Insights & Innovators Podcast from MRII

Empowering consumer centricity across all levels is critical in today's rapidly evolving business environment. Join Kalindi Mehta, Global VP, Head of Insights, The Estée Lauder Companies, as she sits down with host Jon Last, President of the Sports and Leisure Research Group, to discuss strategies for embedding consumer insights into decision-making processes. This episode dives deep into the sign...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of synthetic data and digital twins in marketing research. Host Niels Schillewaert of Conveo.ai is joined by Koen Pauwels, Associate Dean of Research at Northeastern University, who shares key insights from his recent conference at Columbia University. Learn about the practical applications of AI-generated data, why senior executives might over-r...

Generative AI requires human direction to excel, argues our guest, Tina Tonielli, former US & NA Lead, Consumer & Business Insights, Haleon. Join host Niels Schillewaert, Head of Research at Conveo.ai, as they delve into the concept of 'AI Sameness' and explore how insights professionals can maintain their creative edge in an era dominated by efficiency. Discover why Tina believes the real...

Join us in this episode of Insights and Innovators as James Cummings, SVP, Global Head of Consumer & Business Intelligence at Kenvue, delves into the evolving role of AI in market research. Cummings discusses the critical transformation needed for insights functions to remain pivotal in business decisions and highlights the importance of balancing data with human empathy. Dissecting the notion...

When insights partnerships fall short, what can be done? Join Nick Graham, Founder of Vertemis and former global insights leader at Mondelez and PepsiCo, as he discusses the challenges and solutions in the world of market research and insights partnerships. In this episode of MRII’s Insights and Innovators podcast, Nick reveals where the disconnect happens between agencies and clients, shares real...

Success hinges on finding the right balance between humans and AI. In this episode of MRII's Insights and Innovators podcast, host Z Johnson is joined by Simon Glass, CEO of Discuss. Together, they delve into the impact of AI on the workplace, examining how it redefines roles, the importance of critical thinking, and effective change management strategies. With AI automating various tasks, discove...

“AI helps you understand what keeps people awake at night without human bias.” In this episode of MRII's Insights and Innovators podcast, host Niels Schillewaert, Head of Research at Conveo.ai, speaks with Stan Sthanunathan, CEO of i-Genie. AI. Stan shares his journey from corporate roles at Unilever and Coca-Cola to co-founding his AI-driven insights company. The discussion covers reinventing one...

“Stop trying to pretend that everything is smooth.” In this episode of Insights and Innovators, host Jon Last sits down with Brianna Sylver, President of Sylver Consulting and author of 'Leading Through Free Fall'. They discuss how researchers and innovators can navigate project turbulence, reframe resistance, and create safe landings for their ideas. Brianna delves into understanding emotional in...

Discover how Robinhood's research team navigates the rapidly changing financial landscape to democratize finance for all. In this episode of MRII's Insights and Innovators podcast, Katie Gross speaks with Celeste Ridlen, Head of Research at Robinhood . They discuss the crucial role of research in shaping Robinhood's product and marketing strategies, the evolving responsibilities of insights leader...

Senior leaders don't want the data, they want the answer. In this episode of 'Insights and Innovators' hosted by Zontziry “Z” Johnson, Founder of MRXplorer, J. Walker Smith, Chief Knowledge Officer at Kantar, discusses the vital importance of presentation delivery. He shares how to effectively connect data with people, tackle common delivery mistakes, and why eye contact and hand movements matter....

Want your audience to remember your big idea? Join Zontziry 'Z' Johnson as she speaks with J. Walker Smith, Chief Knowledge Officer at Kantar , on the 'Insights and Innovators' podcast. Smith shares his expertise on the art and science of storytelling with data, including why many research presentations are forgettable and how to ensure your key point sticks. Get tips on creating impactful headlin...

Discover why John Dick, Founder and CEO of CivicScience , believes that paying survey respondents introduces bias and why shorter surveys offer better data. In this episode of Insights and Innovators by MRII, host Jon Last explores CivicScience's innovative micro-survey method that scales to over a million responses daily without financial incentives. Learn about the evolution of syndicated data,...

Discover what separates a 'wow' insight from a great insight, and why commercial acumen is key. Join Stan Sthanunathan, CEO of i-Genie. AI , as he chats with Vijay Raj, EVP of Consumer and Market Insights at Unilever. Learn how insights can drive business decisions at the C-suite level, shape your career, and transform the trajectory of a brand. Vijay shares valuable perspectives on the future of...

Mark Hardy, Head of Walmart Data Ventures , joins Katie Gross , host of the Insights and Innovators Podcast, to discuss how Walmart leverages data to drive business decisions and create value. They explore the principles behind Walmart's data strategy, the role of AI in accelerating insights, and the unique aspects of their data integration. Mark shares his insights on innovation, team building, a...

Navigating nothing to lose moments and beyond. Join us in this episode of MRII's Insights and Innovators podcast as Stan Sthanunathan, CEO of i-Genie. AI and former insights leader at Unilever and Coca-Cola, shares his invaluable experiences and lessons from his 40-year career in consumer insights. Hosted by Zontziry “Z” Johnson, Founder of MRXplorer, this episode delves into Stan's unique approac...

On this episode, Jon Last, President of Sports and Leisure Research Group , is joined by Nancy Smith, President & CEO of Analytic Partners . Dive into the evolution of analytics and how companies can make smarter, quicker decisions in a competitive landscape. Discover the concept of 'commercial analytics', the impact of rapid technological advancements, and how to effectively apply data in tod...

Unlock the secrets of the evolving media landscape! Join our host, Jon Last, President of Sports and Leisure Research Group , and his guest, Helen Katz, EVP of Research at Publicis Media , as she delves into transformative changes in media and advertising. Discover how identity solutions and first-party data drive more effective targeting, understand the complexity of modern media planning and buy...

Discover the transformative power of behavioral data and customer centricity in this episode of MRII's Insights and Innovators podcast, hosted by Jon Last, President of Sports and Leisure Research Group . Join a thought-provoking conversation with Pete Fader, a pioneer in customer lifetime value analytics and Professor of Marketing at The Wharton School. Explore what drives business impact, the in...

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 digit...

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 qualiti...

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...

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 futur...

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...

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...

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 p...