takeaways AI enhances expert networkingHuman expertise remains crucialChapters 00:00 Introduction to Expert Networks01:55 The Genesis of proSapient04:00 Challenges of Scaling and Hiring09:48 The Role of AI in Expert Networking16:00 Governance and Compliance in Expert Networks23:51 The Future of Expert Networks and AI32:01 Client Engagement and Best PracticesMargo Polishchuk is the Founder and President at proSapient, a global expert network and primary research business, powered by innovative technology. proSapient helps institutional investors and managers, as well as their consultants, gain access to critical knowledge with which they can make better informed investment decisions and complete the highest standard of due diligence. The firm's headcount has exceeded 350 people thanks to its fast growth in five global locations. An expert network specialist by profession too, Margo started her career at Coleman Research. There, she set account management sales and revenue records within the firm’s EMEA business building a book of private equity, hedge fund, and consulting clients. Most of these are proSapient clients today. Margo is also a guest lecturer on entrepreneurship and innovation at the London School of Economics.

  2. 2d ago

    KIMRA Conversations, Episode 15: Margo Polishchuk

    In this conversation, Margo Polishchuk, co-founder of proSapient, discusses the evolution of expert networks, the integration of AI, and the challenges of scaling a business across different geographies. She emphasizes the importance of human expertise in conjunction with technology and the need for robust governance in the industry. Takeaways AI enhances expert networkingHuman expertise remains crucialChapters 00:00 Introduction to Expert Networks01:55 The Genesis of proSapient04:00 Challenges of Scaling and Hiring09:48 The Role of AI in Expert Networking16:00 Governance and Compliance in Expert Networks23:51 The Future of Expert Networks and AI32:01 Client Engagement and Best PracticesMargo Polishchuk is the Founder and President at proSapient, a global expert network and primary research business, powered by innovative technology. proSapient helps institutional investors and managers, as well as their consultants, gain access to critical knowledge with which they can make better informed investment decisions and complete the highest standard of due diligence. The firm's headcount has exceeded 350 people thanks to its fast growth in five global locations. An expert network specialist by profession too, Margo started her career at Coleman Research. There, she set account management sales and revenue records within the firm’s EMEA business building a book of private equity, hedge fund, and consulting clients. Most of these are proSapient clients today. Margo is also a guest lecturer on entrepreneurship and innovation at the London School of Economics.

  3. Oct 7

    KIMRA Conversations, Episode 14: Katleen Richardson

    In this episode of the KIMRA Conversations podcast, Katleen Richardson discusses her extensive experience in information and data businesses, emphasizing the impact of AI on business models, marketing strategies, and the importance of credibility in the information sector. She highlights the need for companies to adapt their strategies in response to changing buyer behaviors and the risks posed by AI-driven market dynamics. Katleen Richardson has spent 20+ years running go-to-market inside businesses where the product is trust and intelligence, including Citeline, Evaluate and The Economist Group, where she led the marketing workstream of the Group's B2B commercial transformation and the 2026 launch of Economist Enterprise. Her work across private-equity and venture-backed portfolios has one constant: aligning GTM strategy to how buyers actually decide. That has always driven growth, but the stakes are higher now. AI does not fix a broken GTM. It amplifies it. What Katleen is hired for today is the revenue-engine redesign that must happen before AI investment pays back: sequencing strategy first, then applying AI where it compounds. She is the author of The Trust Premium.   Takeaways AI reshapes pricing modelsCredibility is key in information businesses Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kathleen Richardson02:24 The Importance of Credibility in Information Businesses03:47 AI's Impact on Business Models05:50 Transforming Go-to-Market Strategies10:36 Adapting Sales and Marketing Teams11:37 Identifying Risks in Information Businesses15:31 Customer Judgment on Data Quality17:39 Comparing Past and Present Disruptions19:23 Future Predictions for Information Businesses24:46 Advice for CMOs in Information Businesses

  4. Oct 1

    KIMRA Conversations, Episode 13: Ceri Hughes

    In this conversation, Ceri Hughes shares her extensive career journey in knowledge management, learning and development, and her transition into coaching. She discusses the evolution of knowledge management, the impact of AI on the industry, and the challenges leaders face in adapting to these changes. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of knowledge management, particularly in the context of AI integration and its implications for workforce development and organizational strategy. Ceri emphasizes the importance of active listening, curiosity, and community engagement for professionals in the knowledge management field. Takeaways Evolution of knowledge managementImpact of AI on leadership AI reshapes knowledge managementActive listening is essential Chapters 00:00 Ceri Hughes: A Career Overview06:13 The Evolution of Knowledge Management11:57 Transitioning to Learning and Development18:03 Defending Knowledge Management23:45 Coaching and Leadership Challenges26:27 Impact of AI on Workforce Development28:41 Reflections on Knowledge Management Conference31:34 AI Transformation in Knowledge Management33:40 Essential Skills for New Entrants39:44 Staying Relevant in Knowledge Management40:35 Navigating AI Governance Challenges49:56 Establishing a Clear Point of ViewCeri Hughes   Ceri is an independent Executive Coach, Non-Executive Director, Speaker and Facilitator. Until 2024 she was Director of Operations for KPMG's Chief People Officer. Her career at KPMG spanned more than 24 years, latterly in Operations, but for 16 years she led Knowledge Management and Research groups at the firm in the UK and internationally, including the establishment of offshore knowledge operations in India, and then became the Head of Learning and Knowledge Management for KPMG UK in 2017. In 2020 she was part of the team leading the firm’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to working at KPMG, Ceri was the Global Head of Information and Records Management at an international telecommunications company. She began her career as a Library Association/SCONUL Graduate Trainee in the Information Centre at the Lord Chancellor’s Department.

  5. Sep 21

    KIMRA Conversations, Episode 12: Charles Thiede, Zapnito

    The conversation covers the career journey of Charles Thiede, the co-founder of Zapnito, and delves into the impact of AI on community-led growth, governance, and the future of online communities. It also explores the challenges and opportunities of AI in community development, as well as the importance of engagement and community value. Takeaways Community-led growthAI and community governanceEngagement vs. valueThe future of online communities Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Career Journey02:57 Zapnito: Building Expert-Driven Platform05:58 Community-Led Growth and AI Impact09:01 AI in Operations and Product Development12:10 AI Opportunities and Risks15:00 Governance and Risks of AI Development18:09 Risks of Rapid AI Development20:56 Future of Online Communities and AI Impact23:54 Engagement and Community Value26:48 Active vs. Passive Communities30:07 The Future of Online Communities

  6. Sep 7

    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 journeyImpact of AIChallenges of data collectionRole of AI in researchValue of expert analysis Chapters 00:00 Career Journey and Telecoms Research02:54 Impact of AI on Research and Consulting11:07 Challenges of Data Collection in Different Markets19:12 Role of AI in the Research Process25:07 Value of Expert Analysis in Decision-Making

  7. Sep 7

    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 Catalyst01:26 Founding Content Catalyst02:23 Enabling Value from Research03:15 Discoverability and Reusability of Research04:33 Technology Needs of Analyst Firms06:01 Platform for Client Value07:12 Deep Rethink Venture09:07 Understanding MCP10:27 MCP and AI Use Cases16:54 Governance of MCP36:36 AI and Research Process40:11 Focus on Core CompetenciesDaniel Lord   Daniel has spent over 20 years at the intersection of analyst knowledge and technology. He founded Content Catalyst in 2003 and scaled it into a research delivery platform used by analyst firms and publishers. He has just launched DeepRethink.ai, applying agentic AI to analyst research. He began his career as an analyst at Datamonitor. Daniel works with knowledge-led organisations on how research is delivered, and how better delivery leads to faster, more confident decisions. His current focus is the plumbing of AI-enabled research: how connectors and agentic tooling let expert knowledge reach the systems where decisions are actually made.

  8. Sep 7

    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 empathyAI should be used to support and improve, not replace Chapters 00:00 Transition to Business Librarianship01:49 Moving to Oxford and Professional Challenges05:39 The Role of Information Professionals10:24 Evolving Business Information and Data15:55 The Impact of AI on Information Professionals20:22 AI's Influence on Business Libraries27:03 Challenges and Opportunities with AI33:07 AI's Impact on Academic Reading and Research39:20 The Role of Libraries in the AI Era43:07 The Role of AI in Education45:10 AI Opportunities in Libraries46:47 AI in Medical Research49:34 Challenges of AI Implementation54:05 Impact of AI on Information Professionals58:09 The Role of Business Librarianship01:16:03 The Future of Business Librarianship01:18:09 The Value of Information Professionals in the AI EraHal Kirkwood   Hal is the Bodleian Business Librarian at the Said Business School, University of Oxford. He leads the team at the Sainsbury Library in providing support for teaching and research endeavours across the university. Previously he spent 20 years at the Roland G. Parrish Library of management & Economics at Purdue University. He served as President of the Special Libraries Association in 2019. Currently he is the regional coordinator for the UK & Ireland division of the European Business School Libraries Group. With over 30 years of experience in academic libraries, he is an award-winning instructor and author; becoming the first-ever librarian inducted into Purdue University’s Book of Great Teachers. Hal’s focus is on business information literacy instruction, concept-mapping, and competitive intelligence. He also is expanding his involvement into data management and the use of AI for research.

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About

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 experimentingReal transformation stories from law firms, consultancies and professional services, told by the people who led themThe vendor and client sides of major AI implementations, side by sideWhat's really happening with data procurement, vendor consolidation, and pricing in the AI eraHow the research and knowledge professions themselves are evolving — and what it means for skills and careersSame community. Same sharp thinking. Now on demand. www.kimraconference.com www.cbresourcing.com

Information

  • Creator
    Simon Burton
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Simon Burton