Dubai Islamic Bank

Involved in the creation of the market research function in Dubai Islamic Bank from scratch.

Lead - Customer insights 

Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

Involved in assisting the consulting team in the execution of Market research projects and using the findings effectively in solving key client business problems. 

Sector Worked: 
Technology Startups & Media Conglomerate 

Nature of Projects: 
Conjoint Modelling, Pricing research, Lapsing analysis, Global sustainability awareness, etc.

Expert Consultant

4SiGHT Research & Analytics

Director Consumer Insights

Nature of Studies Handled: U&A studies, Segmentation Studies, Product Testing, Concept Testing, Concept Use Testing, Pack Testing, Pricing Studies, Post Launch Evaluation, Diagnosing studies like Triggers & barriers, Volume Estimation studies, Media Effectiveness Studies, Brand Tracking, Conjoint/Maxdiff Studies, UX testing

Sectors: FMCG, Automotive, Banks, Telecom, Property Developers, Beverages and Credit Card Network Provider.

Geographical Footprint: UAE, India, Saudi, Egypt, Iran, Oman, Qatar, Nigeria, Morocco and Kuwait 

Job Profile
1. Business Development
2. Client Management
3, Project Management
4. Team Management
5. Mentoring/Skill development
6. Recommending Best Research Design
7. Advanced Analytics, Dashboarding & Reporting
8. Findings Presentation to clients

Senior Manager - Insights

Nature of Studies handled: Usage & Attitude studies (Banks, Personal Care), Segmentation studies, Tracking studies, Service quality studies & strategic studies (Banks)

Analytics: Data querying & dash-boarding with Tableau / Excel (Macro driven), Advanced Analysis using SPSS & AMOS (Data Modelling)

Markets Worked in: UAE, Saudi, Kuwait, Egypt & Iran

Manager - Insights

4SiGHT Africa Research & Digital Solutions

Act as the Quantitative Analytics consultant to the 4SiGHT Africa operation

Market Research - Analytics Consultant

IMRB International

Nature of Studies handled: Products tests (more than 50 studies), Pack Test, Name Test, Post Launch, Brand Tracking (milk products in Sri Lanka), U & A study to understand Alcohol Market in India (Study conducted in 23 major cities in India with 45000 Sample Size)

Categories Handled: Foods (pickles, ready to mix, ready to eat), Confectionaries, Chocolates, Personal care (soaps, shampoos, facial cream), diary (milk, butter, cheese and yoghurt), Alcohol

Tools Used: SPSS, AMOS, EXCEL
Job Roles :
1.	Drafting Proposal
2.	Initiating the study
4.     Materials preparation
5.	Field Management
6.	Analysis Coordination
7.	Data Interpretation & Presentation

Research Manager

ICICI Bank

To act as a one stop solution for all the ICICI privilege customer needs and try to increase their total relationship value with the bank by cross selling financial products based on their requirements.

Assistant Manager - Privilege Banker

As the Lead of Customer Insights at Dubai Islamic Bank, I create and manage the market research function from scratch, using data analytics and market research techniques to solve key business problems and deliver actionable insights. I have over 13+ years of experience in market research having worked across different geographies and categories, such as FMCG, banking, real estate, and telecom.

I leverage my skills in Excel VBA macro programming, Python, and R to automate and enhance data processing and visualization, and I am a certified Excel and Tableau specialist. I also approach my job from a technology perspective, having worked as an expert consultant at Boston Consulting Group, where I assisted the consulting team in executing market research projects for technology startups and media conglomerates. 

I am passionate about sustainability and have been involved in projects related to global sustainability awareness and customer communities. I enjoy getting out of my comfort zone and exploring new things in life, and I believe in lifelong learning and continuous improvement.

Almost every week, I get messages from fellow MR professionals on how to relocate to the UAE. I have shared my thoughts with them one-on-one, but publishing them as a LinkedIn article would benefit several people. 

These thoughts are my perspective on the market and the MR industry. 
Fellow MR professionals in UAE, kindly share your thoughts and comments on the article.


Nagarajan Rajasekaran

Lead - Customer insights @ Dubai Islamic Bank | Ex-BCG

What are some best practices in the MR industry?

What are the latest developments in the UAE?

How important is relocating to the UAE for MR professionals?

Almost every week, someone in my LK network asks me for tips on relocating to the UAE. I usually share my thoughts with them via chat. I thought writi

Open article: Finding MR Jobs in UAE by Nagarajan Rajasekaran • 4 min read

Nagarajan Rajasekaran on LinkedIn • 4 min read

There is no right or wrong way in how you can shape your career.

I see a lot of career myths floating around on LinkedIn nowadays. 

I want to dispel a few of them. 

Do check out the document and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Which career myth you want to call out as false

#career_myths





6 Career Myths that must be unlearned

Is Market Research Still Relevant in the Age of Big Data? 
 
In a world awash with data, some might question the relevance of traditional market research. With algorithms predicting our next purchase and AI seemingly knowing us better than we know ourselves, is there still a place for surveys, focus groups, and in-depth interviews? 
 
The truth is, big data gives us the 'what', but market research delves into the 'why'. It provides context to numbers, adds human insights to cold analytics, and turns data into stories that businesses can really use to forge meaningful connections with their audience. 
 
So yes, market research is not just relevant; it's essential. It's the bridge between data points and real human experiences. In an era where understanding your customer has never been more important, dismissing market research could be the biggest mistake a business makes. 
 
#MarketResearch #BigData #CustomerInsight

𝗔 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗷𝗼𝗯𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁... 
 
"𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻." 
 
𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟬:  𝗠𝗥 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 
In the final round, I was asked about my SPSS proficiency.  
I told the hiring manager that I had limited exposure to SPSS as part of my college coursework, but I could learn it if my job required it. I got the job. My reporting manager singled out this answer in my farewell speech and appreciated the effort I put into learning the tool in and out during my three-year tenure with them.  
 
𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭: 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗝𝗼𝗯 
In the technical round, I was asked to talk about ethnography research.  
I politely told the manager that I had not done any ethnographic studies but that it was something I could learn on the job. 
The interviewer appreciated my honesty during the interview, and I got the job after several more interviews.  
 
In both instances, an honest answer helped me secure the job and set the tone for my relationship with my reporting manager.  
 
𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 
Year 2019: Company (European MR Company) 
In my final round, I was asked about latent class segmentation. I answered that I hadn't used it in my research projects and showed my intent to learn it. However, I didn’t get the job. My performance in other interviews, case study solutions, and other skill sets were ignored.  
 
So, honestly, it doesn't always work, but 2/3 is not a bad deal. 

No alternative text description for this image

We've all been there, haven't we? 

The initial thrill of pushing tasks to tomorrow, only to be met with a mountain of work that seems insurmountable. 

It's a cycle as predictable as it is stressful. 

Let this post remind you to go after those pending tasks and to work on your idea until you finish it. 

Have a happy, productive week!

 

It takes a great mindset to accept the fact that sometimes you are the problem, not your team or your company.  
 
Recognizing your limitations and shortcomings is not defeat; it's the first step towards personal growth. Embracing this truth humbles you and opens doors for self-improvement. 
 
#acceptance #self_improvement

How can acceptance lead to personal growth?

What is the potential impact of self-improvement?

The fundamental core of leadership is knowing who you work for. 

Flight Group, Thirdweb, The Diary Of A CEO.

Bad leaders vs Good leaders. 

What else would you add??

Book unknown. 

Mistakes aren't just errors; they're the architects of our identity.

In a world obsessed with perfection, acknowledging our missteps is akin to admitting defeat. But here's a radical thought - what if those mistakes are our personal and professional growth milestones?

This perspective isn't just about sugar-coating our failures. 

It's about recognising them as integral components of our life's story. 

Leaders, CEO's and managers this one is for you👇🏽

"Getting angry at people for making mistakes doesn’t teach them not to make mistakes. It teaches them to start hiding mistakes.” Written by @ccmarce_writes on X.

Great leaders never attach shame to mistakes.

If there are no mistakes made, then there are simply no lessons to be learned.

Tag someone else who needs to see this.

Book unknown. 

Insecurity erodes culture... 
 
I had an interesting conversation with a friend who works in a leading tech company. 
 
He was complaining about the recent surge of office politics. He said every manager and team member have stopped working together and started working against each other to claim credits and secure their job. 
 
So what has happened here? 
To shore up profits, the organization has created a culture of insecurity by reducing its workforce.  
 
People no longer invest their time and energy in innovation, collaboration, or improving the customer experience. Instead, they're constantly worrying about their position and plotting their next career-saving move. 
 
Ironically, while this may seem to have a short-term benefit of employees pushing harder, often out of fear, the long-term impacts are detrimental. Trust has been eroded, team spirit quashed, and creativity stifled. The daily grind has turned into a battle for survival, inhibiting progress. 
 
Here's the bottom line: a threat-based culture can never yield sustainable success. It's a precarious foundation on which to build a business. 
 
#culture_erosion #insecurity #tech_firings 
 
 

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵.  
 
Ever heard of the concept "Say-Do" paradox? 
 
All research on social awareness or sustainability suffers due to this paradox.  
 
It is trendy to say that you consider sustainable product choices or use natural resources sustainably.  
 
However, the actual behaviour is very far from reality.  
 
A good market researcher always tries to read between the lines and determine the difference between stated truth and false consumer narrative. 
 
Hence, it is in the brand's best interest to invest in hiring the right talent or working with good MR vendors to execute their projects. 
 
And never digest a presentation without challenging the researchers' assumptions and their interpretation of findings.  
 
#Market_research #say_do_paradox

Most of the problems we struggle with exists in our mind. The below post is a great reminder to not overthink and waste your mental energy.

Mid-week reminder. 

Like this post if it resonates 🙏🏽


Always trust yourself... you are meant to do a lot more than what you are currently doing.. 

In a world obsessed with innovation, are we forgetting the value of simplicity? 
 
Last week, I was in the supermarket to buy an electric toothbrush. I kid you not; it was one of the most complicated decisions I had to make recently. 
 
There are so many models with obscure naming terminology that there is no clear differentiation between them.  
 
The store guy told me that the most expensive one was the best without explaining the reason behind it. 
 
In our need to make everything complicated, are we missing the basics? 
 
Consider this: some of the most successful companies achieved their status not by adding more features or creating complex products but by simplifying. They focused on refining what was essential and making it accessible to their audience. 
 
Why can't a toothbrush company do this? 
 
#innovation #simplicity #growthstrategy

How can toothbrush companies simplify their products?

What is the value of simplicity in business?

What is the impact of innovation on simplicity?

𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 (𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟳𝘁𝗵) 𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗮𝘆. 
 
Today is a good time to pause and ask whether we prioritise our health and mental well-being. 
 
In a world where we're perpetually chasing targets, deadlines, and goals, it's easy to forget the one thing that fuels our endeavours - our health. Prioritising health doesn't necessarily mean making drastic changes. 
 
It begins with a single step - 𝗺𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀, 𝘀𝘄𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗿-𝗹𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁, 𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟭𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀. 
 
Remember, your health is your wealth. You wouldn't ignore your financial health. So, why overlook your physical and mental well-being? 
 
This World Health Day, let's put our health back in focus. Pledge to take that step towards healthier living. A small action today can lead to a healthier future. 
 
To a healthier world, starting with each one of us! Happy World Health Day! 
 
 #world_health 

Have you ever noticed how some people effortlessly navigate the storm while others get lost in the first gust of wind?

A memorable experience—At the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) 2022 annual meeting, the legendary boxer Mary Kom was our chief guest. 

After recounting her inspiring journey, she was asked to sing a song for the audience. The audio system decided to fail exactly at that time, so she geared up to sing the song. She started singing Unfazed, an English song that started with the lyrics - "What did you do?"

So, what do you think is at play here? Mindset.

Type 1 folds at the first sign of trouble, viewing challenges as insurmountable barriers. It's easy to give up, to let go when the going gets tough. 

Type 2, on the other hand, sees challenges as opportunities. They understand something crucial – the path to success is lined with obstacles, and each one is an opportunity to learn, grow, and inch closer to their goal. 

For them, powering through isn’t just about resilience; it’s about embracing the journey, knowing that the solution lies beyond the horizon.

So, the next time you’re faced with a challenge, ask yourself: Which type are you? Will you let this obstacle define you, or will you power through and find a solution?

#mindset #anti-fragile

What are some tips for developing a growth mindset?

𝗣𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁... 
 
Nothing clears life like taking a break. Undoubtedly, we're all in a perpetual race to the top, meeting deadlines and balancing a whirlwind of responsibilities. But stop! Unplug for a while. 
 
In the silence, you'll hear your thoughts loud and clear. The missing perspective suddenly comes into focus. Problems transform into possibilities—the fog of confusion lifts, revealing the clear path ahead. 
 
Never underestimate the power of a pause. It's not wasted time. It's not laziness. It's a powerful tool for re-energising, re-focusing, and re-strategising. It's an investment in your most valuable asset – your mind. So take a break, reflect, and watch as clarity unfolds. 
 
#mental_health #pause 
 


𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘇𝗼𝗻𝗲.  
 
Taking that first step outside your comfort zone can be daunting. The familiar is safe and predictable. But real growth, genuine progress, comes from pushing those boundaries. 
 
So today, challenge yourself. Embrace the unfamiliar. And remember—it's okay to be uncomfortable. Because that's where the magic happens. That's when you achieve great things. 
 
#growth_mindset

𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿...  
 
Developing skills, acquiring new knowledge, and expanding your network are all part of this investment. 
 
It might not bring immediate returns, but it is a long-term strategy with lifelong payoffs.  
 
For example, my investment in mastering Excel has yielded exponential returns over the last decade.  
 
When you broaden your mind, you open up a world of possibilities.  
 
The only edge you can have in this ever-changing world is your lifelong learning ability. 
 
So, take the leap. Invest in yourself.  
Your future self will thank you for it. 
 
Have a great learning week! 
 
#learning #growth_mindset

What are some tips for lifelong learning?

Most of the problems we face are the ones that exist in our minds.  
 
The three mindsets that can contribute to a good life. 
 
1. The Skill of Release: Let go of things beyond your control. 
2. The Gift of Amnesia and Amnesty: Harbour no grudges, let past be past. 
3. The Power of Selective Response: Choose wisely what deserves your energy. 
 
These aren't just survival techniques; they're thriving strategies.  
 
Have a beautiful week!

Sell me this water bottle... 
 
Imagine this: you're interviewed for your first job on campus, and you're asked to sell a humble water bottle! 
 
That was my reality on a bright campus morning. Struggling for words, I stumbled through textbook sales pitches.  
 
𝗔 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲-𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁. 
 
Guess what I discovered?  
The power of preparation. 
 
Practicing and refining my responses?  
Missed it.  
 
Mock interviews with friends?  
Skipped it.  
 
On that day, I stumbled upon the secret to nailing interviews - never underestimate the power of a rehearsal. 
 
𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻.  
 
So, how prepared are YOU for your next big opportunity? 
 
#interview_preparation

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