Gaston Kaufer Barbe, founder of Toucan Insights, brings over 15 years of experience with global giants like Coca-Cola and Avon Cosmetics to the world of data-driven digital marketing. Since 2018, his agency has worked with businesses in over 30 countries, earning industry accolades and driving meaningful results. In this interview, Gaston shares his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced, and his vision for the future of digital marketing.
1. Gaston, what inspired you to leave the corporate world and start Toucan Insights?
Working with global brands like Coca-Cola and Avon Cosmetics gave me invaluable insights into marketing strategies and the power of digital channels. I realized how transformative these tools could be for businesses. However, I also noticed a gap—many companies struggled to harness the full potential of digital marketing for sustained growth. That inspired me to create Toucan Insights, an agency dedicated to providing data-driven solutions and helping businesses thrive in this dynamic space.
2. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in building your agency?
One of the toughest challenges was building credibility in a highly competitive market. As a new agency, gaining trust required proving our value quickly, often with limited resources. I leaned heavily on my experience with global brands to establish a strong reputation and focused on delivering measurable results.
Scaling the business while maintaining quality was another hurdle. In the beginning, I wore many hats—from strategy to execution—which taught me the importance of prioritization and delegation. As we grew, building a skilled and passionate team was crucial to ensuring we maintained high standards.
Financial constraints were also significant. Managing budgets efficiently while investing in tools, training, and marketing was a constant balancing act. By adopting a lean approach and reinvesting profits strategically, we managed to sustain and grow Toucan Insights.
3. How do you stay motivated during tough times?
My motivation comes from the vision I have for Toucan Insights and the impact I want to make. I remind myself of why I started this journey: to help businesses succeed in the digital space. I vividly remember a moment early on when a major proposal I worked tirelessly on was rejected. It was disheartening, but instead of giving up, I analyzed what went wrong, refined my approach, and shortly after secured an even better client. Moments like that taught me resilience and the value of learning from setbacks.
4. What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs?
Embrace resilience. The journey will have highs and lows, and persistence often determines success. Focus on your long-term vision while staying adaptable to short-term challenges.
Something I wish I had learned earlier is the importance of building a strong network and seeking mentorship. Having experienced people guide and support you can save you from costly mistakes and inspire fresh ideas. Finally, trust your instincts but remain open to feedback and learning.
5. What has been your proudest moment since starting Toucan Insights?
Winning our first industry award was a defining moment. It validated our hard work, creativity, and dedication as a team. What made it even more special was the feedback from our clients—hearing how our strategies helped them achieve significant growth reinforced why I started this company. That recognition was not just a milestone; it was a motivator to continue pushing boundaries in digital marketing.
6. What is your vision for Toucan Insights?
My vision is to position Toucan Insights as a global leader in data-driven digital marketing. I aim to integrate cutting-edge technologies like AI and advanced analytics to create more personalized and impactful strategies for our clients. Beyond business growth, I want Toucan Insights to be a hub for education and collaboration, empowering entrepreneurs and marketers with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive.
7. What legacy do you hope to create through your work?
Through Toucan Insights, I want to empower businesses to unlock their full digital potential while fostering meaningful connections with their audiences. Beyond driving growth, I aim to contribute to a culture of innovation, education, and collaboration within the marketing industry. By developing ethical and sustainable strategies, I hope to inspire others to see digital marketing not just as a business tool, but as a force for positive change.
Final Thoughts
Gaston Kaufer Barbe’s journey from corporate marketing to building a global agency is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and a clear vision. Toucan Insights is not just a business—it’s a platform for empowering others to succeed. To learn more about Gaston’s work, visit toucaninsights.com.