Data Over Assumptions with Steve Philpotts, MD of Experian Marketing Services ANZ

In this episode of Skale Up, hosts Julie Kim and Sophie Seymaux sit down with Steve Philpotts, Managing Director of Marketing Services at Experian in Australia and New Zealand. With more than 20 years in data and technology, Steve brings deep expertise in consumer insights, data strategy, and the power of understanding your customer at every level.From debunking long-held assumptions to redefining how luxury brands leverage data for high-stakes decisions, Steve delivers a compelling case for putting customer understanding at the centre of every business strategy — and shares the golden rule of selling that every founder needs to hear.INSIDE THE EPISODE* Steve’s career journey: from telesales in England to leading Experian’s marketing services division in ANZ* How customer feedback sparked a seven-year technology transformation at Experian* Why mastering the role you’re in matters more than chasing the next one* The balance between drive and ambition versus enjoyment and mastery* Why people, culture, and skill sets are the common denominator in scaling success* Best practices in data that the luxury industry can learn from: it’s simpler than you think* How data can debunk myths, strengthen decisions, and give confidence to high-stakes choices like retail footprint* The 56% increase in data science roles in luxury retail and what it signals for the industry* AI and the next frontier: why data quality will determine competitive advantage* Customer profiling as a non-negotiable in meeting today’s personalisation expectations* Steve’s golden rule of sales* The Cartier Panther story — how local consumer insight reshaped a global brand’s investment strategy in AustraliaWHY LISTEN?Whether you’re a founder, leader, or operator in luxury, retail, or any data-driven industry, this episode offers a masterclass in the power of customer understanding. Steve Philpotts brings two decades of expertise to the question every brand must answer: do you truly know your customer? His insights on data strategy, selling, and the courage to challenge long-held assumptions make this essential listening for anyone looking to scale with precision.CONNECT WITH US* Instagram: @skale_australia* LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/skale-australia* Email: [email protected]* Website: www.skaleaustralia.comThank you for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit skaleaustralia.substack.com/subscribe