I help brands connect with people in ways that shift attitudes, behaviors and habits.

Strategy, grounded in human behaviour.

How I do it:

  1. 01

    I see the world through the eyes of the customer.

    I combine behavioural psychology, qualitative research, social listening, and performance metrics to build a precise picture of who I'm targeting and what actually drives their decisions.

  2. 02

    Diagnosing the business problem before solving the creative one.

    I make sure that every project aligns with the wider business priorities — whether that's driving acquisition, shifting brand perception, defending market share, or launching into a new segment.

  3. 03

    Treating strategy like behavioural science.

    I approach briefs the way a scientist approaches a study — with a clear hypothesis, defined variables, and a plan for what success looks like before anything goes into the wild.

A bit about me:

Aizhan

I sit at the intersection of culture, data, and psychology — using that perspective to understand not just what people do, but why they do it.

At the core of my work is a focus on human behaviour: the motivations behind decisions, biases, heuristics and the often-overlooked gap between what people say and what they actually do.

Over the past decade, I’ve worked across marketing, product, and strategy, helping teams move beyond surface-level insights to develop a deeper, more nuanced understanding of their customers — and translate that into more meaningful, relevant experiences.

By uncovering the cultural, commercial, and psychological dynamics behind my clients’ challenges, I bring clarity to complex challenges — helping answer two fundamental questions:

Who are we really for, and what can we say that drives measurable impact?

Some of the teams I’ve worked with

What I’ve been up to recently.

See all work
Kids don't buy toys. They buy social currency.

Global toy brand · Consumer insight · Positioning · Dalziel & Pow

Kids don't buy toys. They buy social currency.

A positioning framework for an iconic kids entertainment brand, now applied across Europe.

Making the world's most accessible brand feel exclusive

Global beverage brand · Partnerships · Brand strategy · forpeople

Making the world's most accessible brand feel exclusive

A collaboration strategy for a global beverage leader, approved by leadership and used to approach partner brands.

Shifting from the Apple mindset to the Android one.

AI website builder · Repositioning · Brand architecture · Moving Brands

Shifting from the Apple mindset to the Android one.

Repositioning the leading website builder in a market where every competitor sells AI.

Turning a local leader's oldest strengths into its newest proposition

National tech retailer · Value proposition · Retail strategy · Dalziel & Pow

Turning a local leader's oldest strengths into its newest proposition

A value proposition and retail strategy that led to the country's largest tech flagship.

The latest thinking.

All thoughts

Challenger brands and the quiet era of sustainability

15 mins readcoming soon

Stop calling it vegan

10 mins readcoming soon

Why the greenest pack doesn't look green

20 mins readcoming soon

References.

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Aizhan joined the D&P Strategy and Transformation team to support on a key consumer insights research study for a global client, and further supported in the translation of the findings into some actionable strategies and bold ideas.

Aizhan is a deep thinker, a creative ideator, and a confident, articulate and energised communicator!

Paul WestDirector of TransformationDalziel & Pow

I hired Aizhan as a Senior Strategist at forpeople in 2023. Though her time with us was short, she made a big impact. We worked together across a number of projects, spanning brand strategy, visual identity and innovation.

She approached every project with a diligent and thorough attitude, always striving for a strong strategic rigour. And she was a thoughtful and confident voice in the room, always ready to bring her informed point of view. I believe she will be an additive and positive force to any project or team.

Alex RoadnightAssociate Directorforpeople

I was lucky to work with Aizhan twice. First time as a head of design and the second time as a client. Aizhan always goes beyond the brief and the expectations, expanding the potential of any project.

It's not a surprise that I couldn't find a better strategist to work on my business brand.

Irina RusakovaInclusive Design and Research Consultant