Is there a consumer insights revolution, and will that change how multinational corporations do research? Stephan Gans, SVP, Chief Consumer Insights and Analytics Officer at Pepsico, wrote the book, The Consumer Insights Revolution. Stan Sthanunathan, CEO i-Genie.AI talks with Stephan about future-proofing your business through the control of data and tools. 

A veteran entrepreneur of five startups, Dan Coates, CEO of YPulse, shares the rollercoaster ride of starting research businesses. Join Katie Gross, Chief Customer Officer at Suzy as she talks with Dan about the skills needed to start and run a business. Dan shares about adapting to cultural and market changes, including the shortening attention span for young people, the sweet spot of his current business, YPulse.

What’s hype and what’s real? Jon Last, President at Sports and Leisure Research Group, talks with industry legend Simon Chadwick, Managing Partner at Cambiar, about what changes and innovations—including AI—are likely to change the insights industry. The reintegration of data and insights across functions (CX, Sales, marketing) is hot now and will be in the foreseeable future.

Join Stan Sthanunathan, CEO of i-Genie.AI, as he talks with Pam Forbus, Global Chief of Insights & Analytics at Mondelēz International, about how to earn a strategic business role by sharing relevant insights that drive business decisions. Knowing the question the CEO needs to answer is the start to pursuing insights that matter. To be a growth leader, the researcher must know what grows the business. Pam shares what it means to speak the language of the CFO, the office where decisions are often made. 

For research companies to succeed, they need to be willing and able to disrupt themselves. That’s where more agile talent comes in. They are willing to learn, experiment and go beyond what’s working today. Join Katie Gross, Chief Customer Officer at Suzy, as she talks with Ryan Barry, President of Zappi, to discover what he looks for in new talent and how he supports his team. 

 

‘Intelligence is not enough. Self awareness, being able to read a room and resilience are all key.’ Join Stan Sthanunathan, CEO i-Genie.AI as he talks with Ben Page, CEO of Ipsos about the qualities for talent and leadership in the insights business. Ben shares about the importance of integrity, especially in relation to data quality, and a willingness or hunger to learn and innovate. And don’t forget about luck and our ability to take advantage of it when it presents itself. 

 

How can researchers bridge the gap between technical expertise and business impact? Our host, Jon Last, Sports and Leisure Research Group, talks with Lisa Courtade, a veteran researcher with top healthcare companies including Merck, Sanofi Pasteur, and, now, Organon, as she shares insights from her wild ride career, including lessons learned like “Perfect data only exists in the classroom.”  Hear her POV on the skills researchers need to succeed in the healthcare industry.

The path to creating an exciting startup can be a circuitous route. Andrew Reid, Founder & CEO of Rival Technologies may have started in film, taken a right turn in advertising, to end up building technology companies that solved research problems. And sometimes, it’s a family affair. Andrew’s father and sister both played key roles in influencing his path. Hear about his journey and excitement about the future of tech-enabled market research solutions. 

Dive into an engaging conversation between Elaine Rodrigo, Chief Insights & Analytics Officer at Reckitt, and Stan Sthanunathan, CEO of i-Genie.AI, as they explore the evolving landscape of consumer insights, data-driven decision-making, and embracing AI. Elaine shares her nearly 30-year journey in research, her dream role realization, and the transformative power of AI in harnessing data for business growth. From her career milestones to the significance of consistency, focus, and creating proprietary capabilities, Elaine offers invaluable advice for the industry while highlighting the promise of synthetic data and the essential role of innovation.

00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks

02:34 Career Journey and Experience

04:54 Advice for Research and Insights Teams

06:07 Challenges and Changes in the Industry

08:42 Building Capabilities for Business Impact

10:18 Focus Areas and Signature Capabilities

18:20 Leveraging AI and Data in Insights

21:47 Future Trends and Synthetic Data

23:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the MRII's Insights and Innovators podcast, host Jon Last, President at Sports and Leisure Research Group, speaks with Dr. Marcus Cunha Jr., Director of the University of Georgia's Masters of Marketing Research Program. They discuss the transformative changes in the market research industry over the past few decades, including the democratization of research tools, the shift from statistical analysis to business insights, and the evolving skill sets required for success. They also explore the impact of AI on the industry and the importance of linking research to ROI to avoid becoming a cost center. Marcus emphasizes the need for practical, hands-on education and the future role of AI as a productivity tool rather than a replacement for human insight.   00:00 Introduction to MRII's Insights and Innovators Podcast 00:37 Guest Introduction: Dr. Marcus Cunha Jr. 01:25 Evolution of Market Research 05:40 Skills for Today's Successful Researcher 08:47 Transformations in Training and Education 14:39 Future of Market Research and AI 18:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join us for an enlightening episode of MRII's Insights and Innovators podcast, featuring a conversation with Jeff Krentz, a seasoned expert in mergers and acquisitions within the market research industry. Hosted by Katie Gross, the discussion delves into the nuances of raising capital, the importance of product-market fit, and strategic decisions companies must make between organic growth and acquisitions.

Krentz shares valuable insights on the essential factors that drive successful investments, how to attract the right investors, and the dynamic balance required during company growth and integration. Learn about the transformative impact of the acquisition of TNS by Kantar, and the critical elements that contribute to successful mergers.

Whether you're involved in leadership, analysis, or just entering the industry, this episode provides key takeaways on facing mergers with optimism and adaptability, ensuring you seize opportunities presented by industry changes. Dive into the future of market research and what trends lie ahead.

The market research industry is far from homogenous. There are many different business models within it. Sima Vasa, Managing Director at Oberon Securities began as a market research analyst and became an investment banker. That switch means she looks at business models, leadership, and the fundamentals of market research firms through a new lens. Learn how to think like an investment banker. 

How do we get customers? How do we lean into our strengths? These are some of the questions that Vivek Bhaskaran, Founder & CEO QuestionPro talks about in his journey to building his own company and business. Is building great software and launching globally still possible versus in a specific market? Learn lessons in entrepreneurship in the market research industry. 

How can we celebrate the innovators and leaders in Market Research? Crispin Beale, CEO of Insight250 and Group President of Behaviorally, has created the main platform for identifying these leaders. Jon Last, President at Sports and Leisure Research Group, talks with Crispin to understand how Insight250 works and how important it is for driving innovation and leadership in the industry. 

Is Research on the Brink? That’s the title of the new book from Brett Townsend, SVP of Strategy at Quester. Jon Last, President at Sports and Leisure Research Group, talks with Brett about how the industry has changed or needs to change from its academic roots to a discipline that drives business impact. 

How do investors see market research companies? Is it all about SaaS models, or can service companies scale in ways that attract investors? Mark Simon, Partner at Traction Advising M&A talks about retention as a KPI for growth and value. Consider net revenue retention or how a company grows outside of new customer acquisition. Go inside an M&A mind and hear insights like how the market research industry may not lend itself easily to SaaS models.

In this episode of 'Insights and Innovators,' hosted by Stan Sthanunathan, special guest Diane Hessan, Chairman of C-Space, discusses her transformative journey as an entrepreneur in the insights industry. Diane shares her thoughts on balancing speed, depth, and relevance in market research and provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. She recounts her early career experiences, the foundation and success of Communispace, and offers practical tips for business success and common pitfalls to avoid.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:14 Meet Diane Hessen: Visionary and Disruptor

03:18 The State of the Insights Industry

10:14 Diane's Career Journey

16:52 Founding Communispace

23:56 Entrepreneurial Lessons and Advice

31:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

On this episode, host Katie Gross, CEO at Suzy, speaks with Kristin Luck, Managing Director of Oberon Securities. Kristin shares her unique career trajectory from a research assistant at Lieberman Research Worldwide to becoming an influential entrepreneur, investor, and banker. Learn how her passion for online research led her to build AC Nielsen's first online research platform, co-found OTX, and start a data visualization platform. She offers insights on financial literacy, business growth, and the importance of marketing. Also, discover how Women in Research (WIRe) is empowering women in the industry.

Discover how Colgate has transformed its insights function to be future-proof, the biggest challenges facing insight professionals today, and the critical components of their Insights Competence Framework.Join Stan Sthanunathan, CEO of i-Genie.AI, as he hosts Christian Niederauer, Vice President of Global Insights & Consumer Affairs at Colgate-Palmolive, in this engaging episode of Insights Innovators. Gain invaluable perspectives on the role of AI, the importance of proactive value creation, and how to ensure your insights are impactful and actionable. Don't miss out on this comprehensive journey into the evolving landscape of consumer insights!

 

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:27 Guest Introduction: Christian Hederault

01:13 Industry Challenges and Insights

02:18 Career Journey and Role at Colgate

04:09 Proactive Value Creation in Insights

05:48 Colgate's Insights Transformation Journey

07:49 Insights Competency Framework

10:12 Evolution and Future of Insights Function

14:04 Leveraging Technology in Insights

17:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Insights and Innovators podcast from MRII, host Jon Last, President of Sports and Leisure Research Group, chats with Claire Kuhn, the SVP of Research & Insights at OvationMR.  Recognized as one of the industry's 30 under 30, Claire Kuhn, SVP of Research and Insights at OvationMR, reflects on her career path and the hands-on, human aspects of the industry that surprised her. She discusses the ongoing transformation in market research, the balance of AI and human interaction, leadership with authenticity, and the essential skills for emerging professionals. Claire's insights highlight the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and cultural fit in driving business impact through market research.

From building connections to staying curious, Katie Egge shares insights from her journey.  Host Jon Last, President of Sports and Leisure Research Group, interviews Katie Egge, RVP at Salesloft, recognized as one of the 30 under 30 winners in market research. Discover Katie's unique career journey from sports and entertainment management to her pivotal role in market research. Learn about her take on AI's impact on the industry, balancing soft and technical skills, and evolving leadership in a tech-forward, remote world. Katie's insights into generating actionable strategies and maintaining the researcher's essential role with AI are not to be missed!

Join us in this episode of the Insights Innovators podcast from Market Research Institute International, hosted by Jon Last, President of Sports and Leisure Research Group. Our guest, James Endersby, CEO at Opinium and Chairman of the Market Research Society in the UK, discusses the distinct qualities setting next-gen Insights industry leaders apart. Learn about the 30 Under 30 Awards, the importance of mentorship, networking, and the evolving skill sets required in today's research landscape. Gain invaluable advice for young professionals aiming to make a mark in the field.

Join us on this episode of the Insights Innovators podcast from Market Research Institute International, hosted by Katie Gross, President of Suzy. In this insightful discussion, Shelley Zalis, the founder and CEO of The Female Quotient and a pioneer in online market research, shares her journey of disrupting the traditional market research industry by introducing online surveys. She recounts her challenges and triumphs in transitioning from off-line to online research at a time when the internet was in its infancy. Shelley also discusses her efforts to close the gender gap in the workplace through her work with The Female Quotient and provides advice for today's innovators and trailblazers on how to navigate and transform traditional industries, especially in the age of AI.

In this episode, we dive deep with Steve Schlesinger, Executive Chairman at Sago, hosted by Jon Last, President at Sports and Leisure Research Group. Steve shares his valuable insights on the latest industry trends, leadership strategies, and the evolving landscape of market research. Tune in to discover how Steve's experience and vision continue to shape the sector and get a firsthand look at the discussions that influence the future of market research.

Discover how AI is revolutionizing market research in today's episode of MRII's Insights and Innovators podcast. Join host Jon Last, President of Sports and Leisure Research Group, as he speaks with David Boyle, Director at Audience Strategies. David shares his journey through various industries, culminating in the integration of AI-driven insights into market research. He discusses the impact of AI on audience segmentation, the importance of strategic thinking in research, and offers advice for future leaders in the field. Learn about the four Ps framework for effective language model usage and how AI can enhance your research capabilities.

 

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:32 Host Introduction and Episode Overview

01:17 David Boyle's Career Journey

02:55 The Role of AI in Market Research

06:18 AI's Impact on Audience Segmentation

12:55 The Four Ps Framework for Effective AI Use

15:04 Pragmatic Advice for Future Leaders

17:56 Conclusion and Farewell

 

How does AI impact the world of insights? Join us in today's episode of Insights and Innovators where Stan Sthanunathan, CEO of i-Genie.AI discusses this and more with Marie Van Blaricum, Senior Director of Global Insights at Google Brand Studio. Marie shares key differences between the insights function in CPG and tech industries, her career journey from Unilever to Google, and actionable advice on future-proofing careers in the dynamic tech environment. Learn how AI can empower insights professionals, the importance of being proactive, and the essential shift from delivering data to creating impactful business strategies.

 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:16 Differences Between CPG and Tech Insights

03:03 Marie's Career Journey

04:43 Consumer Centricity and Strategic Leadership

06:45 Impact of AI on Insights

08:58 Future-Proofing Careers in Insights

10:35 Leadership in Times of Rapid Change

13:05 Personal Career Advice from Marie

15:15 Opportunities and Threats in the Insights Industry

18:55 Conclusion and Final Thought

Discover how to energize the insights function in this episode of 'Insights and Innovators.' Join Stan Sthanunathan, CEO of i-Genie.AI, as he hosts Colleen Fahey Rush, EVP and Chief Research Officer at Paramount. Colleen delves into the evolving role of insights in business decisions, particularly within the rapidly transforming media and entertainment industry. Learn from her experiences at Paramount and hear about her career journey from CBS to her current role. Get practical advice on activating insights, the importance of communication, and leadership in the world of media research. Don't miss this in-depth conversation filled with valuable takeaways!

 

00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic

00:29 Guest Introduction: Colleen Fahy Rush

01:22 The Role of Insights in Media Transformation

04:57 Challenges and Learnings in Media Research

07:15 Colleen's Career Journey

11:11 Differences Between Media and Consumer Insights

14:23 Impact of AI on Media Insights

16:28 Advice for Aspiring Media Insights Professionals

20:20 Leadership and Influencing Skills

22:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Discover the secrets behind building a disruptive brand with Matt Britton, Founder & CEO of Suzy, on the latest episode of the Insights and Innovators podcast. Hosted by Katie Gross, President of Suzy, this episode delves into Matt's journey from the early days of the internet to the current landscape shaped by AI. Hear practical insights on how to help brands adapt to constant change, the philosophy of consumer-first strategy, and the unique challenges of the B2B market. Learn why doing the work and understanding your consumer is crucial, and get a fresh perspective on how AI is changing the dynamics of the industry.

 

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:34 Meet the Guest: Matt Britton

01:01 Lessons from a Serial Brand Builder

03:14 The Birth of Mr. Youth

04:52 Navigating the Digital Marketing Landscape

07:28 The Genesis of Suzy

11:07 Building a Disruptive Brand

15:03 The Role of AI in Market Research

17:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Discover powerful insights on navigating a rapidly changing world in the latest episode of the Insights and Innovators podcast. Join host Stan Sthanunathan, CEO of i-Genie.AI, as he interviews Michelle Froah, Global Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer at ETS. In this episode, Michelle discusses the importance of skills development, credentialing, and adapting to turbocharge your career. Explore the findings from the ETS Human Progress Report, understand the rise of AI literacy, and gain practical advice for young professionals to stay relevant and excel in their fields.

 

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:27 Meet the Host and Today's Topic

00:57 Guest Introduction: Michelle Froah

01:37 Michelle's Career Journey: From Engineering to Marketing

08:38 Insights from the ETS Human Progress Report

14:09 The Importance of Durable Skills

19:53 Future Nav: Measuring and Mapping Skills

22:09 AI Literacy and Its Impact on the Workforce

26:00 Tips for Accelerating Skill Development

30:13 Challenges for Insights Professionals

37:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Discover the transformation of the insights function and how it can become critical for C-suite decision-making in this episode of Insights and Innovators. Host Stan Sthanunathan speaks with Nitesh Priyadarshi, Chief Strategic Insights & Analytics Officer at Danone, about his journey from anthropology to leading insights at global companies. Nitesh shares his strategies for making the insights function indispensable, the importance of empathy, consumer centricity, and leveraging technology to enhance the role. Learn how to bridge the gap between uncovering insights and driving business growth effectively.

 

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:31 Guest Introduction: Nitesh Priyadarshi

01:40 Nitesh's Career Journey

05:45 The Importance of Consumer Centricity

14:08 Leadership and Empathy in Insights

19:49 Opportunities and Challenges in the Insights Industry

25:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What are the unseen trends in modern market research? On this episode of the Insights and Innovators podcast from Market Research Institute International, Jon Last, President of Sports and Leisure Research Group, engages in a compelling discussion with Michael Ramlet, CEO of Morning Consult. Explore how Morning Consult is revolutionizing public opinion research with daily data collection, the integration of AI, and a unique approach to blending syndicated and custom data. Michael shares his vision for the future of the insights industry, focusing on innovation, quality, and the evolving role of researchers in strategic decision-making.

 

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:43 Meet the Guest: Michael Ramlet, CEO of Morning Consult

02:20 The Importance of Daily Data in Market Research

03:54 AI and Its Impact on Market Research

05:25 Challenges and Innovations in the Insights Industry

09:19 The Role of Insights in Shaping Public Opinion

14:11 Ensuring Quality in Market Research

21:52 Career Advice for Aspiring Researchers

 

Can synthetic audiences reshape market research? Find out as Katie Gross, President of Suzy, speaks with Patrick Comer, Group CEO at Cint & Founder at Lucid. They discuss the innovative shifts in the industry, including the rise of AI, the importance of data quality, and the future of synthetic data. Comer shares how companies can stay ahead with AI advancements, the significance of trust and transparency in data handling, and his predictions for research technology in 2025. Tune in for practical insights and strategies from leading professionals in the field.

 

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:35 Meet the Guest: Patrick Comer

01:26 The Evolution of Market Research

03:14 Defining ResTech

05:43 Data Quality in 2025

08:08 Privacy and Data Clean Rooms

10:06 Synthetic Audiences and AI Moderators

17:33 Quick Fire Round

20:21 Conclusion and Call to Action

Discover the steadfast skills and perspectives that make an insights professional truly effective with Ravi Parmaswar, President at Kastu Analytics, and host Jon Last, President at Sports and Leisure Research Group. In this episode, Ravi reflects on his varied career at global Fortune 100 organizations and shares key highlights, including the importance of taking career risks and fostering future-proofing strategies. Ravi delves into leadership evolution and offers advice for next-generation leaders, emphasizing continuous learning, taking risks, and cultivating people. They also explore global business dynamics and the future of the research profession in a data-driven world.

 

00:00 Introduction to Ravi Parmaswar

00:57 Key Skills for Insights Professionals

03:28 Career Highlights and 2 Percent Moments

05:13 Leadership and Continuous Learning

06:54 Future of Research and Insights

10:09 Cross-Cultural Interactions and Advice

12:57 Reflections and Advice to Younger Self

15:51 Looking Ahead: The Future of the Industry

18:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Is there a disconnect between research suppliers and clients in today's market research landscape? In this episode of MRII's Insights and Innovators podcast, Jon Last, President of Sports and Leisure Research Group, interviews Steve Quirk, President of Quirk’s Media. They discuss the challenges brands face with the proliferation of research platforms, the importance of articulating a clear value proposition, and the impact of private equity on the industry. Learn about the skills future market researchers will need and the potential for AI and other technologies to reshape the field. Click subscribe to never miss an episode and visit us at mrii.org for more market research insights.

 

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:26 Meet the Guest: Steve Quirk

01:36 The Disconnect Between Buyers and Sellers of Insights

04:58 Challenges in the Market Research Industry

06:16 Impact of Private Equity on Market Research

09:00 The Role of ResTech and AI in Market Research

16:44 The Future of Market Research Skills

18:59 Predictions for the Next Decade in Market Research

22:55 Conclusion and Farewell

Discover how insights and analytics shape decision-making at the C-suite level in this episode of MRII's Insights and Innovators podcast. Katie Gross, president of Suzy, hosts Chris Chesebro, Global Chief Digital Officer at Wella Company. They explore how data-driven strategies impact big-picture brand strategy and day-to-day operations in a fast-changing digital world. Learn about Wella's digital pillars, the balance between data and human intuition, and how insights can significantly influence business growth and consumer engagement. This episode is a must-listen for market research professionals aiming to make a strategic impact.

 

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:34 Meet the Host and Guest

01:37 Role of Insights in Decision Making

01:59 Three Pillars of Digital at Wella

03:01 Data-Driven Decision Making

06:41 Real-World Examples of Insights Impact

11:25 Qualities of a Good Insights Professional

14:46 Delivering Insights Effectively

17:15 Conversational AI and Its Impact

20:24 Future of Insights and AI

23:33 Advice for Insights Professionals

25:41 Conclusion and Farewell

How are industry icons like Tod Johnson and Karyn Schoenbart paving the way for the next generation of research tech? As Co-Founders of Duo Partners Consulting, they share their perspectives on innovation in the research space, the challenges of data quality and fraud, and the exciting developments they foresee. Discover the types of disruptive data companies they are investing in and the qualities they look for in successful ventures. Dive into their views on AI's role and the future trends set to shape market research. Join our host, Katie Gross, President of Suzy, as she unravels these critical insights.

 

00:00 Introduction to MRII's Insights and Innovators Podcast

00:36 Meet the Guests: Tod Johnson and Karyn Schoenbart

01:36 Duo Partners: Investing in Disruptive Tech

03:07 Evaluating and Supporting New Ventures

06:52 Examples of Disruptive Companies

12:48 Data Quality and Fraud in Market Research

18:15 Future Trends in Market Research and Data Analytics

21:47 Advice for Newcomers in the Industry

23:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Explore the transformation of market research techniques and the role of AI in the latest episode of MRII’s Insights and Innovators podcast. Join Jon Last, President of Sports and Leisure Research Group, as he talks with Bryan Orme, CEO of Sawtooth Software. Bryan shares his journey in data collection and analytics, the technological evolution in market research, and essential skills for future researchers. From the days of phone surveys to today's AI-enhanced methodologies, don't miss this engaging discussion on how technology is shaping the future of our industry.

 

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message

00:26 Meet Brian Orme: A Pioneer in Data Collection and Analytics

01:53 Brian Orme's Journey to Sawtooth Software

04:51 Evolution of Data Collection Methods

09:28 The Impact of AI on Market Research

13:02 Skills for Future Insights Professionals

16:50 Leadership and Work Culture in Modern Organizations

20:38 Conclusion and Farewell