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"Insights & Innovators" Podcast

Stay Ahead in Market Research: Real Talk with Industry Experts

Want to know the latest in market research? The Insights and Innovators Podcast brings you genuine thought leader interviews on topics like AI consumer insightspredictive analytics, and research innovation. Learn actionable strategies and stay informed about business analytics trends. Tune in and level up your research game.

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How to Be a Pioneer in Market Research with Shelley Zalis, CEO of The Female Quotient

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.

March 20, 2025
Cultivating a Culture of Service in Research Insights with Steve Schlesinger, Sago

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.

March 13, 2025
From Researcher to Investment Banker with Kristin Luck, Oberon Securities

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.

March 6, 2025
Transforming Insights: Colgate’s Journey with Christian Niederauer at Colgate-Palmolive

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!

February 20, 2025
How Can Market Research Founders Succeed with Mark Simon, Partner at Traction Advising M&A

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.

February 5, 2025
Earning a Seat at the Strategy Table with Diane Hessan at C-Space

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.

January 23, 2025

Curious about what’s new and next in the world of market research? Then join us for the MRII Podcast Show, Insights and Innovators Podcast. Think of it as your go-to audio chat with the folks who are shaping our industry.

Each episode of the Insights and Innovators Podcast brings you thought leader interviews with some of the brightest minds offering genuine industry leaders’ insights. We’re all about exploring what the future of market research holds, and a significant part of that is the role of AI in market research. We chat about how it’s impacting AI consumer insights in practical ways. Discover how smart tech, like AI-powered B2B research, is helping us see things more clearly, and we explore how useful predictive analytics can be for getting a real understanding from your data insights.

We also dive into the nitty-gritty of developing strategic growth insights and how the digital transformation in research is changing the game. Our guests share their real-world experiences with competitive market analysis and using marketing analytics insights to make smart decisions. You’ll hear about the latest next-gen research tools and get a feel for the real buzz around research innovation.

Tune in as we explore how different companies are making their insights teams more effective, emphasizing the importance of bringing different data points together and proactively creating value. We cover AI in consumer insights, B2B research, predictive analytics, digital transformation in research, competitive market analysis, the future of market research, and more. 

We also touch on the evolving skill sets needed in our field, especially in specialized areas like healthcare, consumer products, software and more, where blending technical know-how with solid business understanding is key. We talk openly about how to make sure your insights are truly heard and valued – getting that ‘seat at the table’ by making sure your work is fast, thorough, and relevant to the business.

Whether you’ve been in market research for years or you’re just starting, the Insights and Innovators Podcast offers valuable perspectives and down-to-earth discussions to help you stay informed and connected. Subscribe and join the conversation with fellow professionals who are passionate about the future of market research. We promise, it’s like having a coffee break with the people who are making things happen in market research and insights.

AI in Focus: How Market Researchers are Embracing and Adapting to Generative AI

MRII’s 2nd annual global study of market research professionals’ attitudes, usage, expectations and predictions regarding AI in their jobs and companies


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